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With roots deeply embedded in music since childhood, Nozu is a multi-faceted artist whose journey has been shaped by raw emotion, genre fluidity, and a relentless drive to push creative boundaries. Hailing from California, his sound reflects the rich cultural diversity and innovative spirit of the West Coast — a place that’s not only influenced his style but has also shaped his perspective as both a performer and producer.
Known for seamlessly blending live instrumentation into electronic sets, Nozu brings a unique energy to the stage — one where guitars and vocals coexist naturally with house beats and ambient textures. In this conversation, we explore the emotional depth behind his productions, the evolution of his live performances, and what fans can look forward to in his upcoming releases.
You’ve been connected to music from a young age. How did your early exposure to music shape the artist you are today?
When I was a kid, I always had a knack for picking up an instrument relatively quickly. Music was the only part of my childhood that I knew I was relatively good at, so that’s what always gave me the drive the continue to pursue this passion. It’s shaped me into an artist that wants nothing but the best from myself, but sometimes that very drive can be the thing that stops progress.. A double edged sword indeed.
Incorporating live instrumentation into your sets is something you’re known for. Can you talk about how you like to blend electronic beats with live elements?
Absolutely! When I write guitar lines for electronic music, particularly house, I always want to make sure that the guitar is an equal PART of the production rather than it being a focal point of the record. I believe simplicity is the best way to approach to writing a song. Filling spaces, melody responses, and single strummed chords are all examples of some things that I do when first tracking.. Later, I’ll decide what parts I’ll play live and may even leave some room for a solo if I’m feeling frisky. For live vocals, I use a TC-Helicon and a Beta58 microphone going straight into a channel on the Pioneer mixer.
Emotional depth is a significant part of your music. Can you share a particular track or performance that captures this emotional intensity for you?
Sure. There is a track called “Sarangi” off of my EP Shine. It’s an unassuming record that gives a 90’s RnB love-song; something I wouldn’t expect myself to write – let alone release. However the context of the lyrics are actually in the perspective of my mother’s dog that passed away. I wrote the song for my mom to help her try and heal, and the genre was something I chose so she could enjoy it in a style she loves. The track title is her dog’s name, and it’s a record that changes the whole listening experience once you understand the story.
How has your upbringing in California influenced your sound, especially in terms of musical genres and live performance?
Being in a city/state that’s on the coast has a lot of benefits, but I believe one of the biggest advantages come from fast moving innovation of many different art forms. The large diversity and cultural pockets we are introduced to on a daily basis has brought so many different genres into my life. This allowed to me venture into many different musical endeavors throughout my youth and, over time, I learned that the kind of artist I wanted to be would not swear any allegiance to a particular genre. It isn’t to say that non-coastal areas don’t have this innovation as well, but this environment of opportunity and competition of the coast has really made me confront the idea of what I need to do to stand out as an artist in this world filled with endless talent. For the NOZU project, this meant that I needed to do the extra work and bring my Guitar and Microphone on stage with me at times. The artists I have had the privilege to work with in California gave me the courage to try something different, rather than fear to stay true to my voice and message.
What can fans expect from your upcoming projects, and are there any exciting collaborations in the works?
Well, I’m releasing a response EP titled “The Glow EP” later this year, I have some releases with up and coming labels in the underground festival scene, and I’m always working with my good friend MNTRA as we have tons of collaborations together. So definitely look forward to more tracks being released! But some artists I am super excited to work with this year are Sammy Legs, TCHiLT, Malley, dernis, the kid, Sprout, Late Riser, Indigo Valet, Magic Woman, and many more once I get a bit more courage to send out these demos!
NOZU – Interview 2
You blend a lot of different genres and styles into your sets. What do you find most exciting about merging live instrumentation with electronic music?
The energy of the performance! Being able to smash power chords and bend funk lines on the guitar just brings out a totally different performer in myself. While performing vocals on stage can be an intimidating experience for me at times, I find it so exciting and rewarding for the inner child that wanted to be a rockstar.
How do you keep your performances dynamic and engaging for your audience while maintaining your emotional depth and authenticity?
I try my best to weave in between these two polarities during my sets. With an hour to work with, it can be challenging, but I’ll always see how I’d like to perform the set by taking into consideration a lot of factors first. (e.g., time slot, location, community, etc.) Being an “dance” music producer, the “dance” element always comes first of course, but I do like a little element of surprise at times when delivering some emotional depth.
How has your connection to California’s music scene influenced the way you approach your art, both in the studio and on stage?
California is a place people come to from all around the world to pursue their dreams, and when I take a step back and look around, I feel so grateful that I am from a place that ignites everyone’s creative spirit, no matter who you are. Working in the California music scene has very much introduced a dose of humility in the craft for myself. While there are so many ways I’ve been influenced by the west coast, the biggest lesson I have taken away is just to be KIND. Whether your on stage or in the studio. Whether that’s to artists, builders, volunteers, or even to YOURSELF!
Looking ahead, what can we expect from you in terms of both live shows and music releases in the coming months?
I’m releasing a response EP titled “The Glow EP” later this year and I have some releases with some up and coming labels in the underground festival scene! I’m always working with my good friend MNTRA as we have tons of collaborations together. So definitely look forward to more tracks being released! While I’ve been staying in Dallas, I’ve been performing at It’ll Do Club and have been on support sets for some massive names, so look out for those shows collectively throughout the year (you may even catch me at some local Dallas afters events).
