Noé Solange’s stunning single ‘Nocturnal Lady,’ the Dutch-Indonesian producer, multi-instrumentalist and singer has debuted more nuanced work, unveiling her distinct sound as
she delves into the realm of downtempo electronica. Drawing influences from her heritage and international upbringing alongside inspirations from nature,
she evokes a journey for the listener to immerse in. Pulling from her multiple cultural threads, Noé blends this with melancholic soundscapes, progressive synths and harmonic vocals to create a rich tapestry of sounds.
Alongside is Ross K, a Canadian composer and producer working across indie, classical and electronic genres. Heavily influenced by films and visual art, his music explores the human condition in relation to its surroundings, evoking
distinct scenes for the listener to inhabit. Following the release of his ambitious debut LP Braedalyn in 2020, Ross has been composing for releases on such platforms as Nowness, SuperRare and co-writing with artists across electronic and classical genres.
As ‘Time’ begins with melancholic keys, subtle bell sounds and soft synth patterns, the listener is ushered into a gentle trance. The delicate pads and guitar played by Ross effortlessly shimmer over the track, bringing a sense of warmth within these wintery soundscapes. These naturally interweave with Noé’s textured synths and gentle strings that blissfully drift.
in, propelling the track forward with a glimmer of optimism.
Throughout, Noé’s serene vocals coax you into a deeper dreamlike state. Her pure words contrast a sense of ‘cold in her eyes’ with ‘warmth in her mind’, creating an interplay between longing and tranquility. Ross’ vocals then gracefully float in, adding a new element to the harmonic palette, as if to convey a sense of dialogue.
Time’ is a flourishing downtempo electronic piece from the two musicians, taking the listener on a journey somewhere between Air, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Laura Misch and The XX.
There is beauty in simplicity, which Ross and Noé deliver in this intimate and reflective body of work, offering a moment away from reality.
Can you tell us a little about your experience? Where are you from? How did you get into music?
Ross K: I’m originally from Victoria, BC, Canada (west coast), but travelled a lot as a kid through Europe as I am half Dutch. I started writing music at the age of 10 when I was learning piano & jazz guitar – in my teens I got into production, and then studied composition formally at McGill University in Montreal, followed by a Masters in London (RCM). While in Montreal I always wrote and produced music on the side, influenced by the indie & electronic music scenes there. When I was 24 was when I started to fuse my interests as a concert composer, songwriter & electronic producer into my music and get serious about making albums / releasing my work.
Noé Solange: I’m Dutch, Indonesian, Surinamese and Czech. I was born in the Netherlands and raised in 8 different countries before calling London my new home. Music has always been a big part of my life and throughout the constant moving, it was always something I could bring with me that gave me a sense of familiarity. I started playing piano, guitar and violin at a very young age as well as having been in a few bands. At around the age of 15 I started writing and experimenting with the production side of music. It wasn’t until after I moved to London that I began seriously pursuing my creative interests as an electronic producer, songwriter and singer, with Nocturnal Lady being the first track I released.
Who have been your main inspirations (both musical and in «life»)? And how have they affected your sound?
Noé Solange: My dad would always have music playing in the house, so I grew up listening to a wide range of artists, from Brian Eno to Michael Jackson, Miles Davis to Massive Attack and the list goes on.
As I was exposed to such a range of music, my sources of inspiration have constantly shifted throughout the years. I don’t have a single or a few major influences that have shaped my sound, however, I’m currently finding myself inspired by artists such as Liam Mour, Laura Misch and Ryuichi Sakamoto and how they are able to beautifully incorporate organic and electronic elements together in their own unique way.
Ross: I’ve always said my biggest inspirations have been those that feed me physically & those that feed me intellectually. Physically, I was obsessed with Michael Jackson & Prince as a kid, learning to dance like them and influenced by their showmanship and visual innovation through music videos. Intellectually, I would say composers like Mahler, Bartok, Per Norgard, Bernard Hermann, as well as songwriters like Jeff Buckley, Kate Bush, and producers such as Brian Eno, Floating Points. I try to bring the physical and intellectual together in my music best I can.
How would you define your sound?
Ross: I don’t like to specifically define my sound. My favorite artists have been those that can evolve and explore multiple ‘genres’ while remaining identifiably them. Whether a track has influences from drum n bass and contemporary classical, or funk & ambient, or whatever, I try to stay focused on simply creating a world, a space, for the listener to inhabit. I’m a very visual composer so my goal is often to express an abstract visual in my mind through music.
Noé Solange: I really enjoy experimenting with harmonies, melancholic soundscapes and synths to create a journey for the listener to immerse in.
Growing up in different countries and identifying with multiple cultures has become such an important part of my identity, which I’m trying to express within my music more by incorporating instruments such as the gamelan and angklung. I suppose all of this combined is what I would currently define my sound to be.
Ross: I think I have always had the same tastes for music – I’ve just gotten better at expressing what’s in my mind, through sonics. Which comes from exploring more instruments, electronics, and getting better at composing/producing & mixing.
Noé Solange: I’m constantly trying to challenge myself within production, through experimenting more with harmonic vocals and instruments as well as delving further into sonic manipulation.
What can you tell us about your last project? What inspired you? What do you want to convey?
Noé Solange: My last project was my debut EP ‘Bound’ – four downtempo electronic tracks that explored love, loss and struggle, both reflective of my own experiences and society as a whole. Written at the beginning of the pandemic, when everything felt extremely chaotic, I tried to make songs that sonically let me escape the noise and chaos of the world.
Ross: My last major project was my debut record ‘Braedalyn’, a project developed over six years and performed across the UK including the Royal College of Music, Servant Jazz Quarters, St. Magnus Cathedral (Orkney Islands, Scotland) and The Rose Hill (Brighton), among others.
It reflects my experience as a songwriter, classical music composer, and electronic musician, and interweaves the eclectic sound worlds of these disparate practices, while drawing on the individual voices of a pool of collaborators. I worked with directors from around the world for the albums’ music videos including singles Somewhere, With You, and After Dark.
How are you feeling after the current situation of COVID? Has it had a significant impact on your work? Do you think there is hope? I feel like the music scene will continue to persist.
Ross: I have been very determined to play live now more than ever and I think people feel the same about attending concerts. I think COVID made us really appreciate that. The past 3 singles I’ve released (including ‘Time’) were a reaction to the separation brought on by COVID – I had a real desire to connect with others and collaborate remotely.
Noé Solange: I’ve also been feeling very motivated to perform live again. Watching and listening to live music has such an irreplaceable energy and I think everyone is just excited to be able to experience this again!
Throughout COVID, it was making music that made me feel more at ease – I guess it acted as a form of therapy, a way to escape from the stresses that came with the pandemic. Especially during the lockdowns, all the stimulants in our daily lives were removed, which gave me the space to delve deeper into my emotions and inspired the music I made.
What projects are you working on right now?
Noé Solange: I’m currently working on another EP, which I can’t wait to share! The music is very inspired by Indonesia and nature, and the lyrics of which are centred around identity, growth and femininity. It has been such a wholesome project and the more I work on these pieces, the more connected I feel to my Indonesian roots.
Ross: I am currently completing my 2nd album, ‘Takaya’. The name ‘Takaya’ comes from a lone wolf that lived on Discovery Island off the West Coast of Canada. The wolf embodies themes I’ve been exploring through my work – spiritual transcendence in contact with the natural world, solitude and liminality.
I spent 2020 / 2021 back on the West Coast of Canada and found myself embracing the natural, ethereal beauty of my homeland. I realised that since childhood, I have found a spiritual connection with these landscapes, heavily influencing my work both sonically and visually.
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