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Features
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Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! | N-Kore talks Jean-Michel Jarre, unfinished tracks and fatherhood! | Celebrating International Women’s Day and Ten Years of Psy-Sisters with Amaluna | A Catch Up with John Phantasm ahead of his upcoming set at the Tribal Village 4 Day Outdoor Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! |
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N-Kore talks Jean-Michel Jarre, unfinished tracks and fatherhood!
Reported by Jessica Alici
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Submitted 16-03-22 07:48
French born, N-Kore aka Olivier Lenfant is one of London’s most exciting Psytrance artists. His tracks on Biopulse Records gained him significant respect and attention, and since then he has gone from strength to strength securing recent releases on the legendary Dacru Records and as a DJ he has been rocking the dancefloors all over Europe! So we decided it was time to bring him in for questioning!
What is your earliest memory of music and did your childhood influence the artist you are today?
My first memory of music was French Disco. My mum loved to reminisce about her dancing years so we listened to French singers like Sheila and Patrick Hernandez. Disco is all about the groove and I found similarities with this and early 2000 Psychedelic trance.
When did you discover electronic music and psy-trance?
Back home electronic music first came to the fore with Jean-Michel Jarre but I really started my dance music journey with Daft Punk. They were so different and that was exciting. Then, London came into my life in 2002 and I discovered a night life with a choice. Back home clubs play everything that the charts put out. In London you go to a club to listen to what you really want and boy, I loved Trance and Hard House. Unfortunately those genres died off a little and my friend Wes introduced me to Psytrance back in 2005… and the rest is history.
When did you play your first gig?
I played my first gig for Spiritualized at the Soundshaft in Charing Cross in 2004. I had just started mixing and I was a horrible DJ trying to run before I could play; none the less I had a great time and never gave up. I gave it a few years and when I moved into Psychedelic Trance territories, I was given the opportunity to play for Puzzle Project. This time everything went well and I have enjoyed the full buzz of being a DJ. Many bookings came after that.
What made you want to start producing?
I decided to start production after I met a couple of my favourite DJs in the hard dance scene like James Lawson, Nick Sentience and Technikal. They were talking about it so romantically; it was like they were talking about a woman that they were dating! It was intriguing, fascinating, and exciting. So, I decided to give it a try and they were right – it is addictive and the honeymoon period never ends.
What’s your studio set up?
When I started my studio set up was very simple. A cheap laptop and a pair of headphones.
Today, it is a lot more advanced. I have Ableton running through an i7 PC with a Motu soundcard Adam 7 monitors, my VSTs and a couple of Hardware synths (Virus, TD3 and Uno Synth). The key is to keep it very simple.
What are your inspirations and influences?
Originally my biggest influences were Scot Project and Technika but moving into Psytrance, I cannot hide that Astrix, Xerox and Talamasca were my biggest influences. They hit my senses in very different ways. Astrix always comes up with a fresh sound, Xerox made me love darker tones and Talamasca is the Jean-Michel Jarre of Psytrance, creating a pure melodic journey.
Do you ever suffer with writer’s block?
I don’t really suffer from writer’s block as I have a strategy for it. I used to work in factories, so I understand the systematic process. I do suffer from wanting to write the next track before I have completed the music I am working on! I have probably hundreds of 80% completed tracks on my hard drive… I need to see a doctor lol! I think it is the fear that once it is completed, I will not be able to adjust it again.
Do you think you can teach artistry?
I think everyone can be taught artistry. Like they say in old martial arts movies, Kung Fu is in everything and everywhere, and I believe the same is true for artistry. Everyone has it in them but not everyone makes the conscious choice to look for it. Some people will be a little faster getting it, but it is all about time and effort at the end of the day.
What else do you do other than music professionally and socially?
I am a professional Dad! I love spending time with my boy of 7; he is my biggest pride and joy. He drives me nuts sometimes but that makes me love him even more.
How did becoming a father change you?
Becoming a dad is my greatest achievement of all. It taught me responsibilities, mindfulness and that you don’t know what true Love is until you have a child of your own. When it came to music, it taught me efficiency and how to use my time more wisely and to focus on elements that are most important.
What has been a highlight of your career?
The highlight of my career so far has been to play at Psychedelic Rave in Amsterdam in front of thousands of people. It has quickly become one of the most important events in Europe and I am so proud that I have been part of it. What these guys have achieved in a space of few years has been nothing short of exceptional.
What has been a lowlight of your career?
The lowest point, and I expect this is true for many of us, has been COVID hitting around the globe. Before Covid I was getting bookings in Eastern Europe and France, and I was in talks to go to Brazil and the USA. As a result of the pandemic, I have to start from scratch again and rebuild connections.
You’ve been London based for many years but you are moving back to France next year. What is the psy-trance scene like in France?
The psychedelic scene in France is going strong but I haven’t had the chance to experience it yet. Moving back will be a tremendous opportunity to get things kick started there; I am impatient to finally get to play on home soil.
You’re playing at the Tribal Village 4 Day Festival, which has unfortunately been postposed to May 2023 now. But what does it mean to you to be booked for this event and what can people expect from your set next year?
Tribal Village is one of the most renowned Psychedelic events in London; it is the Elite of the underground scene. You only get asked to play Tribal Village on merit and talent so I am honoured to be invited once again for the festival version of the event.
What can people expect from me? I would say dirty, euphoric, and exciting music. We are all there for a good time and I am going to make sure we have a great time!!!
What are your hopes, plans and dreams for the future?
I am working closely with Dacru Records on a series of EPs so expect more music. I will also be continuing the mix series that I started during COVID so expect loads of remixes. I also plan to continue my new project with Steve Birch “Prime Apes” plus collaborations with my French counterparts once I am moved back to France.
What words of wisdom would you give to your younger self if you could?
Don’t wait for tomorrow, don’t wait for people, don’t wait to be ready.
Dream today and make it happen Yesterday.
To follow N-Kore on Social Media click here:
https://www.facebook.com/NkoreSounds
All images are courtesy of N-Kore and not to be reproduced without permission. Share this :: : : :
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Other Features By Jessica Alici: Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works.
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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