Since they exploded onto the scene late last year with the infectiously unique sound of ‘Chuiso’, it’s been a bit quiet from Nouveau Yorican, the production outfit comprising Laidback Luke and Gina Turner. Now they’re back, with a brand new track, ‘Nueva’ which includes a new twist on a classic sound. We caught up with both Luke and Gina to find out more…
We last caught up with at the end of 2010…what’s happened with Nouveau Yorican since then?
Gina Turner: It’s been a really busy and fun year for us! We are always coming up with new ideas for the next tracks. But we are really excited about this release.
Laidback Luke: We had a little break to focus on our own careers. Then in spring we started to work on Nueva and the first version was quite a rough one focussed on just the acid. Defected gave us the right pointers to focus more on the vocal. We also did a remix for Laidback Luke feat. Example ‘Natural Disaster’ which came out very moody, deep and emotional. We both love it!
What have been the highlights of the year for you both so far?
GT: All my shows have been incredible this year! Two of my favourite gigs however were in Geneva at Le Zoo and Zurich at Hive Club. They like it weird and techy so I get to play a well rounded set. Can't wait to go back.
LL: I would say us picking up an Audi Q5 together : )
Last time we spoke you had only DJ’d together once…has that changed, or do you see Nouveau Yorican as strictly a production outfit?
GT: Well, we just recorded a DJ mix. Hope you like it!
LL: Well we have DJ'd together twice now! We just did an hour mix for Defected radio. I think we just need to get used to each other. Gina and I mix differently, but we have similarities too! I think we should practice a bit more, but who knows! For now, it's not the priority. But keep an eye on us doing the techno finger at the same time.
Please tell us about some of your best gigs and live experiences this year?
LL: Wow.. .there have been so many gigs! Highlights for me were definitely Coachella, Miami Music Week, the Super You&Me at Cream Amnesia Ibiza which is my own night and hosting my own Super You&Me area at Creamfields UK .
Tell us a bit about the new track…is it fair to say it’s a similar style to Chiuso but with a bit of an ‘acid’ twist?
GT: We both are a fan of acid, and both love to secretly salsa dance, so we decided to marry the two, and VIOLA! NUEVA! Plus we give a shout out to my hometown Nueva York.
LL: Yes that's correct! Gina always brings the Latin vibes. And I always grab back to my techno roots. Combine those and that's the typical Nouveau Yorican sound.
The acid sound has really made a comeback in the last few years…how do you go about using a sound that has been championed for so long but still make it sound fresh?
GT: This is definitely Luke's influence here; he always giggles about me liking the ‘simple’ acid tracks so I think we were inspired to make something fresh, funky and current.
LL: Good question! For me, I don't even focus on that. I just make stuff work. And have fun with it. So if you give me a synth, a vocal or a bassline, I just make sure it's as on point as a kitchen knife (I'm a hobby chef, lol).
Production-wise…who does what in the studio? Do you each have a particular forte?
GT: Luke is the fastest and most skilled in the studio, so quick on the buttons! We are both audio geeks but he is SO FAST! My job is to bring the weirdo inspirational sounds, samples and ideas.
LL: Gina is the random unstoppable source of input in the studio. I just make it work. Obviously I have many, many years of studio and tweaking behind me. Gina is really creative and she really has her own sound and vision. She'll always come with new and fresh ideas to inspire me.
What’s next on the cards for Nouveau Yorican?
GT: More collaborations and we also did a remix for Luke's new single featuring Example titled Natural Disaster.
LL: Nouveau Yorican to me is a great way to keep in touch with my deeper roots. I like being tech now and then. To me it's way easier than the usual stuff I do. So it's a lot of fun to me and I love working with Gina. We handle Nouveau Yorican in a non pressure way. We still have a few unfinished loops set up but I'm sure we'll go in all the way again when the time is right.
Anything else you’d like to tell us…?
GT: Love YOU Defected!
Nueva is out now on Defected Records
