T.H.E Interview – Naz

Naz is an up and coming Iranian/Australian Electronic Music Producer and international touring DJ that hails from the Land Down Under, Australia. With releases on Anjunabeats and a passion for the underground scene, her production
style is driven by mood and emotion, often resulting in different and eclectic sounds.

Her goal is to ‘make people feel’ through the powerful language of music while pushing boundaries with genres and style and sound design. In just under a year, Naz made her debut on the international stage, playing at
several high profile events and venues across the US, UK, Europe & Australia such as Creamfields, Brooklyn Mirage, The Gorge, Piknic Electronik, Drumsheds plus selling out her first headliner show in Sydney, Australia at the end of 2022.

In our latest interview, Naz discusses her production style, “Pluto”, her goals and aspirations as an artist and more.

Aditya – Hello, we’re glad to have you for this interview. We’re almost halfway through the year, how’s the year been for you so far?

Naz – I can’t believe we’re half way through the year holy wow… honestly the year feels like it’s gone so fast so far? Had some pretty amazing things happen this year so far so hoping for it to get even better in the second half!

Aditya – Could you tell us a bit about your journey? How did you get started and what inspired you to pursue this career?

Naz – Musically, I started piano lessons at a very young age like 4/5. Then I played a variety of instruments throughout the years and around the age of 15ish I really started to get into electronic music. It wasn’t until many many years later though that I started to pursue electronic music production to be honest. It came about from some life changing events that sparked a ‘ok f*ck it I’m going to go after what I love’ moment and after many manyyy production lessons and youtube tutorials and sh*tty music… I’m here doing what I love!

Aditya – Your production style is known for being driven by mood and emotion. How do you approach producing music that evokes such feelings? What’s your creative process like?

Naz – It differs quite a lot to be honest. And maybe that’s a reflection of my mood haha… there’s a lot of ups and downs in this journey and I feel like I’m at my creative best when I’m back home from being on the road, feeling inspired and energised. When things are maybe feeling a bit on the down side, my music definitely becomes darker. Going through my projects it’s easy to pinpoint what was going on for me at that time in my life when I made the track.

Aditya – As an Iranian/Australian artist, how has your dual cultural background influenced your approach to music production and the overall sound of your tracks?

Naz – Iranian music has a lot of beautiful melodies and heartfelt chord progressions… there’s a lot of emotion behind the music. This has definitely inspired me! I’m also working on a special project that brings out those Iranian sounds and fuses them with modern melodic house and techno so I’m really excited to merge my two worlds together.

Aditya – Last year, about this time, you released ‘Pluto’ on one of the most renowned record labes – Anjunabeats. How do you feel about that?

Naz – Yeah amazing! Excited to just keep releasing and putting stuff out there… there’s definitely a high that comes from releasing and I have been very lucky to have had Anjunabeats trust in my music in the past to release it!

Aditya – With having a release on Anjunabeats, how has that impacted your career and artistic development?

Naz- It’s opened me up to many amazing people, friends and music very early in my career which has been incredible. I am definitely very blessed to have had the opportunity pretty relatively early in my journey and looking back at the shows and stages I’ve gotten to play on around the world, the people I got to meet and the plethora of things I got to learn… I do have to pinch myself at times.

Aditya – As an international touring DJ, what are some of the memorable moments of your gigs? Is there a particular show or venue that holds a special place in your heart?

Naz – Connecting with the crowd after a set is always special! I think Creamfields, and then being direct support for Tale Of Us at Echostage have probably been my most ‘holy sh*t is this really happening’ shows.

Aditya – Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations as an electronic music producer and DJ?

Naz – I want to tell a story and take the listener on a journey through the music and through visual art and animation. I’m really working on building a community of like-minded individuals who want to escape to a world where inhibitions and daily life is left at the door and they can step into a specially curated space that allows for a fantasy dream like land. Currently working on building this and I’m really excited to share more when it’s time!

Aditya – Lastly, which is your favourite cuisine?

Naz – Definitely Persian! Can’t go wrong with Persian food. On that note… I think I may go make some zereshk polo!

Here’s a mix by Naz that you’ll definitely enjoy!