Jickow is back on the release radar, ringing in the new year with yet another mesmeric new offering; the two-track Nòstra Dòna De La Gàrdia EP. Returning after a highly fruitful 2022 packed with a slew of original productions, which included debut opuses for Family Piknik Music and BluFin Records, Jickow now readies himself for his Olympe Music imprint first record of the year, featuring a stunning remix courtesy of the legendary Nick Muir. Hitting the ground running in 2023, the Nòstra Dòna De La Gàrdia EP is out now across all streaming platforms.
The aptly titled imprint Olympe serves as an homage to Jickow’s hometown of Marseille, France, and aims to channel the authentic perspectives of both established and upcoming talents. Reflected in the EP’s title, the 2-tracker references Marseille’s Notre-Dame de la Garde, known to locals as Bonne Mère and written in the Provençal dialect as “Nòstra Dòna De La Gàrdia”.
Stream Jickow – Nòstra Dòna De La Gàrdia EP [Olympe Music]
Jickow’s latest original production kicks off with crisp, measured percussive elements, which provide an ethereal foundation through which he builds this haunting composition. Peaceful yet commanding, the cut grows with intensity, unveiling a web of menacing synth work and subtle bass tones. Atmospheric in its effect, the track infiltrates the ears, lulling the listener into a hypnotic daze and transporting them to a euphoric soundscape of melodic dynamism. A true reflection of Jickow’s signature sonic elements and unique production techniques, Nòstra Dòna De La Gàrdia embodies emotion, purity, and self-reflection. Blissfully intoxicating, the cut finds equal comfort within at-home listening spaces and main stages alike, serving as yet another stellar addition to Jickow and his label’s growing discography.
The legendary Nick Muir (Bedrock Records) steps up for remix duty on this stunning original record, giving us another sonic perspective on Jickow’s alluring synth work. Experimenting with his crisp percussive lines, Nick opts for a more swing-enthused rhythm, injected with subtle cosmic timbres and the occasional acid-infused intricacy. Approaching the break, we’re greeted with an anthemic trance-infused build, which pitch bends to an all-inclusive drop, marrying his elements for a rapturous final quarter.
About Jickow:
Hailing from the South of France, Jickow has become a fast-rising name within the dance music community, contributing heavily to the progression of the local scene in Marseille and Montpellier. Serving as a DJ, producer, art director and managing booking agent, Jickow exists in the heart of nightlife and has gone on to perform at some of the most influential clubs the world has to offer. From the excitement of Kater Holzig in Berlin to the heat of Rachdingue in Catalonia, through to the electric atmosphere of the Jesus Club in Saint Petersburg, Jickow’s melodic-driven strain of techno is beloved by all.
Making the move to Brussels, Belgium, the French native launched the Hedonism Party Crew; an event concept that has since blossomed into a staple within Brussels’ thriving club scene and extended its impact to Club Vaag in Antwerp and Rex Club in Paris. Inviting international artists like Oxia, Pleasurekraft, Olivier Huntemann, and Marc Houle, to name a few, the initiative has aided in building Jickow’s profile across the continent.
With a blossoming discography to match his other endeavors within the circuit, Jickow’s records have been chartered via leading labels such as BluFin Records, Family Piknik, Movements Recordings, Resopal Schallware (vinyl and digital), Natura Viva, Area Verde, Deep House Belgium and Beatfreak; appearances that have earned him support from some of the biggest names in electronic music such as Solomun, Sven Vath, Armin van Buuren, Ricardo Villalobos, Joris Voorn, Oxia, Pete Tong, Paul Oakenfold, Umek, Sasha, and Marco Carola.
I got the chance to hear this EP before it was released. I wasn’t familiar with Jickow, but was blown away by the sound. When I was done listening, I reached out and scheduled an interview to help promote it. Now that you know a little bit more about him ,and this EP, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Jickow.
techno is love
Tell me about your new EP Nòstra Dòna De La Gàrdia. Why only 2 tracks?
