T.H.E Interview – Nitro Fun

Nitro Fun talks about “Chase Me”, how his sound has evolved over time, and more.

Aditya – Hello, we’re glad to have you for this interview. How were the last couple of months for you? Hey!

Nitro Fun – The pleasure is mine. The last couple months I’ve been trying to get into the same zone and work flow as when I first started producing music. This means learning new techniques everyday, listening to new artists and playing lots of video games.

Aditya – I had the opportunity to listen to ‘Chase Me’ your forthcoming single with Linney this month-end, could you share creative process behind the tune?

Nitro Fun – When I made this track I had old rhythm video games in mind. I wanted to make a tribute as a song that you could find in one of these games. I worked on the instrumental first then sent it to Linney and she sent back these amazing vocals. The first take is what we ended up using in the final version.

Aditya – The vocals in the track have a unique tone to them, how were you able to achieve that?

Nitro Fun – Honestly it’s just Linney’s magic and what she sent is almost the same as what was used in the final version with minimal changes. For a little more insight, there’s around 4 harmony layers with 2 FX layers.

Aditya – You’ve released tracks on established labels such as Monstercat. How do you approach working with different labels, and do you have any advice for up-and-coming producers looking to get their music signed?

Nitro Fun – I worked on my craft until eventually labels started to hear potential in me. My biggest advice right now is focus on having an identity, gather all your inspirations, think about what made them great. Everyday you’re inspired by things and sounds you don’t even realise until later listens.

Aditya – You’ve been producing electronic music for several years now. How do you think your sound has evolved over time?

Nitro Fun – Yes, going on almost 10 years in 2023. At first, I had to learn a lot of really technical stuff. I’d come home from school and produce or watch production tutorials before anything else. At school I always thought about ideas and I put them down when I was home. It was a bit difficult to balance obviously but I managed to make it out fine. From 2016 to 2022 there were a lot of very deep and probably boring personal realisations. It was an era of discovery. Right now in 2023 it has become a mixture of both. I’ve been looking for information, probably more than ever. It’s also been a process of understanding the great minds of the pioneers of electronic music, like Giorgio Moroder, Daft Punk, Isao Tomita, Suzanne Ciani, etc.

Aditya – You’ve mentioned in previous interviews that you’re a big fan of Japanese culture. Can you talk a bit about how Japanese culture has influenced your music and creative process?

Nitro Fun – I admire the Japanese people for their values and mental strength. I think their discipline as a society is on another level and that’s why they’re able to create some of the best technological advancements in the world. Starting with video games which my music is a synonym of. I don’t know man, just being there is something I always appreciate so much, maybe it’s the lights everywhere and the constant stream of video games and anime. Or the super kind people.

Aditya – You’re also heavily influenced by retro games and pop culture, how do you merge them into your music & music videos?

Nitro Fun – I love taking inspiration and making sounds similar to video games I used to play when I was a child. Pop music is also something I was a fan of as a child so I’m going back to my roots. I feel like the meaning of “pop” has become broad as there’s a lot of “niches” that are now huge. I still love to hum a catchy melody and listen to the right tunes though.

Aditya – What’s your studio setup like? Any plugin/hardware you cannot function without?

Nitro Fun – It’s mostly digital right now but I’m planning to invest in modular. Right now it’s basically, I cannot live without my entire laptop with Ableton and FL Studio, you can even leave me with the stock plugins and Serum. Although one plugin I really enjoy right now is Dblue Glitch.

Aditya – Lastly, if you ever wore a mask while performing, what would that look like?

Nitro Fun – A gameboy on my eyes like in the old days. (OG fans will understand.)