Neon Owl Interview with Trance Producer & DJ Nifra

Nifra has been stirring up a storm in the trance scene, with her most successful year yet in 2015! We chat about everything from what it really is like to be a female producer and DJ in the industry, to her recent collaboration “The Creation” with her biggest influence, Markus Schulz. We can’t wait for her North American tour and an even bigger 2016!

Tell us a little bit about your collaboration “The Creation” with Markus Schulz and how that went?

Markus and I talked about a possible collaboration in march during Miami music week and later in the year we sent back and forth the project which became The Creation. I knew it is going to be the theme for this years Transmission so we both tried to aim for the anthemic kinda feel and production. I have to say it was a big honor to collaborate with Markus, as it’s no secret that he has been the biggest influence on my sound.

How does it feel to have your track featured as the Transmission theme song?

Its a big deal! Transmission is the biggest indoor one stage event and its huge in Europe especially. People travel from all over the world for this experience I was fortunate enough to perform on pre-parties throughout the years or even on the slovak edition of Transmission itself last year in our capital city – Bratislava. So there always been a really strong connection. When I heard my collab with Markus will become the theme of this years edition in Prague, I was really really excited and it was also amazing to stand on the stage with him during his set when he dropped the Theme and feel the energy of the thousands of people in the arena.

What has been the most meaningful track you’ve produced up to date and why?

Probably Athena, i felt really down at that time when I was working on it and the name is inspired by the goddess Athena. She was a goddess of wisdom, strength and courage for example.

How did you get started making music and at what moment did you know that this was the path for you?

Ever since I started to listen to electronic music (13) I wanted to pursue this career in the future. I was dreaming about becoming some of my favorite producers & djs at that time and later when I was 16 I started first with production and later when I was 18 djing. So I was trying to achieve those goals but you cant really predict future. In my case kinda everything fell into place throughout the years so I feel extremely lucky and privileged.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Markus Schulz obviously 🙂 His dark coldharbour style inspired me in the beginning and as the sound evolved it still continues to inspire me. Its such an amazing feeling to be part of the Coldharbour family itself and also push the sound forward, that ultimately started it all for me.

For those that have never heard your music before, how would you describe your sound?

Dark but still melodic, progressive and bigroom.

Which show has been your most memorable to play so far and why?

Its really hard to pick one as there have been a lot of great shows, but this year I think Electric Zoo afterparty at Pacha and Escapade festival in Ottawa are very high 🙂

If you could play at any show in the world, which show would that be?

I would love to perform on Tomorrowland as I heard a lot about it but never actually been there.

How do you normally prep for your shows? Are you normally nervous?

Always a little bit. I think it means that you care so I always feel little butterflies in my stomach before going on stage and once im behind the decks Im fine. My typical preparation routine is Rekordbox, edits etc.

What are your “must haves” at a show?

Well definitely my headphones and usb stick. Cant play without them 🙂

Tell us the weirdest thing that’s happened to you at a show or with a fan?

That would be few years back when I lost my cd case. I arrived at the hotel where I had two hours to prepare for the gig and i found out my cds are gone. That was the worst feeling ever. Thankfully I managed to burn all of the songs that i planned to play and was fully ready for the gig. After an hour of my set suddenly police closed the venue and I was told take my stuff and run to my hotel 😛

What is the most challenging thing about being in the music industry?

You gotta stay relevant. I guess thats what every artist is working towards.

Do you feel that being a female producer in the dance music industry gives you any competitive edge or puts you at a disadvantage in any way?

I’ve been “fighting” the female tag since the beginning of my career. When i first started it was all about the passion for the music. I was incredibly interested in the creative process of production and when I was around 16 I got my hands on production software. At that time I didn’t think twice about being a woman and that it could be disadvantage in the future. For me it was all about the music and most importantly it was fun. Only later I find out that it is not really appreciated and so it started with weird gossips and people were trying to make me look bad in front of others and spread lies. So being female is not exactly easy and looks can only get you so far in the music business. Whats important is real talent. Staying true to yourself and genuine to your fans is what makes the difference and will ultimately overshadow any fast judgments based on gender.

How do you think that this competitive edge or disadvantage differs from what everybody outside of the industry perceives it to be?

I think most of the people think being a female is an advantage, only those who are in the industry know its quite the opposite. So I have always tried to work twice as hard and I see the fruit of it. Things are changing for the better and will continue to do so 🙂

What has been the most rewarding thing about making music?

I think the fans, there is no better feeling than when people enjoy the music you make.

What can we expect in 2016 and 2017 for Nifra?

2016 will be packed with shows around the world. Starting with new years eve in Oakland on Pop NYE I will be staying in states for a one full month and play couple of shows, alongside Markus as well. Production wise there are some collaborations scheduled, for example with Fisherman & Hawkins and some originals. So already a year to look forward to 🙂

What inspires you to continue to make music?

At this very moment in my career the question would be why wouldn’t I be inspired to continue. My whole career has been an incredible adventure. Everything what i ever dreamt of came true so I think not continuing would make me really really sad.

Favorite track of all time?

Wow there is so many, but the one which I always come back to is James Holden – Nothing (93 returning mix). One of the biggest progressive trance songs ever made.

Who do you think are some of the hottest up and coming artist in dance music?

If I should bet my money on one name I would say my good friends Fisherman & Hawkins. Great djs and they have had some of the biggest & memorable songs. They will definitely go places!

What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

Stubborn

What is your favorite food of all time?

You cant go wrong with typical slovak schnitzel and potato salad!

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?

Of course on the stage!

What could the music industry use more or less of?

Less of judging and more tolerance.

What could the world use more or less of?

Less of war and more of empathy and tolerance

What piece of advice do you have for aspiring producers and DJs out there?

Never give up, be genuine, work hard and the success will eventually come.

How can your fans get ahold of you? What social platforms do you like using most?

I’m all over the place, you can find me on facebook, twitter, soundcloud, instagram, youtube, snapchat. I like instagram a lot and twitter also because it’s easy to communicate with fans 🙂

What kind of mark do you want to leave behind this world as a person and how do you want to be remembered as?

I want people to enjoy my music as much as possible, but lately I realized that my journey isn’t only about the music. Its about acceptance and making difference for all the women who are striving to do the same thing that I do.