Check out our interview with one of the most exciting talents to emerge onto the European techno scene over the past decade, Polish-born producer, DJ and label head Noemi Black has got the credentials to rival the best in the business. Boasting a hugely impressive career discography with original productions and remixes spanning some of the biggest labels in the industry, Noemi has, in a relatively short period of time, managed to carve out a reputation as one of the most industrious, hard-working and naturally talented artists on the techno circuit.
With an impressive catalogue of hard-hitting releases clocked on the likes of Substeal Records, Black Vision, Dolma Red, Prospect Records, Eclipse Recordings and Black Nemesis Records over the past twelve months, Noemi Black now returns to her much-loved Technical Vibe imprint for her first full outing of 2021, as she unveils the stunning ‘Follow Your Dreams’ EP. We caught up with the German-based artist to find out more.
Follow Noemi @noemi.black
Hi Noemi, please tell us a little about you?
Hello! I’m a Polish Techno DJ and music producer. Right now I live in Germany and here develop my career. I’m doing this for more than 10 years already.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Ambitious, stubborn and hard working.
We are sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
From my first visit to the local club, I was sure that I want to try to become a professional DJ. I bought my first DJ set up and started to learn. After a few months I created my podcast “Technical Vibe”. I started sending it to radio stations, clubs, party organizers and I gained some slots in radios and nice feedback from the community. It has helped me to get my first gigs. So was it started…
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Straight, forward techno.
Do you ever get nervous?
Sometimes yes, of course. But it doesn’t happen often.
Tell us about your new EP “Follow Your Dreams”.
It will be available from today (15.03) exclusively on Beatport and Spotify. I’m always trying to give my EP’s and tracks a name, which means something to me. “Follow Your Dreams” and don’t look at haters, failures, and adversities. Simply keep going! “Be Yourself” and don’t change your mind, style, only because of fashion and trend. This thought is behind this EP.
Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you?
I came from classical music, through rap, rock, metal, to electronic music. Each of these genres influenced my development. Eminem, Linkin Park, Eric Prydz, and Jeff Mills. Those are the most important artists for me.
Now tell us about your label Technical Vibe?
I wanted to create a place where young and talented music producers would find a place to show their music to the world. I know how hard it is for a young, unknown artist to sign their first or second EP. I had the same problems at the beginning. For us, it’s not important how old are you, what gender you are, how many likes on Facebook or Instagram you have. If you are ambitious, and you are producing some nice techno stuff, Technical Vibe is a place for you. Very often the “new guy” is bringing out better quality than famous producers.
What do you think is different from the German/European music scene to the U.S. one?
I didn’t have the opportunity to play in the US yet, so it’s hard to talk about differences for me. I think, that the music and scene in every country/region are influenced by other factors. But in the end, we all are going to a club or festival to have some fun and listen to some good music. It is the same everywhere.
When did you decided to create your own label and podcast?
My Technical Vibe Podcast was one of the first things I did at the start of my career. Work on this project gives me still a lot of fun and satisfaction.
Label with the same name, Technical Vibe has been created at the start of 2019. It’s another big challenge in my career. Work on this project takes a lot of time but it’s worth it.
What is different from your podcast to other podcasts?
I’m making it for over 8 years already, so it’s probably one of the oldest, regular radio shows I think. You are able to hear on my podcast only the best driving techno tracks. I’m recording not only audio but also a video which I’m uploading on my YouTube channel. So my fans are able not only to hear but also to watch me in action.
How often do you release new content?
It’s a monthly podcast, it has a premiere every 3rd Saturday of the month on DI.FM Radio.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful podcast?
You have to give people some interesting and valuable content. It has to be something that distinguishes him from others. You must be regular and give yourself time to develop your project.
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
I’m taking a long, warm bath with a glass of wine and candles.
Best stage you have ever play?
It was definitely in Beirut, Lebanon. It was club built from sea containers on a top of a mountain. The wall behind the decks was built from a glass, there was an incredible view on mountains and later on the sunrise. It was a small location, but with lovely peoples and incredible energy.
