Classically trained British DJ and producer NLI was a concert pianist before she became a techno artist.
"I have been making music my entire life and got into making weird, industrial noise and experimental tracks after music school," she says. "DJing kind of came naturally later once I realized that techno was my calling in life. It was never really my plan to pursue it professionally, once my music was out there I started getting calls and the rest is history!"
Regarding her sound, NLI says that, "If techno and deconstructed club had a baby, it would be fractal techno; which is the type of techno that I make. I would say that my techno is post-modernist; it challenges more than it pleases, it’s quite dark and ominous. My sound honors my industrial roots while bringing something new, fresh and unexpected to the table. I love weird, abrasive sounds, unusual arrangements and curating an atmosphere that will keep the crowd going all night long!"
NLI's latest release is her Initiation debut album, our via ADHESIVE.
"Looking back on the process that led up to the release of this record, it has been an incredibly challenging but also rewarding journey," she says. "I feel that I have really grown up as an artist with this record and learned a lot about myself both on a personal and a professional level. It’s an exciting chapter in my life that I will always look back upon with gratitude."
As for gear: "I’m quite no-nonsense no-bull when it comes to equipment," NLI says. "I know what I like and what works for me; I use Ableton, AIAIAI studio headphones and I’ve really been liking the Arturia MiniFreak recently. I also don’t go anywhere without my AKAI MIDI keyboard! When it comes to DJing, I’m a Pioneer/AlphaTheta girl through and through. The V10 is an exceptional mixer and anyone who says they prefer the XONE96 to the V10 is lying to you!"
Looking ahead, NLI has plenty planned for 2026.
"I have a few releases lined up in 2026, some of which on my own imprint ADHESIVE including an EP that I think will really excite people once it’s announced + a few collaborations," she says. "I actually had this really intense influx of inspiration + ideas just after my album was released so of course I got super excited and called my manager! At the moment it looks like 2026 is going to be a busy one; before the end of the year I will finally share the full visualizer for my track ’Riot’, which I cannot wait for!"
