Nadav Dagon: Interview for “White G” EP Premiere

Nadav Dagon is a musician and producer of electronic music who gives a dynamic LIVE techno set, playing only with his drums and a set of samplers, creating an endless playground filled with deep sounds and a delicious bass. His new release – the “White G” on his imprint “Drumtek” will land on September 5th and we talked to him about the release, his plans and the general approach to music.

Hey Nadav, how is it going? Enjoying the summer ?

I’m good thanks, yes the summer here is pure fun – a good reason to get out of the studio.

Are you a summer or winter person? Which do you prefer? How do the seasons affect the music you make and play?

Definitely a summer person, I get my inspiration from being outside and spending quality time in nature…
All year round I play at the amazing clubs and bars of Tel- Aviv, but summer is perfect to play outdoor in beautiful locations with happy people and a lot of sweat 🙂
When i’m touring, it’s always a privilege for me to go and play in a warm place.

You live outside the urban mess of Tel Aviv. How did you get to play at the clubs in the city?

I grew up in the wild nature (mount Carmel). my first album is based on the sounds, textures and influences from this environment. and at the same time I was playing live electronic music all around with full bands (ZO13, ONOGANA and more…).
So I got to know most of the live-show-bars and festivals around.
When i started my own project last year, the switch to Tel Aviv’s incredible clubs was natural and fast. At first I played at familiar places and then offers started to come.
A Few months later I enjoyed the best view: from the stage, to the perfect dance floors of Tel Aviv clubs.

You have a new EP coming on your new label Drumtek Records. What can you tell us about it ?

This EP contains 2 of my sensitive and conscious tracks. It was recorded live in my studio (WAVOS studio) and I produced it together with the talented producer Eitan Reiter.
I also cooperated with two inspiring vocalists : Ortal Pelleg for “Give It No Name” and Daniella Tourgeman for “White G”, they brought the tracks to life.
I really love the unique sound of the EP and the connection between the dominant rhythms and the textures of the deep sounds in it.

What gear do you use in the studio? What hardware and software tools do you prefer and why?

My basic setup is: a lot of drums and percussions blocking the entrance to my control room 🙂
I record all my electronic rhythms by playing live on 2 Roland SPDSX. I do that because i love the feeling of live-rhythm better than the machines.
Then, my synth sounds come mostly from a vintage Roland Juno 106 and I also use Roland Gaia for LFO madness and some sweeps.
In my music you’ll also here many Dave Smith’s instruments (pro 2, prophet, mopho) and sounds of the legendary Micro Korg. It was always easier to me to work with “Keyboard Synths” because it’s much more intuitive and fun.
For packing all of it i’m using Ableton Live- and also use it’s tools.

You state that you play 100% live , What does it mean?

I literally play my music live on stage.
I’m actually hitting the electronic pads for every sound you hear- from kicks to melodic lines.
There is no arrangement running along my set,sometimes i’m using the samplers to “help” me with some bassline, pad or vocal, but i try to keep it real.

What do you think about Tel Aviv Techno/House scene in general?

I was touring a lot with my music and visited many capitals of electronic music, but Tel Aviv is still my favorite.
People here really know how to party. This passionate city is so small and never sleeps – you can just hang out all night in different clubs and bars, each of which has it’s own electronic style. And without even searching for it, you can easily find yourself in 3 or 4 crazy parties in one night.
I always love to see the look on the faces of international artists, when he/she meets the Israeli crowd for the first time.
it’s always love at first sight.