Deep Grooves and Virtual Reality: A Conversation with Nicky Genesis

From vinyl-spinning at underground raves to pioneering virtual reality performances, Las Vegas-based DJ and producer Nicky Genesis has spent over 15 years crafting her unique blend of soulful, groovy house music. In this intimate conversation, she shares her journey through electronic music, discusses how she keeps classic tracks alive for modern dance floors, and reveals her vision for the future of virtual reality in live music experiences.

Your sound blends deep, groovy house with soulful elements. As a Las Vegas-based artist, how has the city’s dynamic nightlife scene influenced your musical evolution, and what drew you to electronic music initially?

I grew up infatuated with music and collected as much as I could. I loved so many genres; Rock, funk, folk, pop, metal, rap, R&B, reggae, and then ventured into electronic music. My intro to electronic dance music was when I entered the rave scene in the early 2000s. That’s when I bought turn tables and taught myself how to spin vinyl and DJ all the music that I loved so much. Raves were still very much an underground scene but I loved the raw energy, the universal connection and collective consciousness through the frequencies. I knew I found my calling. Being such a music enthusiast I knew through DJing, I could share my emotions, create an experience to share with like minded people through the music. so I’ve been collecting music, perfecting my craft, and performing all around the world ever since. Living in Las Vegas has been great to be in a place that offers such a wide variety of music and artists performing constantly. Pretty much all genres of musical performances are available to experience here and I love it. I am grateful to be able to take advantage of being able to see so many great musicians that perform here.

You’ve mentioned finding inspiration in classic tracks like Elvis’s “Jailhouse Rock” How do you approach reimagining these timeless pieces for modern dance floors while maintaining their essence?

I really love the idea of keeping oldies alive by infusing them into modern versions. Honoring the original while giving it a new twist. A majority of the younger generations don’t really know artists like Elvis or have really listened to his music. So by infusing samples and recording covers of classic songs and remixing them to create new tracks people will want to listen to again and dance to. It breathes a new life by inspiring new music as time goes on.  

With 15+ years of experience playing clubs and festivals worldwide, what’s been your most memorable festival experience, and how does that influence your approach to creating immersive experiences in the virtual space?

I have played countless sets over the years and have had so many incredible experiences. It’s always when the energy exchange between the DJ and the people is palpable. It’s really feeling that connection with each other. This set at Joshua Tree Music festival truly does stand out in my mind because of the amazing energy I felt there. Joshua Tree holds a special place in my heart. The energy portals are real. That night, I truly felt a unity with all the people there. It felt like everyone entered my spaceship and I was taking us all on a ride together. People got up dancing like crazy on the platforms all around me. The place was jumping and swinging. It was an absolute vibe. I live for energy like that. I will always remember that night and smile. The even greater part is, now I can relive it in VR thanks to PulseJet!  

Your recent collaboration with PulseJet brings virtual reality into the electronic music space. How do you see VR technology shaping the future of live electronic music Performances?

I really enjoyed collaborating with Pulse Jet. Being able to film a musical experience and then go back to watch it again in a virtual space was really amazing for me personally. It definitely opens up the possibilities of how we can experience entertainment and relive our favorite live performances and precious memories. As the technology continues to advance, we may be able to experience a live event in HD VR in real time with impeccable precision. I don’t believe it can replace the experience of being up close in real life and feeling the live energy. However,  being able to experience an incredible mind blowing set from your favorite artist live, and then to be able to go back and watch it again in your VR goggles and be teleported right back I think is pretty rad. 

Your recent Instagram post beautifully described music as a universal force that connects people on an “astral plane”; Could you elaborate on how this philosophy shapes your approach to production and performance?

Music is composed of frequencies and vibrations. Our bodies and minds also operate with frequencies and vibrations. When we listen to music, it resonates within our minds, bodies and souls. We can feel it inside us, even when words can’t describe the feeling. People can bond as if to be teleporting to another dimension when we are experiencing music together. Even if we don’t speak the same language we can love the same music, dance to it, smile to it, cry to it, and relate to each other. It’s powerful and healing on a spiritual level.  

Having released music on labels like Glo, Sony, Simplify, Nightbass, Confession, how has your production style evolved since your first release in 2011?

The world of music production is constantly evolving. New tools, new techniques. It’s unique for each producer to develop their own personal method that works for them. A lot of EDM producers use the same platform (Ableton) to produce, yet each of us does it a little bit differently. That’s the key to molding your signature sound and skills. I have learned so much over the years and am still learning as I continue to grow as a producer. Discovering new tricks, techniques, customizing sounds and effects. It’s always evolving. 

Your VJ sets create a unique visual experience alongside your music. What inspired you to incorporate visual elements into your performances, and how do you curate visuals that complement your sound?

I love creating an audio and visual experience with the sets. Incorporating a visual element really transcends the experience to tell a story. I love using sacred geometry and beautiful images in motion to elevate the energy of the music. I am creating my vault of custom visuals to play at my shows to bring a unique performance with every set.    

The influence of disco is evident in your groovy productions. Which disco era artists or tracks have most profoundly impacted your sound?

If there’s one thing about me is that I love funky, groovy music. Disco and Soul encapsulates an energy that is joyful, energizing and positive. To dance out your troubles and worries and be fully present with the music. On the dance floor we are all equal, safe and loved. I am very inspired by early Rock and Roll from the 50s, 60s, 70s. Soul, and rock & roll musicians like Little Richard, the “architect of Rock & Roll”! Instruments and organic elements spark a pure and organic energy in my spirit and I want to project that in my music. 

As both a DJ and producer, how do you balance creating music for home listening versus crafting tracks that will work on large festival systems?

The music I listen to at home is very different from the music I get into when I’m prepping for a performance set. When I’m at home I mostly listen to trip hop, downtempo, instrumental hip hop, or ambient melodic deep house, or really any wide variety of music depending on my mood. I can have it playing and enjoy it kinda subconsciously while still going about my daily tasks or work. It soothes my mind. On the other hand when I’m in my studio producing music to play at a club or festival, I go for the most intriguing, stimulating, “stop what you’re doing and dance right now” energy that I can. When I’m playing a club or festival set, my intention is to make you dance, sing, rock out, express yourself, and be fully present with the music and let it move you. 

Looking ahead, what new directions or experimental sounds are you excited to explore in your upcoming releases?

I have a lot of new music I’m working on. I have found a fun pocket of funky dancefloor bangers that are soulful and energetic. That has been the style of music I’ve been releasing lately and I’m loving it. It’s interesting for me because there are days I’ll want to make completely different music. Different genres, different styles than what I play at shows. I don’t feel that limiting your creativity is healthy for an artist. It’s important to express your art however you want without limitations. In the next upcoming years I am looking forward to exploring new depths of my creativity and releasing music that explores deeper layers of my artistic expression.

Connect with Nicky Genesis

Instagram @ Nicky Genesis 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nickygenesismusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nickygenesismusic/

TikTok: @nickygenesis

Joshua Tree Festival set: https://www.soundcloud.com/nickygenesis/joshua-tree-festival-set

https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2010030835

Check out PulseJet

PulseJet on Meta: https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/pulsejet/8962379510498367/

PulseJet on the Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pulsejet/id6504533651

PulseJet Website: https://www.pulsejetstudios.com/