Nora En Pure Interview

Celebrating the release of her latest 'Lake Arrowhead' EP this week, Swiss-based artist Nora En Pure brings her tropical-flavoured deep house sound to Egg London on Friday (April 29th), joining Jonas Blue - of 'Fast Car' fame.

We asked her some questions. She gave us some answers. It formed this interview. 

Find full info on Friday and buy tickets here.

Can you tell us a bit about your background. You're from South Africa, is that where you first go into electronic music?

“I am originally South African, but I grew up in Switzerland. I have always been into music, as I used to play lots of different instruments with my brothers. I never used to listen to electronic music, as I was big into rock, metal and classical music growing up. I got into making electronic music once I met some friends who had their own studios and I was truly blown away by how much freedom you have creating music electronically!”

When did you move to Zurich then? What's the club scene like there?

“I moved to Zurich when I was four years old! To be honest, I don’t tend to go out much in Zurich as when I am home all I want to do is spend time at home with my family and my dog! The music scene in Switzerland has definitely changed a lot over the past few years, and there are some really great events going on nowadays.”

What was your entry into production? The first track on your SoundCloud is the Spandau Ballet sampling 'Saltwalter' from four years ago. What were you doing before that?

“I believe my breakthrough track would be ‘Come With Me’ in 2013. Before that I was producing just for fun, because I was completing my degree in criminal psychology. Once I finished my studies, I allowed myself to actually give it a shot, and with the success of ‘Come With Me’ a lot more booking requests came in.”

You're part of a group called Helvetic Nerds. Who are they and what is your involvement?

“Yes, we are a group of Swiss based artists that have built up a couple of labels together for different genres. We all support each other and we get along like family! I went on tour with EDX, Croatia Squad and Antonio Giacca at the beginning of the year on a North American Bus Tour, as we are all part of the Helvetic Nerds. People asked me how we all managed to survive on a bus together for all those days – but it really flew by and we had a great time all together.”

'Saltwalter', like your newest track 'Zambia', has sampled sounds of nature in it. Is this a reflection of your up-bringing? Are you an outdoors person? Have you played many open-air parties and festivals and if so what have been some highlights?

“I would say so! I really like to bring elements of nature and wildlife into my tracks. Back in South Africa, I grew up so close to the African wilderness and I do miss it very much. As kids, my brothers and me spent most of our time out doors playing and exploring. I think my music definitely suits open-air parties, and I have played a fair share. A highlight for me was playing at the legendary Woodstock grounds for Mysteryland USA. Also, I played at a really cool open-air event in Dubai, a nice event in Holland called Pleinvrees, and I closed the 7 Up Stage at Ultra Music Festival Miami last year. So many great moments.”

Pete Tong premiered your new EP. Can you tell us a little more about that and what else you have coming up this year in terms of releases and shows?

“In terms of releases, I am focusing on the release of my ‘Lake Arrowhead’ EP. It’s been going down really well in my live and radio sets – so I hope everyone enjoys it! In terms of touring, I have lots of summer dates coming up including shows in Egypt, Japan, Singapore, Bali, Brazil, Denmark and France to name a few!”



You have a mix series called 'Purified' where people can discover your sound as a DJ. How would you describe what you look for in a track? Are there any other acts that you're following closely at the moment?

“When looking for tracks for Purified, it’s difficult to say what I look for because I tend to just listen to new releases or IDs (not looking for an artist's name) so just go with what I feel. If a track makes me feel something then I am likely to include it in the show. An act I follow closely is the Australian trio RÜFÜS – their music is exceptional, the most touching that I’ve come across these days!”