Nicolas Julian

Nicolas Julian is one such artist, whose journey through electronic music is as heartfelt as it is inspiring. As Editor of Mixmag Magazine, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless tales of musical evolution, but his story is not just about beats and basslines; it’s about the profound power of connection. And that’s what makes Nicolas special.

In our fast-paced world, where trends come and go with the blink of an eye, Nicolas stands with authenticity and innovation. His music, a seamless fusion of past and present, speaks to the timeless nature of human emotion and the universal language of rhythm. But beyond the energy of his live performances lies a deeper narrative—one of self-discovery, collaboration, and the transformative power of art.

Join me on a journey into the heart and soul of Nicolas Julian, as we discover the stories that have shaped his evolution as an artist. From humble beginnings to international acclaim, Nicolas’s story is a testament to the enduring magic of music and the boundless possibilities of creative expression. So, sit back, make yourself some coffee, and let the music of Nicolas Julian take you on a journey unlike any other.

“I am a child of the 90s,” Nicolas reflects, setting the stage for his voyage. In our interview, he delved into the genesis of his signature fusion and the challenges he faced in crafting a sound that, resonates with both nostalgia and novelty.

“More and more music and sounds from, that time (the 90s) have become relevant for a broad audience again,” he notes, hinting at the cyclical nature of musical trends.

Nicolas’s fusion journey began in early 2022, as he rediscovered the sounds of the past and seamlessly integrated them into his own palette.

“It was important to me not to give people something they’ve already heard,” he explains.

Drawing from familiar motifs and melodies, Nicolas breathes new life into classic genres, captivating listeners with his dynamic compositions.

With live sets that command attention and draw massive views on YouTube, Nicolas reveals the secret to his success: unwavering energy and genuine passion for his craft.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I always stand for high energy and give my all. Both for my music career and for personal things like sport, I know nothing but full energy. So when you see me on stage, it’s nothing but my natural self and the love I have for the music I play”.

Yet, Nicolas is quick to deflect the spotlight, acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between artist and audience.

“Nevertheless, this high energy level wouldn’t be possible if I wasn’t always playing for such great crowds and fans. The whole atmosphere in the room, which you see especially in my YouTube sets, is extraordinary and makes people want to experience it”.

In a recent collaboration with ASY*S, Nicolas unleashed a 150BPM techno masterpiece, showcasing his collaborative spirit and reverence for dancefloor euphoria. Reflecting on the creative process, he shares insights into the genesis of “Reminiscence” and the exhilarating synergy between two musical pioneers.

“I was connected to A*S*Y*S aka Frank through a mutual friend. Frank is one of the pioneers of the scene and especially of the sound that I love. He was already active in the 90s and early 2000s and has shaped the scene to this day. It all comes full circle when I realize that I wanted to bring the sounds of that era back to life in my songs”.

But even with a clear purpose, production was not without its challenges:

“With our collaboration “Reminiscence” we wanted to create a dance-floor smash that could be played at any rave from small and intimate clubs to large halls. Of course, you can hear the iconic acid sounds of A*S*Y*S and some of my hard techno sounds, which you might hear again and again in future songs. Combining these two parts with a very epic breakdown was a challenge but I think we mastered it well”.

About working with the legend himself Nicolas Reflected.

“Working and making music with Frank is definitely a great experience. With all his knowledge he can of course teach you a lot and yet the sound we have created remains fresh and new. I’m really pleased that the song has been so well received and is being played a lot live”.

Nicolas’s fearless approach to genre blending is perhaps most evident in tracks like “Jump Dance Move Bounce,” where hardcore elements intertwine with techno sensibilities to create an electrifying landscape.

“I think it’s in my nature to take risks and try out different things,” he muses. “When we heard the vocal sample of that song, we knew that we could experiment in the hardcore direction without losing our sound. It reminded us a lot of the Dutch gabber rave vocals from the 90s and that’s where we took the inspiration from. Applying this vibe to a modern arrangement ensured that we very quickly ended up with the version that I wanted to test in the club”.

The track was a definite success on his Live sets in late 2023 so he chose to release it before the year ended and the decision was absolutely phenomenal with a crazy response on every platform. Still, he also assures that what’s coming will be blowing our minds in 2024.

“When it comes to sonic surprises in the future, you can certainly look forward to the release of “Bad Girls” this coming Friday (February 23, 2024). “Personally, I don’t think there’s another song in the BPM range that sounds like ‘Bad Girls’ at the moment”.

For Nicolas, the bond with his fans extends beyond the realm of music, transcending barriers to foster genuine connections. “Besides the quality of my songs and shows, a strong fan bond is the most important part of my career as an artist,” he asserts, emphasizing the organic evolution of fan relationships.

With a packed schedule of shows and releases on the horizon, Nicolas reveals what was his experience playing in Madrid, a place with a vibe thats totally different from Berlin.

“In my opinion, Berlin is the perfect starting point for a career in electronic music. We have so many cultures here, but also so many clubs and event locations. And everyone can be who they want to be. I think that’s what makes Berlin special. But last weekend I played in Madrid for the very first time and it was definitely a great experience. All the people were incredibly friendly and enthusiastic and welcomed me with open arms. That’s a very good feeling when you’re traveling to foreign places. The music in Spain is of course a bit different than in Berlin, but I think one of my strengths is presenting my sound to a new audience and taking them on a journey with me. In general, I would love to play all over the world and my team is currently working hard in the background on even more distant tour dates. Hopefully I’ll be able to announce more soon.”

From Berlin’s vibrant scene to international stages, Nicolas’s journey has been marked by cultural immersion and sonic exploration.

“Of course, I inform myself beforehand what kind of music and songs are popular in the country where I’m playing. Then I can also build in a few surprises into my set”.

As he looks towards the future, Nicolas remains committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic frontiers. With plans to incorporate visual elements into his shows and delve into experimental genres like grime, he sets the stage for a thrilling chapter of innovation and creativity.

“This year the absolute focus for me is to bring my sound, which I was able to show above all via social media, to the clubs and festivals of this world. That’s why I’m so happy that I can travel to so many countries and cities this year and I’m looking forward to every new place that comes along. I also want to work more and more with visual elements in my shows to give my audience the best experience. Of course, the best way to do this is with my own show concepts and I’m sure I’ll be able to announce even more to my fans over the course of the year."

About his music journey he expresses a year for exploration in the coming months.

"Musically, I’ve already said that I want to continue experimenting a lot with different genres. I could also imagine going a bit more in the direction of grime with breakbeats and incorporating this into my songs. But everyone can be sure that there will not be any slow and boring Nicolas Julian song”.

What strikes me most about Nicolas is his unwavering authenticity. In an industry often dominated by superficiality and ego, he remains refreshingly genuine, unafraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and share his innermost thoughts and feelings with the world. Whether he’s pouring his heart into a new track or connecting with fans after a show, there’s an openness and honesty to Nicolas that is both rare and refreshing.

As Editor of Mixmag Magazine, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Nicolas’s journey, from his early days as a rising star on the scene of to his current status as an international sensation. But no matter how far he travels or how high he climbs, he never loses sight of what truly matters: the music, the fans, and the unbreakable bond that binds them together.

In a world often fraught with chaos and uncertainty, Nicolas Julian is a a reminder that through music, we can find joy, connection, and meaning. So here’s to Nicolas, the architect of emotion, the genuine soul who continues to inspire us all with his artistry and passion.