Nicole Moudaber

DJ and producer Nicole Moudaber is the rising star who’s been at the heart of the dance scene since electronic beats took over the globe in the early Nineties. She made her way to the decks and into the studio after years spent being swept away by the music in some of the best clubs in the Big Apple before bringing rave to Beirut with her Trashy Renaissance parties. She made her name in the UK booking huge acts for the Soundworx nights at London’s legendary Turnmills and running Southeast Recordings. Marcus Rowland speaks to Nicole about Carl Cox, her forthcoming releases and what makes a good party.

Pulse: Hi Nicole, let’s talk first about your residency at this year’s Church on Sunday at Es Vive. How’s that going? Nicole Moudaber: Really well thanks! Last week we had Pete Tong jamming away, the atmosphere is intimate and very dirty.

On top of this there have been a string of gigs at Space, Ibiza Underground, Warung and more. What’s been your standout gig so far? Space with Carl Cox was incredible! I’m playing Warung on Sept 1st, which I’m really looking forward to; the night has been a great success this summer! I’m also playing another gig with Layo & Bushwacka at Space on Sept 28th.

Carl Cox has been a big supporter of you this year, what is it like working with him? Working with Carl is amazing, he’s so professional and a very passionate guy - I love that about him. He’s also very humble and down to earth, not a lot of artists of his calibre carry that trait and that’s what makes him the man he is today.

Tell us about your latest single on Monique Musique, where does the name Cacahuetes come from and how have reactions been so far? I’ve had a great reaction to it so far! It went straight into the tech house chart on Beatport the day it was out. Cacahuetes means “nuts” in Spanish, which close friends of mine always say about me!

You also have two singles planned for release, one on INTEC and the other on VIVa. How are these shaping up? My Intec EP will be out in October, there’s a remix competition for one of the tracks called Stomp That. So far lots of producers have been submitting their own version and it’s very exciting to see the interest it’s generated. I recently locked the deal with iVAV, which is the off-shoot techno label of VIVa, for a 2 track EP (Feel That & Haute Couture). Bombs all the way!

You make your second appearance at this summers South West Four festival are you looking forward to? Playing with all the djs I admire once again is truly amazing. I’m opening the Bedrock Arena this year alongside John Digweed, M.A.N.D.Y, Dubfire and Josh Wink to name but a few. I’m hoping the weather is good; it’s raining in the UK this week but that never stopped people from enjoying a good day out!

What would you say are the key ingredients to a great party? A good sound system and lights, the atmosphere and the mood of the room are all very important. Not forgetting great music, it’s all about the music!

Any tune that keeps on popping back into your sets? David Squillace- The Other Side of Bed on Desolat and Nicole Moudaber - The Reason Why on Intec.

What’s your favourite bit of kit in the studio? Ableton 8.

After a full on summer, what’s next for you? More studio work! I will be working on my album this winter, which will be a major challenge for me as it’s a very personal project. I will be locked in for a few months but it’s the best way to spend the winter in my opinion!

Marcus Rowland