In the dynamic world of electronic music, Nadia Struiwigh has carved out a distinctive space where emotion and energy converge. From ambient soundscapes to driving techno, her music reflects a deep, personal connection to sound, crafted with precision and passion. Rooted in the scenes of Rotterdam and Berlin, Struiwigh’s live performances and studio work showcase her technical mastery and artistic vision. In this interview, she shares insights into her creative journey, inspirations, and the relentless drive behind her innovative sound.
How did you get into music production and what’s your background?
From a very young age, music has been a profound part of my life. I remember being a child, utterly captivated by melodies and the way they could stir emotions within me. This fascination only grew stronger as I got older. When I started clubbing, I was amazed by the energy a massive crowd could generate in response to music. It was a powerful, almost magical experience that deepened my desire to understand this art form. At 19, I took the plunge into producing and DJing, eager to explore this new world. My journey has been incredible, teaching me how profoundly sound and frequencies can affect us. My passion for understanding this impact even led me to Nepal, where I trained to become a Sound Therapist. This unique experience profoundly influences my music productions and DJ sets, allowing me to create soundscapes that resonate deeply with listeners.
How come you started using Reason?
Reason was my first ever DAW, and it feels like destiny brought us together. I began my journey with Reason on an old MacBook, creating Techno music in my bed with just a pair of headphones. I quickly uploaded my tracks to Soundcloud, which, although not as big then, helped me get noticed by some labels. Reason felt like a game to me—an exciting, creative playground that combined my love for gaming with music production. This newfound “game” quickly became a passion, and even now, I use Reason alongside other DAWs. Its instruments produce such rich and full sounds that I can’t help but be drawn to it. Reason’s flexibility and intuitive design make it a joy to use, allowing my creativity to flow effortlessly.
What are you working on at the moment? Projects/ collaborations?
These days, my life is a whirlwind of activity in all honesty haha – I couldn’t be happier. Embracing my life as a full-time artist has opened up so many exciting opportunities. Currently, I’m immersed in content creation, music reviews, gigs, remixes, and working on my new album. I’ve also embarked on a thrilling fashion collaboration with Cindy K, an incredibly talented designer from the Czech Republic. This project is featured on my website and includes outfits I’ll wear during my live sets, with 15 samples available for fans to purchase. It’s an exhilarating time, filled with creativity and new experiences. I am beyond grateful for this journey, for every moment of inspiration, and for the chance to share my vision with the world.
What would you say is your biggest career highlight so far?
Reflecting on my career, the performance at Mutek Canada stands out as the most defining moment. When I performed my live set there, it felt like everything in my career had led up to that point. I finally became the artist I always wanted to be, fully embracing my true self. The positive feedback from industry icons like KINK and Dubfire was incredibly special and surreal. Connecting with artists I’ve always admired felt like a dream come true. Another significant milestone was releasing my first album on CPU. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career, setting everything into motion and affirming my path in the music industry.
Describe your sound and biggest inspirations!
My sound is a rich tapestry woven from various influences, each contributing to a unique musical language. I don’t directly copy sounds but draw inspiration from a vast imagination that I translate into music. Influences like DJ Shadow, Boards of Canada, Aphex Twin, Clark, Tycho, Ludovico Einaudi, DJRUM, and Om Unit shape my style. My sound is often melancholic with a UKish vibe and occasionally a poppy twist. It spans genres from Ambient to Jungle to Techno, making it challenging to categorize. My goal is to evoke emotions and create immersive soundscapes that transport listeners to different dimensions.
What are your favorite Reason devices or features, what do you love about it?
Reason’s rack is one of my favorite features. It allows me to patch different instruments together, creating unique and innovative combinations. Currently, I’m fascinated by the Polytone synthesizer and the Ripley Delay, both of which add depth and richness to my tracks. The drum computer Kong is another favorite, offering intuitive design and a powerful sound. Reason’s versatility and the quality of its instruments make it an indispensable part of my creative process, enabling me to experiment and push the boundaries of my music.
What do you do when inspiration just isn’t there? How do you tackle writer’s block?
When inspiration eludes me, I have a peculiar strategy that works wonders – it’s a bit odd in all honesty. Sometimes, I watch something utterly brainless, which makes me feel guilty for not creating music. This guilt often reignites my drive to make music. On other occasions, if I’m not feeling creative, I simply take a break. Forcing creativity never works for me. My best work often emerges during moments of deep inspiration, sometimes within just 30 minutes when I’m fully connected to my emotions. Meditation also helps, allowing me to clear my mind and find that creative spark again.
How do you integrate Reason with other hardware and software in your studio setup?
I love combining Reason with Ableton, as blending different workflows is incredibly inspiring. In today’s music production landscape, it’s common and beneficial to mix various tools and approaches. I also record audio from my hardware to create sample packs, which I can use in future projects. This integration allows me to harness the strengths of multiple platforms, enhancing my creative capabilities and expanding my sound.
Favorite things about Reason 13 so far?
I’m particularly impressed with the Polytone and Ripley Delay in Reason 13. These additions have significantly enriched my music. The updated look and feel of the browser also stand out, making the software more intuitive and user-friendly.
If you could give aspiring producers and musicians one piece of advice, what would it be?
Stick to your own journey, sound, and community. It’s easy to get distracted by other artists and their paths, but it’s crucial to remain true to yourself. Everyone has their unique journey, and comparing yourself to others only clutters your mind. When I was younger, someone told me, “you do you,” and it’s the best advice I’ve ever received. There is only one of you, and your uniqueness is your greatest asset. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it guide you through your artistic journey.
