Behind the Music: Nonduality Talks Collaborations, Inspiration, and Growth

by Alicia Cruz January 9, 2025

Producer Nonduality continues to push boundaries through his work and his latest release, ‘Low Earth Orbit EP’ saw him once more showcasing his distinct sound and skilled approach. Featuring collaborations with Elayas, Noclip, and Bajs, the EP delivers a dynamic blend of rhythmic complexity, atmospheric textures, and groove-laden arrangements, making for an engaging listen for fans of Deep House.

In this interview, Nonduality takes us behind the scenes of the project, sharing insights into the creative process, the influence of his collaborators, and how the EP reflects his growth as an Artist.

Hi Nonduality, how’s it going?

Yo! Doing well, thanks. Been taking it easy with my family in California for the holidays and arranging out some tracks while I’m away from the studio.

To begin, what inspired the concept and title of the ‘Low Earth Orbit EP’? Is there a thematic thread connecting the tracks?

The title came after locking in the release with Front Left. I didn’t want to name the EP after one of the tracks, because that would have felt like pushing the other collaborators towards the back. Both of the collaborations are special — they’re with people whose aesthetic I respect immensely. Personally, I also hold each of them very dearly. I wanted to come up with a name that expresses how connected I feel to them, and ‘Low Earth Orbit’ seemed appropriate.

How did you approach crafting a cohesive collection of tracks while ensuring each one had its own distinct identity?

That part was easy! I wrote each of these tracks at very different times of my life. I don’t think any of them started in the same year. I’m a big fan of artists doing whatever inspires them in the moment, and letting cohesion emerge naturally. I think that’s exactly what happened with ‘Low Earth Orbit.’

Collaboration is a key element of this EP. How did working with Elayas, Noclip, and Bajs influence the sound and creative direction of the tracks?

They didn’t just influence the sound and creative direction, they co-authored it. Each of the collaborations began scratch with everyone in the room. I love collaborating with people like Elayas, Noclip, and Bajs because they bring such a distinct taste and sound palette. Their creativity is central to the tracks, and I think their individual styles shine through when listening to the EP as a whole.

Can you take us through the process of creating ‘Bakelite’? What role did the jazzy motifs and vocal chops play in shaping its character?

‘Bakelite’ is a track that Elayas and I made completely over the internet. Since he’s in Mälmo and I’m in Berlin, we used a software called Pedál that let us stream our DAW’s to each other. One of Elayas’s ideas for that track was to try using samples for the bassline instead of the synthesizers we usually reach for, and I’m happy with how it turned out. For the vocal chops, he had sent me a few samples that I ran through my Empress Echosystem delay pedal. The jazzy piano riff was all Elayas — that dude is a wizard on the keys.

‘Back of Mind’ has a minimalist, evolving sound. What inspired you to take this approach, and how did you keep it engaging throughout?

I started ‘Back of Mind’ how I usually do, programming the drums. The next thing I created was that first bassline at the start. I loved it, and knew it was going to be the central player driving the track forward. I decided to add a second bassline to spice things up in the middle and create some progression. Beyond that, I just dug around for stabs and vocal samples and did my thing.

‘Blight’ is more energetic and groove-heavy. What was the goal behind this track, and how did you achieve its driving, pulsing soundscape?

This one started in 2021 at Riley’s and Dave’s place (Noclip and Bajs). Our only goal was to have fun and jam around. One of the defining factors of the track is the aggressive bassline that Riley crafted on his Make Noise 0-Coast. That bassline actually inspired me to get an 0-Coast, myself! Another central element is the splashy hihat and snare line from their Moog DFAM. Tweaking the parameters of that while recording added a lot of dynamics that make the track what it is.

How does your use of atmospheric pads, bouncy basslines, and rhythmic complexity tie into your signature style?

Good question! I’d say you described my style pretty well with that description. I love each of those qualities individually, and I think my sound emerges naturally from me reaching for them again and again.

How would you say your ‘Low Earth Orbit EP’ reflects your growth as an artist compared to your earlier releases?

These are three tracks that I’m absolutely in love with. Add in the amazing artwork and release from Front Left, and it’s definitely my favorite release so far. It’s also the first EP I’ve curated from such a wide variety of collaborations. Overall, I’d say it’s a high note that I’d like to build on going forward.

Collaboration often brings fresh perspectives. What was the most surprising idea or moment that emerged from working with your collaborators on this EP?

It’s gotta be that bassline on ‘Blight.’ I remember being absolutely blown away by it while Riley was recording it in and thinking to myself: “I’ve gotta get that synth.” I’ve been chasing that sound ever since, trying to make my 0-Coast sing like Riley’s does. It turns out that he was also running it through an intense modular distortion, so finding the perfect distortion for my 0-Coast is gonna be my new obsession in 2025.

As you continue to build your discography, what can fans expect next from Nonduality? Do you have any more releases on the horizon?

I’ve got a two-track EP coming out on Dobar House in February! Definitely watch out for that one — it’s been cooking for a long time. Can’t wait for people to hear it!

Through his ‘Low Earth Orbit EP,’ Nonduality made clear the evolution of his sound and creativity, all while celebrating the collaborative spirit of Electronic Music. As he continues to explore new creative directions and refine his signature style, this release no doubt sets the stage for what is to come, cementing him as a name to watch within the genre today. So, be sure to keep him on your radar by following him across social media today, listening now to his ‘Low Earth Orbit EP’ to discover its unique sound for yourself.

Listen and Buy ‘Low Earth Orbit EP’ Here:   