nktrnl
DJ | Producer
nktrnl is a Dublin-based live producer who aims to explore noise music and incorporate it into techno through a set-up of a modular, Analog Rytm and an Octatrack amongst other bits of gear added along the way.
Known to bash out industrial techno and depending on the occasion, a bitta jungle, there’s no end to the enthusiasm and curiosity that Conor aka nktrnl has for sound and the mechanics of making music on the spot.
A self-professed technical nerd, nktrnl’s sonic aesthetic is unforgiving and fairly hardcore at times but manages to grip the audience from the get-go, due to a confidence in the art of playing live and years of experience playing out on the Irish circuit. Gigs outside of Ireland have also included live sets Corsica Studios in London and Kili club in Berlin.
Constantly looking to experiment and learn more about different sounds, machinery and production, nktrnl has also remixed a track for fellow Irish producer Jish on Måinmise Records. However most of nktrnl’s material can be heard through podcasts for Grounded, Prospekt, Sciatic, Four Four Magazine and a string recorded live jams posted on his Soundcloud.
With all upcoming events postponed for the next while, Conor goes back to a ropey night last year when COVID-19 was a little-known a speck on the horizon…
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it?
This photo was taken last Stephens Day in Index in Dublin. I was closing out the room that night and the atmosphere was amazing! It was the height of silly season so everyone was buzzed. Played a half techno, half jungle live set and it was really fun getting to play stuff I don't usually get to play and it went down a treat. The line-up was stacked with all local talent and it was just an amazing night.
What are you listening to at the moment if you’re working from home?
Been listening to lots of different stuff recently as I've much more time on my hands, but I definitely spend way more time making music than listening to it. At the moment I'm mostly listening to hardgroove techno, IDM, jungle, hip-hop and ambient. Particularly liking Squarepusher's recent releases.
How has being in quarantine affected your productivity music-wise?
It's actually really benefitted my music and productivity strangely enough! I've had way more time on my hands so got around to doing some modifications to bits of my gear and setting up a more efficient way of recording my hardware. As a result I've been recording pretty much every day so have lots of material to work with for releases. I've always been quite bad for not recording my tracks so I'm going to turn the negativity of the lockdown into a positive - by finally releasing some tracks!
I've also been teaching myself loads about audio electronics and building synths, audio processors and eurorack modules. I find all that nerdy shit really interesting and like the idea of having a personal, unique bit of hardware to use in your tracks.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, do you have a go-to track or style of music that significantly lifts your spirits?
Literally anything by Andy Stott or Aphex Twin. Usually the lower tempo tracks. Although sometimes a bitta 90's rave can lift the spirits!
How do you intend on celebrating once we’re out the other side?
Going on an absolute mad one with as many of my mates as possible.
Any tips for producers on how to look after your mind and body during this slightly stressful time?
Don't follow a routine, I personally found that routines were fucking shit up for me big time. Do new things every day, teach yourself things you've always wanted to learn, learn about synthesis and sampling and more about the DAW you use so you can improve your production skills.
If you're not feeling productive don't beat yourself up, you cannot force creativity. Instead try doing some organisation of your samples and tracks, or record some samples for future use! Or just try cleaning up your workspace.
Basically try as much as you can to make a positive out of this negative situation!
Listen to nktrnl’s live set on HÖR Radio here and follow him below: