Based between two of electronic music’s most prominent cities—Amsterdam and London—rising talent Nicky Elisabeth is immersed in a movement that continues to carve out space in the mainstream market. The DJ, producer and songwriter has established herself on the live circuit, performing at iconic venues and festivals like fabric and ADE, and has now shared her debut album, further establishing her credentials as a leading name in the scene.
The new record, entitled The Way of Love, is a symphony of soaring sonics, fulfilling a fruitful pocket between cascading pop and atmospheric electronica that feels unique, complex and translatable to both underground and commercial audiences. Placing greater emphasis on her lyrical and vocal prowess than previously heard, the LP showcases Elisabeth’s evolving artistry that has only sharpened its nuance with each passing release.
Wonderland spoke to Nicky about musical origins, tour essentials, and the making of her dazzling debut album.
Listen to The Way of Love…
Read the interview…
Hey Nicky! How is your summer going?
Hey there! It’s going great so far. I’ve been away to the US for quite some time as I had some shows out there. Now back home and back in the studio!
Talk us through your musical origins? What inspired you to pursue a career?
Back in school, I was always drawn to art and music. It’s something I can’t really describe but I have this deep urge inside me that just always wants to create. I feel like I have to make music. Even back in the days when I was really struggling with producing, the only reason I kept going was because I felt there was something inside of me that needed to get out. It might sound silly but I never felt I actively chose this career, it was just something that was inevitable for me to do.
What do you mean when you say that you were ‘really struggling with producing’?
When I started making music, it was anything but natural. At the time I was very self critical and also very afraid to fail; I think those two things just blocked my progression quite a lot. When you learn a new skill as an adult, it’s so very difficult to be non judgemental, especially when you really want to be good at something and just aren’t yet. I remember opening Ableton and just staring at my screen for hours because I just didn’t know what to do. Learning music production is such a long road that isn’t mapped out completely. In time, I was able to let go of all the expectations I had and just started enjoying the process; that’s when I grew the most.
What craft came first—DJing, production or songwriting? What do you feel most comfortable doing?
I started DJ’ing when I was about 20 years old and picked up producing around the age of 25. During Covid I rekindled my love for singing again which got me more into songwriting. Often people assume I’m mostly a songwriter or vocalist, but the truth is, I’m a much better DJ / Producer than a vocalist haha. I always loved singing, but it’s a muscle that needs constant attention and training, so the first years I started again I was real bad! So if there is anyone reading this that needed a sign to give singing a go, then this is it. You really do get a lot better, it just takes practice and time, as it does with any skill!
How would you define the essence of your sound?
Gosh, this is always such a difficult question! But if I’d have to describe it, I’d say my sound is full of melody, and quite feminine. My songs are always rooted in deep emotions and connect to themes surrounding real life experiences, that I will translate into my music.
You’ve played at some of the world’s most revered venues. Is there one that has stood out for you?
Red Rocks is definitely one that I’ll forever remember. The location was unbelievable; It’s this amphitheatre situated in a canyon in Denver and it is the most iconic venue I’ve ever seen. That day also my younger brother and his girlfriend came down, which made it extra special.
What are your tour essentials?
Well we have the super essentials: Laptop – adapters – USB sticks – charging cables – headphones – passport. If I have enough space I always like bringing my hair dryer, it’s just the best. To be honest, I carry around quite a lot of hair products as I feel that it’s so hard to get any decent shampoo and conditioner in hotels as I do like my hair looking shiny. Also, I always try to bring a sleeping mask and earplugs to aid me. I’m a pretty light sleeper so they can really be a lifesaver! Last but not least: some cute outfits for the shows.
Congratulations on your debut album! How are you feeling about the release?
Thank you!! I am honestly super super excited. This album has been in the make for over 3 years, so to finally share all the music is a real moment, which also makes it pretty nerve-racking haha. I’ve only released two EP’s before this body of work so I’m putting out more music than ever before.
What was the creative process for the record and what inspired it, both sonically and thematically?
Many of the songs on my album are based on real life experiences so it’s truly a reflection of a phase in my life. This album symbolises my personal growth and acceptance as a human and artist. I think for many people, their 20’s are about finding yourself and being ok with what you find. To me, the beauty in this project is that I realised my album was about this theme, when I was coming towards the end of the writing process. I remember looking back on all the music that was written and realising they were like pages of a diary, composed over the last three years of my life. Sonically I’ve always really been drawn to certain sounds, I can’t really explain why, but they just move me. These sounds usually have a sort of ethereal aspect to them, I’d describe them as sparkly, soft or lush. I also tend to mostly write in major, I guess I’m quite an optimistic and dreamy person and I think that reflects itself in my music. My A&R described my music to me as fun, emotional and romantic; that it always feels like you’re on a journey but the destination is a mystery. I think he hit the nail on the head.
Is the debut album a sign of your career direction? Is larger bodies of work something you want to focus on?
I think I’m the kind of artist that will be ever changing. I love exploring and seeing what forms I can take on in music and pretty much every other aspect of my life.
Larger bodies of work definitely stimulate me the most, as I truly get to tell a story, but for now I’m going to just explore and create, without the pressure of having it to be anything.
What’s to come from you — this year and beyond?
Only time will tell.