In the fast-paced world of bass music, few artists have made an impact as quickly and profoundly as NotLö. Known for her dark, hard-hitting, yet danceable productions, she’s been turning heads with every release, and her latest collaboration, “Darkness” with Torcha, is no exception. We had the chance to sit down with NotLö to talk about her new music, the journey she’s been on as a queer woman in bass music, and the causes she holds close to her heart.
1. Tell us about your recent single “Darkness” with Torcha.
NotLö: “I am so excited about this new collab with Torcha being out! He’s been one of my favorite producers, and I was really eager to work with him. He sent me the initial idea a little over a year ago, and my ideas started flowing instantly! We’ve picked and polished this track for so long, and it has become a staple in both of our sets. I think fans will really feel that attention to detail when they hear it live.”
2. How have you been able to consistently find the balance with producing danceable yet dark and hard-hitting tracks?
NotLö: “First of all, I appreciate that you think my tracks are danceable! My favorite part of production is making drum patterns and finding unique fills. My sound leans into dark atmospheres, but I love ensuring the drums make you groove. Movement and flow are so important in music, and dancing is what made me fall in love with it in the first place. It’s all about creating that balance of heavy and hypnotic.”
3. As a queer woman in bass music, how has your identity contributed to shaping your career and sound?
NotLö: “Growing up, I rarely saw queer or femme DJs at festivals. There’s still a lot of work to be done in terms of inclusion, but I’m happy to see progress. It means a lot to me to make other queer people feel like they have a place in this scene, and that they can follow their dreams no matter how daunting it may seem. There will always be hate in the world, but being true to yourself makes everything brighter. That’s what I hope my music and presence in the community inspire.”
4. What’s a song you’ve been listening to a lot recently (not produced by you)?
NotLö: “Lately, I’ve been obsessed with anything by Joy Orbison. ‘flight fm’ is definitely my current favorite track by him—it’s just got such a vibe!”
5. You’ve used your platform to support various causes. What motivates you to combine music with activism?
NotLö: “A lot of my motivation comes from my mom. She raised me to always empathize and consider others’ experiences. She’s one of the most caring people I know, and that definitely influenced me. I’ve always felt strongly about standing up for mistreated communities, and if I have a platform to educate and raise awareness, I’m going to use it. Music is such a powerful medium for connection and change.”
6. What’s one of your favorite venues you’ve played?
NotLö: “That’s tough! If I had to choose, I’d say it’s a tie between Mission Ballroom and The Brooklyn Mirage. The sound and production at both venues are absolutely insane, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had the chance to bring my full vision of a NotLö set to life on those stages. Those shows will always stand out in my memory.”
7. What’s a venue or festival you haven’t played yet but are dying to?
NotLö: “Red Rocks is at the top of the list for sure! I can’t even imagine what it would feel like to perform there. As for festivals, I’d love to play Shambhala again. I’ve played so many of my favorite camping festivals, but the energy at Shambhala is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced—it’s magical.”
8. What was it like touring with LSDREAM?
NotLö: “Touring with LSDREAM was amazing! It was my first big multi-stop tour, and I’ll never forget it. Sharing the stage with LSDREAM, Tripp St., and Inzo was a dream. They were all incredibly kind and made me feel so welcome. It was surreal playing in cities I’d never even visited before, and the whole experience was just so special.”
9. In 2020, you released an official remix of GRiZ’s iconic track “Medusa.” How did that come about, and what was the experience like?
NotLö: “GRiZ has always been great about supporting the underground scene and giving opportunities to up-and-coming artists. I’m close with WRECKNO, and we had already collaborated before ‘Medusa.’ Both of them knew I was passionate about producing within the queer community and offered me this incredible opportunity. It was a dream come true to remix a track by such an iconic artist and one of my best friends!”
10. If you could see any two artists play a B2B, who would it be and why?
NotLö: “Sammy Virji and MPH—without a doubt. That set would be pure energy from start to finish, and I don’t think anyone would be able to stop dancing!”
11. Any upcoming shows, music, collaborations, or plans you’d like to share?
NotLö: “This year started slow because I’ve been focusing on leveling up my production skills, but that’s changing now. I have so much unreleased music that’s almost ready to go! I’d call this the next chapter of NotLö. My first release this year was ‘Why,’ and there’s so much more on the way, including some exciting collabs. I’ve expanded beyond dubstep and can’t wait to share these new sounds. When you come to my shows, definitely come with an open mind—I promise there’s a lot to look forward to!”
NotLö is a force in the bass music scene, combining dark atmospheres with infectious rhythms, all while standing as a beacon of inclusivity and activism. With a fresh wave of music on the horizon, 2024 is shaping up to be a monumental year for her career, and we can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
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