Q&A: Niilas

Norwegian producer and composer Niilas returns with his new single ‘Pyromid’, released on the 6th of October. With his debut album Also This Will Change gaining him a Norwegian Grammy Award (Spellemann) for ‘Electronic Music Record of the Year’, the multi-faceted producer has garnered over 1 million plays across all platforms and received airtime on BBC Radio 1, earning recognition and praise from the likes of VICE, Stereogum, Magnetic Magazine and ElectronicGroove. In addition, he headlined at Munch-museum, appeared at Øyafestivalen 2022 which featured Gorillaz, and performed at Spot Festival 2023 before notable artists Caribou and Todd Terje. We took some time out to ask the evocative producer some rapid fire questions. Check them out below.

Walk us through your creative process?

I tend to use long periods of intense creation, where the “red thread” appears by itself after giving time and space for the works to exist. When a concept appears, i try to catch it without passing on too much judgement. I try to connect the dots and tie it all together, and maybe fill in some creative blanks during the latter parts of the process.

What has been the most defining moment of your musical career?

The process of creating and releasing my debut-album “Also This Will Change”. This is where i started to incorporate my sami heritage into my music and art, and in broader sense of life, meaning and spirituality in general.

What equipment or software are you using the most?

Ableton Live, Omnisphere, Moog Matriarch, guitars/piano/drums/field recordings, stock plugins and sounds.

Whats your performance setup looking like?

Double keyboard with a laptop+midi hub, big stunning visuals behind me performed by Didrik Røberg

Who are your biggest inspirations at the moment?

Susumu Yokota, David Bowie, Coctau Twins and Ævestaden. People who act and pave their way in life in an authentic and brave way.

Whats your favourite way to pass the time? Any hobbies?

I started playing chess on January 2nd, which I enjoy and regret, haha.

Whats next for you as an artist?

Album release this fall, new album the coming spring, and playing as much and as great shows as possible!