Funniest thing that ever happened at an event?
I remember one funny situation. It was at a small festival in France. I’ve played the closing. I’ve put my CD to the Player, press play and after few seconds… fuses blown! All light, equipment and the whole sound system turned off. I was so scared, you can’t imaging. But after a few minutes everything was fine.
What’s your favorite club to DJ in?
I’ve visited many places during my career and it’s hard to choose only one. Most important is the atmosphere and vibe between DJ and public. The best atmosphere ever was always in Protokultura in Gdansk Poland, Le Studio Saglio Strasboug in France and in Paradox Club in Augsburg Germany. Those are my Top 3 Clubs I’ve played.
Did you had plans/gigs planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online events or interaction with your fans?
Yes, of course. I’ve been booked for many festivals and club events in Europe. We had also to cancel my South and North America Tour in August 2020. It was a tough punch for me.
I’m working now very hard on my Twitch channel. It’s a great place where I can play music for my fans, chat with them and both sides having a lot of fun. It’s important for me, that I can give a bit of the club vibe to them thanks to this platform.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
Definitely, when I see the smile on the faces of the clubbers. When I come to them and become a lot of hugs, positive opinions about my music, and when we make tones of selfies. That gives me energy for hard work in the next Weeks.
What I don’t like? Internet haters, peoples, who are hiding behind the screen and are able to write bad things. They are making that for fun, but that can really hurt
What’s your advice for the newer DJ’s and Producers?
Work hard, don’t look back, and some small mistakes and small fails. Keep going, and be regular. And one more thing, never let the thought that you already know how everything about producing or playing. We all are learning all the time something new.
What’s next for Noemi Black in 2021?
I have some upcoming EP’s in the next months. We are starting with the “Follow Your Dreams” EP which has just been released on Technical Vibe. In April comes out my EP for KD RAW and in May for Prospect Records. Every weekend you are able to see me live on my Twitch channel.
Of course, I hope, that very soon we will be able to perform in clubs and festivals again. Fingers still crossed!
What book should every entrepreneur read?
There are many books about the economy, finances, and social media on the market. I think in the modern world, the most important are those about social media strategies. That’s something on what modern entrepreneur should be focused.
Best advice ever given?
Be a perfectionist. Demand more of yourself than others expect of you.
Name one your strengths?
Perfectionism. 100% it’s not enough, I always give a minimum of 120%
Thanks to this, I’m here where I am.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Bicycle tour, hiking in the mountains, or a lazy day at the beach.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Appreciate what I have achieved and look to the future with optimism. Can be only better!
Do you support any charities?
I don’t support any charity organizations, but I’m always trying to help directly when someone needs help.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love avocado. You can create so many great dishes with it. Breakfast with an avocado gives me energy for the first part of the day.
And your favorite cheat food?
Definitely pizza. On a thin dough, with vegetables
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
I don’t like rude and intrusive guys. If I would meet someone like this, I would finish the date immediately
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
It would be the polish personal fitness trainer, Ewa Chodakowska. Thanks to this incredible woman, I’ve changed my life. I’ve started to train regularly, I’ve changed completely my menu. I’m very thankful for this and I would like to tell her that personally.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still on tour around the world with my music and giving happiness to the ravers.
How would you describe your fashion style?
For years it’s a casual-sporty style.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social Media are very important for all businesses and content creators. They gave us a great opportunity to present our art, products. We are able also to stay in permanent contact with our fans and business partners. It’s a powerful tool.
But it carries with it certain dangers. You have to be very careful, what kind of content are you posting, with who are you starting the conversation. But it still brings more positives, than negatives.
Where we can follow you?
I’m present on almost all social platforms. But the most important are:
Facebook / Instagram / Twitch / Soundcloud / Spotify / YouTube
Quote: “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” – Forest Gump
Movie: The full Harry Potter series
Travel Destination: Tenerife, Spain
Sports Team: ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Volleyball – Poland
Photo Credit for portrait shot: Jaroslaw Kozlowski
Photo Credit for landscape shot: Tadeusz Bolcek
