Ep. #003: Featuring NOS-talgia

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Hey there! Welcome to Guildie, where you get actionable advice from first-rate DJs fueling the GTA’s flourishing electronic dance music scene. (This newsletter is sent out every Wednesday).

Today, NOS-talgia joins us for the third episode of our newsletter—and it’s a big one! Boasting over 10 years of involvement in North America’s electronic dance music scene, she’s fit to give primo advice on anything from production tips to crafting a sound that’s unique to you. As both a fan and an artist who has explored all the crooks and crannies of the underground, NOS-talgia’s insights are a must-read.

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What to Expect 

• Making a Mark With Music

• All Eyes on the Underground

• Establishing Your Own Sound for Growth

• Maintaining Rekordbox

• Taking Advantage of Mentoring Opportunities

Note: Guildie is still in its early stages of development. If any changes or additions could be implemented to improve your reading experience, please message me at [email protected]. I’ll be working to refine the newsletter each week! :)

–Merchant (@ohmymerchant)

Introducing NOS-talgia

Name: NOS-talgia (she/her)
Place of Origin: Toronto, Ontario
Genres: Techno // House // Breakbeats
Affiliations: Red Channel Recordings // The Faculty of Electronic Music
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Socials: Instagram // TikTok // SoundCloud
Bookings: [email protected]

Overview

“NOS-talgia has embodied her passion for electronic music and profound moments of self-discovery through dancefloors worldwide for almost a decade. NOS-talgia's devotion to electronic music was inspired by various genres but she fell in love with Techno during her first trip to Detroit in 2018, which propelled her to leave her mark.

Originating from Toronto, NOS-talgia guides listeners on a voyage where deep and ethereal melodies merge seamlessly with gritty underground Techno vibes. Now as a burgeoning artist, she has EP releases on renowned labels such as Red Channel and Aerotek Records. NOS-talgia is poised to solidify her position as a driving force in the electronic music landscape.”

Q&A

Q: When did you begin your journey as a DJ? Why did you decide to start?

A: “There has been a series of events that led me to becoming a DJ but I’ve had a strong bond to electronic music and the scene throughout my life. Attending events at Guvernment Nightclub over 10 years shaped me and my music taste; there have been so many inspiring DJs that have stepped foot in that venue.

Previously, I was very open to all genres such as Dubstep, House, Electro, Drum and Bass, Psytrance, etc. But when I found my love for Techno in Detroit back in 2018, I was hooked.

I was constantly discovering new music and creating playlists, so eventually, I decided to invest in entry-level equipment that I would spin at home or friends’ parties.

It was the height of the pandemic when I started taking DJing seriously. I discovered Above the Wreckage Studio and learned to DJ on CDJs, gradually developing my sound. Over time, I’ve upgraded my own equipment and now have a studio to DJ and produce in! At a soul level, the decision to start was fueled by my desire to make my mark and give back to the scene. It gave so much to me and became an outlet for my creativity. It felt organic to start DJing, and now, producing; it feels like all paths led to this.”

Q: How do you go about building a set that keeps the crowd engaged? Does this differ depending on the type of gig?

A: “When building a set, I consider the set time, vibe, crowd, venue, etc. So, for me, this does differ depending on the type of gig. Reading the crowd in real-time is also important, which comes with experience. Different aspects of mixing like track selection, for example, will all typically develop through consistent, real-world application (a.k.a. more DJ sets).

I would say that each set of mine is unique but I will ultimately carry a signature sound that is my own. What I play is a form of self-expression and consists of music that I genuinely enjoy.”

Q: How do you manage to stay current with music trends and discover new tracks?

A: “I like to follow labels and artists that are similar to my sound and check out their new releases on platforms like Beatport and Bandcamp. Also, exchanging tracks (especially unreleased productions) with your fellow DJs and producers can keep you ahead of the curve.

Finally, always keep an open mind to underground artists—not just commercial DJs. Support ‘the underground’ by going to their shows and checking out the music that they play and produce. You never know who will be the next big thing!”

Q: What were the most significant challenges you faced early in your career? How did you overcome them?

A: “I think finding a balance between my personal and DJing life is a challenge. As enjoyable as this path is, there can be many late nights, lots of traveling, and a plethora of other stressors, all while balancing your day-to-day life. For me, this has caused burnout in the past, and because this is a long-term journey, I had to make significant changes like prioritizing self-care and cutting down on partying.

This has also come with a producer mentality as I started creating music in my studio, and I now enjoy staying home at times and working on tracks versus being constantly present in the nightlife.”

Q: What strategies have you found effective for building a personal brand as a DJ and establishing a fan base?

A: “I believe that developing your sound/vibe as a DJ helps build a personal brand and establish a fan base. People who resonate with your sound will eventually gravitate toward you because they genuinely love it and, in turn, become long-term fans. I really don't believe in shortcuts and I believe consistency and patience help because this can take time.

To go even further, producing my own music has personally helped me with this, as it has allowed people all over the world to discover my name and sound, shaping my personal brand. Another strategy I would say is being present on social media. I believe it should all be about the music but, if used effectively, it can help people discover you as a DJ and further build a fan base (don't forget to be yourself!)”

