Releasing an album is one of the biggest projects you can undertake as a producer – and not just creatively. Everything from story to marketing to mastering takes it’s time & Eora based electronic producer Nicche has done exactly that – with his album No Longer Yours dropping last month. Now on the other side of the process, Nicche stopped by for a Q&A on everything post-album drop!
No Longer Yours is your latest debut Album release on Primitive UK and is such a sonic journey – a massive congratulations on it dropping! How was the process of building and tackling an album?
Thank you! Fortunately with this project, given it was my debut, everything kind of fell into place. It wasn’t until all the tracks were finished and it became time to plan a release structure that I ran into some difficulties while trying to handle everything in a solo fashion. It was around this time that I bumped into Primitive UK co-founder and artist ‘Eloquin’ on his tour of Australia, which led to conversations regarding upcoming music, and then the rest is history! I can’t thank the Primitive team enough for giving me the freedom to share and showcase the album in a way that worked for me.
What is the story behind No Longer Yours?
No Longer Yours is a deep dive into the feelings that coincide with the loss of someone or something of great importance. I had paid no mind to the apparent inherent meaning whilst creating the music, so it wasn’t until several were completed that I sat back and read the names I had chosen. It made sense that they were feelings I had felt during a period of grief. It’s a very melancholic album if you pick apart and understand the meaning. 
How has the reception to No Longer Yours been since it dropped?
What inspires your music when you’re producing?
At the time of writing the album, I was very much into the glitchy nature of artists like IMANU and FLUME, but also the clean soulful melodies that often shines through UK Garage. I think you can hear the dichotomy between the two scattered through the project.
Right now though I am very much into the more Ambient Experimental side of dance music. Can recommend artists like Kelbin, Vladislav Delay, Tom VR and Villager. Too many more but these guys are smashing it.
The single ‘Break’ with Tayla shows how much versatility you have as an artist and is such a great tune – how did that collab come about?
I met Tayla while studying at Liveschool together! In all honesty we didn’t talk too much during the classes, (too locked in) so it wasn’t until after the year was over that we linked up and started exchanging ideas. I wrote the track and Tayla absolutely smashed the lyrics and vocal work.
I’m incredibly grateful for her expertise, as ‘Break’ practically defines the project considering it’s the only track with vocals. Keep an eye out for her self-produced album coming soon ;).
What’s been your biggest light-bulb moment as a producer?
Don’t be afraid to take a break! Sometimes your brain needs time to just be. It took almost 8 months to fully release this album, and in that time I kept letting myself down trying to create something new, when I wasn’t finished with the old, if that makes sense. For me I should have been using that release time to relax and engage other angles and perspectives that are required in pursuing a career in music.
Any plugins you’re digging at the moment?
I am forever enthralled in Portal by Output. Granular synthesis is incredibly fascinating to me, and the way Portal gives everything a sense of randomness really is the core of my sound design decisions.
TRK-01 by Native Instruments is my current favourite bass sound design plugin. A very clear cut and easy to program sequencer with so much versatility in creating vibrant driving bass lines. Has been a staple in my more dance oriented tunes as of late.
Last but absolutely not least, I have been diving into Ableton’s FX and to anyone looking at purchasing, don’t be foolish like me and ignore the level of depth you can get out of what Ableton has to offer.
What’s coming up for Nicche?
I have been very focused on bringing forward the next steps for this project, and further refining what people can expect from me. Very excited to share what I have been working on, and feel free to chuck us an add on any social media. Would love to hear any and all thoughts on the album, any plugins you like!
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