Born in Iran but deeply embedded in the Canadian dance music scene, Nostalgix embodies versatility as a DJ, producer, and writer. Infusing her music with a spirited charm and old school flair, characterized by booming basslines and vibrant beats, she is featured on prominent labels like Night Bass and Confession. Embracing a persona reminiscent of the ’90s ‘It Girl’, Nostalgix champions a positive atmosphere within dance music. Her energetic sound has graced esteemed stages worldwide, including EDC Las Vegas and HARD Summer, cementing her status as a formidable presence in the EDM realm.
Ahead of her Ultra Music Festival debut, EDMHouseNetwork contributor Andrea Simon had the opportunity to chat with Nostalgix about her introduction to raving, career progression, and more.
How did you get your start in music? How did you decide that you wanted to become a DJ and producer?
I fell in love with electronic music in 2016. At the time, I was very sheltered. I didn’t go to parties or know about raves or EDM or anything like that. One day, one of my friends was like “Hey, Hardwell is playing at this rave for Halloween. Do you want to go?” So, I snuck out of the house that night. And the rest is history.
Anyways, I went to this rave, and it was at this huge colosseum type place, so it was a proper rave with amazing production and lasers and everything. I remember just being there and thinking, “wow… what is this?” It was like I had discovered a whole different world. I had never seen anything like this before. Everyone around me was wearing the craziest outfits and trading kandi. Everyone just looked so happy. I remember being in the crowd that night and feeling how amazing the energy was. Instantly, I became obsessed with the culture and with dance music and wanted to completely immerse myself in it.
After that, I decided to spend a year saving up all of my money, and just traveled around the world by myself going to as many festivals and shows as I could. I went to Tomorrowland, I went to Ultra, it was insane. One of the shows I went to was Dr. Fresch- and I got this crazy idea in my head after seeing his set that I wanted to learn how to become a DJ.
Shortly after, I started my first year of university for film production at University of British Columbia (UBC). I wanted to become a director. However, it was my first week of school when I had the idea that I wanted to become a DJ. I decided I just wanted to do it for fun, and didn’t have any goals set or anything. I was so stubborn about it actually- I didn’t even want to call myself a DJ. I just loved this music and wanted to learn everything about it. So, I went out and bought a mixer and started teaching myself in my dorm room. I practiced all the time and would send out mixes to local promoters. I decided my goal would be to do just one show, and then I would stop.
When I first started making music, I wasn’t good. I had no idea what I was doing. I was 17 years old and had never even been to a nightclub before to see a DJ set there. But, I kept practicing, and I kept getting rejected. Eventually, somebody bought it and gave me the opportunity. After I played that show, it just snowballed from there. I was getting more and more opportunities and spent the next year djing around Vancouver- my hometown. I played a bunch of clubs in the area and started to become known in the local scene. From there, I was inspired to create more music. I wanted to go all in. After a year of djing, I dropped out of school and decided to pursue music production full-time. And, I haven’t looked back since.
What was your first show like?
It was actually at a bar on my campus at UBC. It was like this underground bar for students with a tiny little stage. I wasn’t even supposed to be playing that night, but I got a call from them that their DJ was sick and they needed me to be there in an hour. I didn’t even think twice about it. I just said yes and ran across campus to get my mixer. It was raining that night too- I was wearing shorts- but I didn’t even care. I was just so excited. I really had no idea what I was doing, like I actually opened the set with the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song. It was such a cool and memorable night.
So, your original goal was to do just one show. How did your mindset change from wanting to do one show to wanting to DJ professionally?
When I first started, I just didn’t believe in myself at the time. I couldn’t see myself actually being a DJ. I thought DJs were like Martin Garrix, Alesso, or Steve Aoki. Not me. But, once I started making music, I realized how fun it was. That’s when I told myself that I would do just one show. Naturally, that one show just kept leading me to more opportunities. I would never say no either. I was having so much fun that I just wanted to keep becoming better and better.
Were you into music growing up?
Since I was a kid, I’ve always been a very artistic person. I always had a very deep connection with music, and have always been obsessed with creating things. By the time I was nine years old, I really wanted to be in a band. I wanted to be a drummer, and I also wanted to learn guitar. I would get my parents to put me into music lessons so I could learn. At one point in elementary school, we had a talent show that you had to try out for. I actually didn’t make it. Because I was so young, I kind of thought that maybe the music thing just wasn’t for me. But, that didn’t stop me.
Let’s talk about where you are today. Has there been a pivotal moment in your career? Like a moment you felt that would change everything?
I mean, my first show is a good place to start. That moment kind of turned on the switch for me, because that’s when I realized that making music was something I could do. Since then, my
career has felt like a very steady climb. It’s been a natural progression really. If I had to pinpoint another moment though, I would say it was performing at the EDC Las Vegas Opening Ceremony last year. I had been touring before then, but this was my biggest opportunity to date. After that set, I noticed everything was moving faster. I was getting more shows, I was getting better placements at festivals, and more people were listening to my music and supporting. I really think that performance is really what pushed me to the next level.
Do you have any new music or collabs coming up that you can talk about?
I’ve really been trying to wrap things up in time for Ultra. I can’t share too much at the moment, but I am very excited to share the progression of my style and sound post EP. I’ve really been pouring my heart and soul into my art and I’m exciting to see where my story continues from here.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I’m going to say Miley Cyrus. I grew up listening to her and I really like that woman has raised me. She’s so lovely. There are a lot of incredible artists out there that it would be crazy to make music with, but I think Miley would really be a dream.
To wrap things up, what is one piece of advice you would like to leave us with? What is your advice to people trying to get started in the industry?
Honestly, just put your head down and focus on the art. Focus on your craft and really hone in on developing your skills, because that’s the thing that matters more than anything else. I know there are a lot of different things being said these days about what you should and shouldn’t be doing as an artist- but there is no right way. There’s no correct sound or style. The best thing you can do is focus on making it happen for you, and don’t feed into any of those distractions.
Stream her latest EP below.