Q: Can you share a memorable gig experience where something unexpected happened? How did you handle it?

A: “When I was at Bar Cathedral for my 3rd-ever gig, I realized that I didn't have time to update Rekordbox before exporting my music to my USB and decided it wasn't a big deal. Pretty early into my set, I realized most of my music was not on my USB or had corrupted. Internally, I was freaking out, which led to me stopping the music suddenly mid-mix.

Thankfully, it wasn't really noticeable since I adapted but I am my own greatest critic at times. Regardless, it was a lesson learned. The takeaway here is to export your music well before your gig and have more than one USB. Keep your gear up-to-date!”

Q: What do you love most about the current scene? Is there anything you hope to see improve over the next few years?

A: “What I love about the current scene is experiencing new event series and festivals, especially coming from local talent/collectives bringing fresh ideas. I am reaching over 10 years of being a part of the scene and there is definitely a part of it that I miss. It has certainly changed.

But I think to really put Toronto on the map in terms of electronic music, the city needs to be innovative and support the talented locals. Especially as of late, I have experienced festivals like Sojourn and event series such as Community x Supermarket, to name a few, doing this. I hope to see this continue in the next few years as well.”

Q: What role has mentorship played in your journey as a DJ? How can new DJs find mentors or guidance in the industry?

A: “Mentorship has played a huge role for me, not just as a DJ but also as a producer. It has helped me develop my skills and has given me both industry insights and guidance along this journey (with its ups and downs).

Personally, I’ve used workshops and schools to align with DJs and producers who are open to providing mentorship and/or guidance. Along with being a student at the Faculty of Electronic Music with Atroxx, I have also attended workshops hosted by Intersessions and Femme House. If there is a DJ or producer that inspires you, check their socials or reach out directly. Many are willing to pass on their knowledge!”

Insights

Start Producing to Expedite Growth. Nowadays, successful DJs are typically more than ‘just DJs’. There’s a lot that comes with the job already if you’re taking growth seriously, and a good way to speed up the process is by making your own music. It only takes one track for promoters and organizers to take notice. 👀

Strike a Balance to Avoid Burnout. And with all these responsibilities comes the inevitability of burnout. Make sure—even through your consistent efforts to better yourself as a DJ— that you’re taking care of yourself. Enjoy life outside the weekend grinds and bustling atmospheres of rave culture.

Stay True To Your Sound. You could give the same tracklist to 100 DJs, and in most scenarios, each set would sound slightly different. In some cases, they would sound drastically different. Your sound determines how you communicate with the room, separating yourself from others in an already-saturated industry. Stay true to it. Be unique.

“Export Your Music Well Before Your Gig.” Trust NOS-talgia when she says this. One day, this advice WILL save you! Many issues arise during sets due to corrupted files and a nonoptimal Rekordbox setup. Ensure that you’re prepared for sets ahead of time to avoid potential disasters.

Become a ‘Student of the Game’. Invest in yourself by joining organizations or meeting with individuals offering mentoring services for DJs. Building solid foundations from knowledgeable people in the field is a fool-proof way to start strong on your path to DJing.

Mixes & Productions

NOS-talgia - Heaven Only Knows // Coming from her ‘Osiris’ EP, this track features minimal beats with an uplifting ‘storyline’.

NOS-talgia - Lost in Lisbon // And coming from her ‘Obsidian’ EP, Lost in Lisbon features a ridiculously catchy vocal fused with heavy drums.

TTC.008 // Warning: Deep, driving grooves may cause bouts of uninterruptible stomping.

LSDJ! Mix 003 // Dark, energetic vibes for all your peak-time Techno cravings.

Recommendations

Recently Played

Don Woezik - Basalt // Released November 16th, 2018.
Alex Arnout - Vanishing Point // Released October 29th, 2019.
Inox Traxx - Into My Soul // Released October 14th, 2022.
Alarico - Shook Ones // Released January 18th, 2021.
Marcal - Manta Ray // Released November 26th, 2021.
AINT.S - 477 // Released February 16th, 2021.

Favourite Artists

MARRØN // For hypnotic and driving blends.
Raven // For energetic, upbeat, and infectious anthems.
Atroxx // For a fusion between old-school sounds and modern-day energies.
Maceo Plex // For a multi-genre masterclass in early dance music.

Top Organizations

SIX AM // For proper coverage of “underground electronic music culture.”
UNDERGROUND RESISTANCE // For pure, top-tier Detroit Techno.

Learning Materials

Finding Success With a Good Attitude // Video by 6AM.
Getting into Production // Blog by LANDR.
How Techno Was Born // Documentary by DW History and Culture.
Rekordbox 6 vs. Rekordbox 7 // Video by Crossfader.
How to Find a Mentor // Video by The DJ Disclosure.

A final note from NOS-talgia: “This path as an artist is about the journey, not the destination! There will be many tests as well as many beautiful moments—these will all shape you. One day, you will look back and see how many people you have touched with music and how far you have come. It will all be worth it.”

We have officially surpassed the half-month mark of weekly Guildie emails! Hopefully, you’ve already gotten some super cool tips and tricks from our already-stellar cast of DJs. As a reminder, if any improvements could be made to the newsletter, let me know about them at [email protected]. I greatly value your time and readership.