We’re delighted to have Nonduality with us today for a special interview focused on his life outside of music. Known for his innovative sounds and creative productions, Nonduality also has a rich array of hobbies and interests that fuel his inspiration and keep him grounded; in this interview, we dive into his passions, routines, and personal experiences that shape the artist behind the music. From video games and record collecting to favorite travel spots and his beloved pet, join us as we explore the world of Nonduality beyond the beats.
Hi Nonduality, how are you?
Doing well! Just finished out a DJ gig that I was preparing a lot for, so I’m getting in as much production as I possibly can. Thanks for having me!
Can you tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of music? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My two passions have always been music and video games. My studiomate Cordele (a.k.a. Hawt Coco) and his partner, Chiara, have been coming over all the time to play couch co-op indie games at my place. We just beat Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, and now we’re playing Towerfall. Couch co-op has been one of my primary joys for as long as I can remember — I’m super grateful that I met Cordele and Chiara and have people to play with.
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue their passions, whether in music or another field?
The most important thing is to find a community. Having friends in your creative field is a game-changer for so many reasons: new information, things to do, connections you wouldn’t have made otherwise, plain old fun — the list goes on, and it can’t be overstated.
Looking back, the quantum leaps in my music career have all been marked by meeting new people. Meeting Cordele led to us renting a studio together. Meeting my studiomate Dylan (a.k.a. Chirop) has led to all sorts of collaborations and mixing/mastering expertise. I met each of them through platforms like meetup.com and Vampr. I’d strongly recommend those kinds of platforms to anyone looking to deepen their creative practice.
How do you stay active and healthy? Are there any sports or physical activities you particularly enjoy?
I love walking! Berlin is very pedestrian-friendly, and the public transportation is great. I end up walking everywhere — picking up groceries, going to clubs, getting to the studio. It may sound like a cop-out, but it really adds up! I love how cheap and reliable it is, too: no need to worry about transit schedules or traffic.
Do you collect anything? If so, what do you collect and why did you start?
I have a debilitating record-collecting problem. It started with two specific EPs: Logo Queen by So Inagawa and Live Slow by Ron Blanco & TRP. Back in the day, they were both vinyl-only. I didn’t have a record player at the time, but I knew I needed those two EPs in my DJ arsenal. That was about 6 or 7 years ago, and I haven’t stopped collecting since.
Can you describe a typical day in your life when you’re not working on music? What does your daily routine look like?
If I’m not doing music during the day, I’ll usually be hanging out with my partner Nikole or my studiomates. Sometimes Cordele comes over for video games. Dylan and I have also been recording some vinyl mixes to upload to our new YouTube channel, Ambience Companions. In the evenings, Nikole and I cook and then watch a show together. I’m way behind on popular TV, so she just showed me Boardwalk Empire and Mad Men for the first time. Highly recommend those ones!
Do you have any hidden talents or skills that your fans might not know about?
I’m actually a bit of a fiend at Dance Dance Revolution. When I was 12, I got obsessed with it and played all the time. I’ve still got some skills, and I stop to play whenever I see a machine. There are some serious bangers on the various DDR soundtracks. If you’ve heard Paranoia 180, you know what I’m talking about.
What kind of food do you love to cook or eat?
Nikole and I are foodies, so we love going to restaurants to treat ourselves. I like spicy food and generally can’t get enough of it in Berlin. Lots of food here is “Germany spicy,” meaning barely spicy at all. There are a few places that have the real deal, though. There’s a Thai place here called Tossakan that has a pad kaprao, I would eat every day if I could.
Do you have any pets?
Yes! I have the cutest dog in the world. His name is Potato, and he’s the first dog I’ve ever had. He’s a 7kg Miniature Schnauzer and Yorkshire Terrier mix. Nikole convinced me we should get him two years ago, and I’m never going back to being dog-less. I love soaking up his spontaneous joy and having a reason to get out of the house so often.
Finally, what are some of your favourite travel destinations, and where is next on your bucket list?
I’ve always loved Croatia. I went there once for Hideout festival and once with Nikole and Potato for a vacation. It’s beautiful, and most of the beaches are dog-friendly. I also loved Malta, and of course, visiting my family in northern California.
As for the future, Nikole and I are going to find a nice place by the beach and have an incredibly static and relaxing vacation in August. Probably somewhere in Spain or France!
We thank Nonduality, for giving us a glimpse into his life outside of music, showing how his passions and interests play a significant role in shaping his creative journey. We appreciate him sharing his personal experiences and insights with us, we wish him the best of luck with his future projects and endeavors, both in and out of the studio. Make sure to follow him across social media to remain updated on his latest news.
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