Como Las Grecas has the pleasure of sitting down with Nabil Hayat ahead of his «Force Mono» release. Lets pick his brains…

What’s the most profound musical experience you’ve ever had, and how has it influenced your creative output?

Ive always been into music growing up – collecting old tapes then vinyl then cds. growing up I was listening to my local radio station on the weekends- there were 2 shows one called looney choones the other was strictly rhythm who use to play imported US and EU tracks which i was really into. So walking into a techno party/rave for the first time and just listening to the music and what was happening around me – that was it – Im not one of these guys that jumped from genre to genre for me its always been about techno or electronic music in general from the 90s – thats what i grew up with – I instantly found a connection to the music and haven’t looked back since. So thats what still influences me and try and make music that inspires me while still being true to myself.

In your opinion, what’s the most underrated electronic music subgenre, and why do you feel it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves?

There are a tone of tracks out there and loads of micro sub genres out there- really hard to find ones that I connect with or that I’m really into- I like timeless tracks ones that keep me entertained from start to finish – hearing new elements with each new listen – I find that type of music far more interesting and satisfying. in terms of structure or sound design.

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable gig you played, and what made it stand out for you?

Playing a local party I had been invited to a few years back where there had been only a few attendees – That one stands out for obvious reasons – however I still made the most of my set by experimenting and playing with more obscure type of tracks to see if the people like it or just to se how the peoples reactions were.

If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Way to many to name but a few that come to mind would be the likes of Juan Atkins, Kenny Larkin, Luke Slater, Andreas Tilliander, Jeff Mills, Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, Rodhad, Lucy and a bunch of guys from Detroit and Chicago. I really admire all these guys for the work that they continue to do and with what they come up with musically and the effort they put into their craft. I really appreciate what they do and they will always continue to inspire me and my music.

What’s the most unusual sound you’ve ever used in a track, and how did you go about incorporating it?

It was from one of my last few tracks i finished recording – I was trying to find a specific type of sound to fit the style of the track. I tried a couple different machines and came up with an interesting short sequence which I recorded. I then processed it further playing with the fx on the desk. It came out sounding like a pad and I’m really happy with the way it sounds and feels. The track is called Exiting and will be out at some stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDHgP2wmUFw

How has your musical style evolved over the years, and what factors have contributed to those changes?

its changed massively through out the years as with anything you stick with and dedicate the time to one should become better equiped with the skills needed to make music. As you grow and develop your sound as an artist you begin to see and hear things in a certain way and are more conscious or aware to how a certain frequencies interact with one another. I find myself always been drawn to bass heavy music and concentrate mixing in such a manner where it still feels loose and open.

What’s your creative process like, from start to finish, and how has it changed over time?

Ive always had a similar process to what I do however Its been refined throughout the years – I went from out the box to in the box and now I’m out the box again. I am happy with my current setup – my process is usually based around me jamming with a bunch of machines coming up with sketches or ideas and when I’m happy with a certain section then I start recording. I then bring those sounds back out of the desk and find some new elements/ideas that go with the initial concept. once I think I have enough sounds to play with recorded I then start doing some live takes on the desk until the track begins to make some sense or It finds a certain direction or feel. I like the phrase less is more which I believe to be really true – lately I find myself working on separation, width and harmonic content.

In your opinion, what’s the biggest challenge facing the electronic music scene today, and what steps can we take to overcome it?

Please leave this question out…..

Can you tell us about a particularly challenging moment in your career, and how you overcame it?

The challenges you face with being a creative have always been there weather its from someone saying you can’t do that or you shouldn’t do this or your not good enough or receiving feedback regarding your tracks are not as good as you think they are. I think the key here is never give up and not letting these kind of beliefs get in the way. I think these self doubts are always challenging but what works for me is that I use all the negativity and I use it as a drive to make me work harder or push myself out of my comfort zone and to make more music.

How do you see electronic music evolving over the next decade, and where do you see yourself fitting into that picture?

With technology and how things change so quickly I assume there are going to be many changes – for me I’m still going to be here doing music and trying to reach more people regardless of what happens and ill try to adapt to change as to what might happen with the industry.

What’s next for you?

Working on more music – I have another Ep coming out which should released around May this year – Maybe some remixes and collaborations also but we see how we go – and just keep spending more time in the studio.