Nightwave QnA: "See others as an inspiration, not competition."
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Hypnotic Groove returns to the Tooth and Claw this Saturday, and this time the club night features special guest DJ Nightwave. The Slovenia-born, Glasgow-based DJ and producer – aka Maya Medvesek – has had rave reviews over the years for her mixes and music. Kyle Walker caught up with her to get the lowdown on what we can expect from her first Highland visit
Are you looking forward to playing Hypnotic Groove next Saturday? How did this gig come about? And have you ever been up in the Highlands before?
I’ve not been up in the Highlands before so I’m very excited about this gig, heard so many good things about Hypnotic Groove and the Tooth and Claw. I did a mix for them a while ago and it’ll be great to meet the team in person.
So what’s your history in music – what got you involved in dance and electronic music? What inspired you to start creating your own music?
I’ve been DJing since I was 15 and I guess my ‘proper’ production path started about 10 years ago, that’s when I fully committed to learning skills and making it my profession. My dad is a musician and he was also a DJ in the 90s so he was my first influence and I was first introduced to club music through the rave scene back in Slovenia where I’m from. We had a very good and thriving techno scene that gave me a great starting point and taught me a lot.
You released the Sanctuary EP earlier this year – Pitchfork noted that the title track pointed “to a style of her own making”. How would you define that style yourself?
It’s just me exploring everything I love – from Detroit to Chicago to old rave tunes, new hybrid bass music, experimental elements, grime...I make so many types of music but currently focusing on dance music as that’s what I play and only have so much time to work on production with all my travelling.
With the teaching and guidance you offer, I’d love to know what the best bit of advice you’ve been given in music was?
Some of the best advice was to sit on my music for a while and not rush into things, this is a common rookie mistake. Take time to grow and work on your tracks and get feedback from peers. It’s also important not to compare yourself to anyone – you are on your own path and that’s all that matters. See others as an inspiration, not competition.
You’ve brought your music to venues and festivals and clubs across the world – what has been your best gig? What has been your weirdest?
Oh gosh, plenty of weird gigs. Played in an old Victorian toilet once which was odd! Best gigs would be Sonar Barcelona and Tokyo, Movement and Kelvingrove Gallery.
What can the Hypnotic Groove crowd expect from you on Saturday night?
A proper old techno workout, dress to sweat!
With the new EP out, what plans do you have for the rest of 2018?
I have more music ready to be released that I’m very excited about, some big remixes waiting to come out...apart from that more gigs and parties!
Nightwave plays Hypnotic Groove at the Tooth and Claw on Saturday night. Doors 8.30pm, and tickets cost £9.