Follow Nadia Struiwigh
Instagram: @nadiastruiwigh
How did you get into music production and what’s your background?
From a very young age, music has been a profound part of my life. I remember being a child, utterly captivated by melodies and the way they could stir emotions within me. This fascination only grew stronger as I got older. When I started clubbing, I was amazed by the energy a massive crowd could generate in response to music. It was a powerful, almost magical experience that deepened my desire to understand this art form. At 19, I took the plunge into producing and DJing, eager to explore this new world. My journey has been incredible, teaching me how profoundly sound and frequencies can affect us. My passion for understanding this impact even led me to Nepal, where I trained to become a Sound Therapist. This unique experience profoundly influences my music productions and DJ sets, allowing me to create soundscapes that resonate deeply with listeners.
How come you started using Reason?
Reason was my first ever DAW, and it feels like destiny brought us together. I began my journey with Reason on an old MacBook, creating Techno music in my bed with just a pair of headphones. I quickly uploaded my tracks to Soundcloud, which, although not as big then, helped me get noticed by some labels. Reason felt like a game to me—an exciting, creative playground that combined my love for gaming with music production. This newfound “game” quickly became a passion, and even now, I use Reason alongside other DAWs. Its instruments produce such rich and full sounds that I can’t help but be drawn to it. Reason’s flexibility and intuitive design make it a joy to use, allowing my creativity to flow effortlessly.
What are you working on at the moment? Projects/ collaborations?
These days, my life is a whirlwind of activity in all honesty haha – I couldn’t be happier. Embracing my life as a full-time artist has opened up so many exciting opportunities. Currently, I’m immersed in content creation, music reviews, gigs, remixes, and working on my new album. I’ve also embarked on a thrilling fashion collaboration with Cindy K, an incredibly talented designer from the Czech Republic. This project is featured on my website and includes outfits I’ll wear during my live sets, with 15 samples available for fans to purchase. It’s an exhilarating time, filled with creativity and new experiences. I am beyond grateful for this journey, for every moment of inspiration, and for the chance to share my vision with the world.
What would you say is your biggest career highlight so far?
Reflecting on my career, the performance at Mutek Canada stands out as the most defining moment. When I performed my live set there, it felt like everything in my career had led up to that point. I finally became the artist I always wanted to be, fully embracing my true self. The positive feedback from industry icons like KINK and Dubfire was incredibly special and surreal. Connecting with artists I’ve always admired felt like a dream come true. Another significant milestone was releasing my first album on CPU. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career, setting everything into motion and affirming my path in the music industry.
Describe your sound and biggest inspirations!
My sound is a rich tapestry woven from various influences, each contributing to a unique musical language. I don’t directly copy sounds but draw inspiration from a vast imagination that I translate into music. Influences like DJ Shadow, Boards of Canada, Aphex Twin, Clark, Tycho, Ludovico Einaudi, DJRUM, and Om Unit shape my style. My sound is often melancholic with a UKish vibe and occasionally a poppy twist. It spans genres from Ambient to Jungle to Techno, making it challenging to categorize. My goal is to evoke emotions and create immersive soundscapes that transport listeners to different dimensions.
What are your favorite Reason devices or features, what do you love about it?
Reason’s rack is one of my favorite features. It allows me to patch different instruments together, creating unique and innovative combinations. Currently, I’m fascinated by the Polytone synthesizer and the Ripley Delay, both of which add depth and richness to my tracks. The drum computer Kong is another favorite, offering intuitive design and a powerful sound. Reason’s versatility and the quality of its instruments make it an indispensable part of my creative process, enabling me to experiment and push the boundaries of my music.
What do you do when inspiration just isn’t there? How do you tackle writer’s block?
When inspiration eludes me, I have a peculiar strategy that works wonders – it’s a bit odd in all honesty. Sometimes, I watch something utterly brainless, which makes me feel guilty for not creating music. This guilt often reignites my drive to make music. On other occasions, if I’m not feeling creative, I simply take a break. Forcing creativity never works for me. My best work often emerges during moments of deep inspiration, sometimes within just 30 minutes when I’m fully connected to my emotions. Meditation also helps, allowing me to clear my mind and find that creative spark again.
How do you integrate Reason with other hardware and software in your studio setup?
I love combining Reason with Ableton, as blending different workflows is incredibly inspiring. In today’s music production landscape, it’s common and beneficial to mix various tools and approaches. I also record audio from my hardware to create sample packs, which I can use in future projects. This integration allows me to harness the strengths of multiple platforms, enhancing my creative capabilities and expanding my sound.
Favorite things about Reason 13 so far?
I’m particularly impressed with the Polytone and Ripley Delay in Reason 13. These additions have significantly enriched my music. The updated look and feel of the browser also stand out, making the software more intuitive and user-friendly.
If you could give aspiring producers and musicians one piece of advice, what would it be?
Stick to your own journey, sound, and community. It’s easy to get distracted by other artists and their paths, but it’s crucial to remain true to yourself. Everyone has their unique journey, and comparing yourself to others only clutters your mind. When I was younger, someone told me, “you do you,” and it’s the best advice I’ve ever received. There is only one of you, and your uniqueness is your greatest asset. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it guide you through your artistic journey.
Follow Nadia Struiwigh
Instagram: @nadiastruiwigh
