We caught up with Nicole Moudaber at her signature event, MoodDAY, at The Raleigh Hotel in Miami, just a few days before taking the stage Ultra Music Festival 2016. The day-to-night event included sets from Carl Craig, Damian Lazarus,ENDO, Guti, Pan-Pot, and the Queen of Techno herself. In between her live broadcast of Episode 100 of In the Mood Radio, we sat with Nicole to discuss her first featured stage at Electric Daisy Carnival New York and about her efforts in giving back to the community.
(Words: Jacqueline Gottlob)
(Mood Day Photos Courtesy of Alex G Perez, @AGPFoto)
(Ultra 2016 Photos Courtesy of Greg Bowser, @TheGBPhotography)
1. You’ve curated your very own stage at this year’s Electric Daisy Carnival in New York called MoodZONE! Can you tell us about it?
I mean, having my own stage in New York with EDC is something that is the ultimate achievement for me, because this is what I have always wanted to do. So, the stage is mainly techno, there is no nonsense! I have artists like Lauren Lane, Thugfucker, and Mind Against on the lineup. I’ll also be doing a back to back set with Chris Liebing to close out the stage, so I am really looking forward to that. There are already talks for many stages next year in 2017!
2. Are you involved in both the production and the music side of creating the stage?
This is all my idea and concept, and the musicians are all my guests. The production is down to Insomniac, but we are going to nail it for sure! New York is my home, I love it.
3. That sounds so great, and I’m sure EDC-goers are going to love MoodZONE. Given the abundance of techno artists in the dance music scene, how do you maintain your originality?
It’s all about inspiration, and I don’t tend to stagnate in one specific sound. I try to explore all genres of music that I’m in love with; I’m simply a music lover. I keep pushing my own boundaries and my music evolves; it is never the same!
4. Who is your favourite DJ to go back-to-back (B2B) on the decks with?
There are loads of them, I can’t name just one; the list just goes on! I’ve done many with Carl Cox, and I will be teaming up for a special one on April 17 at All Gone Pete Tong in Palm Springs, during Coachella. I’ve also played a B2B with Skin previously, (we recorded an entire EP together).
5. How do you prepare for a back-to-back performance?
I don’t prepare, actually. I just follow the crowd, improvise, and be natural.
6. Have you ever been to India before?
No, but I have been invited to go a few times. Unfortunately the dates never happened. I would definitely make it happen for sure in the future.
(Nicole works closely with the Lower East Side Girls Club in New York. Since 1996 The Lower Eastside Girls Club (LESGC) has been delivering community-based programs and services for girls and young women. Their mission is to break the cycle of local poverty by training the next generation of leaders. [Courtesy www.girlsclub.org])
7. I would like to move away from music for my last question to discuss your involvement with the LESGC in New York. You are an active campaigner for human rights and I would love to hear more about your involvement in this amazing organization.
I always wanted to get involved with non-profit organizations, this is what I was brought up with, my education was all about this, and helping the community means a lot to me. I am donating a music room and setting up a music education program for the girls of the organization. If I can give them my heart and my soul, I would, and I’m trying to give as much time as I can to the organization. I have met all of the girls and I love them. The leadership team has turned the building into a $20 million state-of-the-art building that helps all of these girls from low-income families. It is great to be involved; it gives me great pleasure to give love and attention to people who need it.
