Recently, Belgian artists BYØRN and Novah have taken the hard techno world by storm with their electrifying b2b sets and individual releases on Amelie Lens’ Exhale label. The country is a hotbed for talent; these two are the latest examples of why. With similar styles and tracks on the same labels, we invited the pair for another installment of Artists Asking Artists.
Stream BYØRN’s Ragnarok EP on Exhale below
Novah asking BYØRN
N: How would you describe your style?
B: My style is quite varied but consistently leans towards melodic yet hard. I incorporate a lot of cinematic elements and ethereal sounds into my music, creating a unique blend that is both powerful and emotionally evocative. This approach allows me to craft immersive soundscapes that resonate deeply with listeners.
N: Where did you draw inspiration for this EP?
B: This EP draws heavily from Celtic mythology, blending cinematic music with harder styles and hard techno. I’ve also incorporated healing sound frequencies like 432Hz into the tracks. Each track is carefully tuned to this frequency, which adds an extra layer of depth and harmony. This fusion of mythological themes, cinematic soundscapes, and hard-hitting kicks creates a truly unique and immersive listening experience.
N: You said you produce your tracks on a different frequency (432Hz). Can you explain a bit more about this?
B: I produce all my tracks at 432Hz because I find it provides a clearer and more harmonious sound. This frequency is more in tune with the human body and the Earth. It’s been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, allowing listeners to connect more deeply with the music. Producing at 432Hz helps create a fully immersive experience, enabling the audience to truly feel and resonate with the music on a deeper level.
N: What is your main purpose for producing music and performing?
B: My primary goal in producing music and performing is to connect with my audience on a profound level with a higher purpose. My music is about self-release and exploration, inviting listeners to discover their true essence and maximize their potential. For me, raving always has been and still is therapeutic, offering insights into my own purpose and future. I aim to recreate this transformative experience for my audience, helping them create beautiful memories and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
N: What can we expect from you in the near future?
B: You can expect a lot of new tracks along with some exciting remixes. I’ll also be launching my first solo all-night-long events. Beyond music, I’m exploring the visual aspect of my art, aiming to transform my tracks into complete audiovisual stories. My ultimate goal is to create exclusive shows that offer a comprehensive audiovisual experience, providing an immersive and unforgettable journey for my audience.
BYØRN asking Novah
B : How do you keep your unique sound while trying out different music styles as a DJ and producer?
N: In my sets, I thrive on the creativity of crafting a vibrant atmosphere on the dance floor. Psy-trance and trance elements make occasional appearances to echo my personal style. Consistently, I uphold a constant energy flow across genres, focusing predominantly on Hard Techno but also infusing hints of psytrance and trance as needed. This method preserves my individuality and authenticity. The magic lies in selecting tracks with precision at pivotal points, a practice that resonates with my audience. Hard Techno is my main genre, and always will be!
B : You’ve transitioned from a front-row raver to playing big stages all over the world. How has this journey influenced your artistry?
N : From the ecstatic energy of the front row at raves to the focused passion behind the decks, music has always been a powerful force in my life. Seeing my journey unfold – the transformation from wide-eyed raver to dedicated musician – fills me with a deep sense of purpose. It’s a surreal transformation, fueled by a love for music that runs deep in my soul.
B : Can you talk about your experience producing music at home?
N : Creating music at home is a true passion for me. The freedom to express my creativity every day is essential. I’m the type of person who prefers to stay at home and set my own schedule. I’ve been producing music from home for the past two years, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My small studio in the living room is all I need!
B : With your exciting tour debuts coming up in 2024, what kind of experience can fans expect?
N : 2024 holds great promise as a thrilling year for me. With performances scheduled at major events such as Dour, Welcome Back Devil, Teletech, Exhale, Tomorrowland, Unreal, Extrema, and several yet-to-be-announced festivals, the excitement is palpable. I’m set to showcase my music across the globe, eager to meet new people and connect with diverse audiences. Additionally, there are exciting upcoming commitments with Exhale that I can’t disclose much about just yet. The anticipation is high, and it all points to a promising and dynamic year ahead!
B : What’s been the toughest part about making it in electronic music, and how did you deal with it?
The biggest struggle for me as a musician these days is definitely getting noticed, especially with social media being such a huge deal. You really gotta be active on all those platforms like Instagram to get seen by the people who can give you a boost. But the tricky part is not getting sucked into the whole “get more followers” thing, you know? It’s easy to spend all your time on there. Luckily, I’ve been focusing on making good music and working with the right people, and that’s helped me find a good balance. It’s been paying off too, because I’m growing both online and as a musician.
The post Artists Asking Artists: BYØRN & Novah [Exhale] appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.