Q+A: 5 minutes with Nau Leone
Blending the sweet intangibles of emotive piano music with the brutal resonance of bone-bruising bass tones, producer Nau Leone transplants his heart into his music. Beating to life, one riveting palpitation at a time, his latest single ‘Nº1 Cambio’ is an adrenaline-fuelled thrill that enthralled us from the outset; we were rapt.
Stream / Download: Nau Leone – ‘Nº1 Cambio’
With the release, Nau also shared a stark music video–written and directed by Bárbara Fdez and Leilah Pérez–wherein the tortured lead character, played by TikTok influencer Sergio Pérez, falls from innocence, loses himself in the dangerous dichotomy of the party lifestyle and finds peace when he reconnects with the subject of his suffering, actress Sara Vela. Shaking off the goosebumps, we checked in with Nau to discuss the muse that evokes his emotive spirit as well as his forthcoming album:
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
Creativity, for me, is everything. Art has helped me in very different ways. Art allows me to express my emotions. I can tell stories with art. I can connect with the world thanks to art. I feel free when I create. I also think it’s a very powerful tool to teach and learn. Also, music has accompanied me in very difficult times; I want to create that for other people.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
There is no rule for me: sometimes the sounds, sometimes the idea, sometimes a very strong emotion I transform into music.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
‘Cambio’ is a very personal work. I tested several collaborations but finally decided to focus on the release myself. I did some collaborations in previous releases with New York Times journalist and Pulitzer award winner Ian Urbina, music producer Yarni, and New Jackson to name a few.
What’s on your current playlist?
TSHA, George FitzGerald, AK, pølaroit, Monkey Safari, Aleksandir, Fred again.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
I have experienced a close connection with my fans through music. Sometimes it’s not something that happens immediately, but once I build a music path, then they get into my world and way of telling stories. It’s pure magic!
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
To reach a unique, particular and original sound is something that takes a lot of time and practice. I would say that the main technique is to create and produce tons of music, but also do some self-research work and know who you are. You can’t be unique if you don’t know who you are.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
I don’t have a normal studio routine. It depends on the projects I am currently working on. But normally I go to the studio, spend some time with my dogs while everything turns on and then spend all the hours creating, working and trying different things. Some days nothing works. It’s important to understand that when this is happening to you, stop, rest and get back to work the next day.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
As a child, I was a big fan of different punk rock bands and it was like “man… I was born for this!” Then things changed and I grew up, but the main feeling of dedicating myself to music is still here.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
Everything changes in any live set, but everything will be okay if I have:
- 3-5 tracks that are club weapons.
- My energy!
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Notchyy, Sumluv, ARVØW, Gleezy.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
A walk in nature, meditation or sometimes just a day with family or friends.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
I like to mix both analogue recording with digital processing. Some elements I use are: Neuman TLM 102, Prophet 6, Kawai MP11, LUSH-101, ShaperBox, Pigments, Kontakt, Diva, Fabfilter, Waves, UAD Plugins among many more.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Mainly my own studio and label Be Your Own Studio.
I work for several artists and companies in the studio, offering music and sound services. On the label part, I’m curating and working on every release.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
In the beginning, it was just me practising and hitting my face with the wall. Then I studied music and learned a lot about different industry aspects. Right now I can say I grew up a lot, thanks to studying, practising, doing doing doing doing and more doing, attending conferences, collaborating with people, and never stopping creating. My key thing has always been being super active in the industry.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
Several releases from my album ‘Cambio’ and probably more live shows than usual!
Famous last words?
You are not lost, you are here.
Follow Nau Leone:
Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify – TikTok
Image credit: Miriam Cuesta (@miriamcuestaphoto)