As a person born in Marseille, I have a strong connection to my hometown and regularly return there (I still have my season ticket to the Stade Vélodrome, which is 1,000 km from Brussels). During each visit, I make a “pilgrimage” to the Bonne Mère, an iconic symbol of the city. My creative process is closely tied to my environment and emotions. I am constantly humming or talking to myself, and the notes from the bass line are ones I was humming during one of my visits. For example, during one of my visits to Marseille, I was inspired by the notes from the bass line that I was humming and upon returning to Brussels, I began working on a song on the train. That is how that song was born.
Regarding the number of tracks, I have decided to release only singles on my label, and sometimes I invite a remixer if I believe that something magical can happen.
Speaking of your new EP, I love the album cover. Who designed that for you?
Laurent Wild is the mastermind behind all of my artworks. He’s been my long-time partner and friend, and has been creating all of my artwork, logos and graphic designs for as long as I can remember. He is incredibly talented and I believe that graphic artists do not get enough recognition for their work, so I wanted to take this opportunity to give Laurent the recognition he deserves. Thank you for asking about him.
How did you connect with Nick Muir? Digging his remix of the single.
Working with him was a true pleasure. We had not yet met before I asked him to remix the song, but we had both signed to similar labels in 2022, including Family Piknik and Krafted Records. When I decided to release the original song on my own label, I reached out to him for a remix. He immediately accepted because he loved the original and had a clear vision for his remix. Nick is an incredibly humble and down-to-earth individual, which is surprising given his talent and impressive career. He is an artist with a big heart, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to collaborate with him on this EP.
The EP is out on Olympe. Hey, that’s your label! With so many record labels out there, why did you start your own, and what sort of sounds can we expect from Olympe?
Liberty is key for me. I wanted to be independent from start to finish, even though I collaborated with many people for promotion and distribution. I want the freedom to collaborate with the artists I choose. I want to release tracks the way I believe they should be released. Even if they may lack technicality or aren’t suitable for the dancefloor, I want to share them as I intended.
It may seem selfish, but in my opinion, all artistic creations begin with a selfish desire to express oneself to the world. In retrospect, there are quite a few songs that I should have released on Olympe instead of signing them elsewhere.
You also work for Celas Consulting in your spare time! Tell me more about that and your work in cybersecurity.
It’s quite the opposite, actually. Music is my passion and I enjoy it in my free time, while cybersecurity takes up most of my days and nights (I worked full-time in music years ago, but I don’t think I want to do that again. I want to continue to enjoy the freedom of being able to say no). I have been working in IT for a long time, and over the past 6-7 years, I have transitioned more towards cybersecurity as I fell in love with the field. My focus is mainly on governance, risk, and compliance, and I enjoy simplifying cybersecurity concepts for the general public, so they can better understand the risks and how to mitigate them. I am also a speaker and had the opportunity to give a few conferences last year, including a TEDx.
What headphones are around your neck?
I have been a proud owner of the AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ headphones since 2017. Prior to that, I had been using the well-known Sennheiser HD 25 for a decade. I highly recommend the AIAIAI headphones as the sound quality is superior to that of the Sennheiser. Additionally, the headphones are fully customizable and come in a “kit” style, similar to IKEA. This means that if any piece becomes broken, you can simply replace that piece, and your headphones will work again.
Are you planning a tour this year? What about another EP perhaps an LP? I’d love to do another Q&A soon!
As a father and a cybersecurity professional, balancing my priorities is important to me. While I limited my gigs to a few last year, I am planning to perform more often during the next months. I’m excited to share my music with more audiences.
In addition, I have upcoming releases on labels such as Krafted, Kognitiv, and DEEP TALES, and I will also be releasing 4 EPs this year on Olympe. I definitely love your energy, Ricky, so this is a big YES! I’m open to another Q&A session with you in the future.
I know this was a short interview, but what else can you tell me about Jickow?
My guilty pleasure is rap battle (shout out to Rap Contender in France, WordUP! Battles in Québec and KOTD in the US), and my dream collaboration is with Jul, a French rapper, and producer from Marseille who is currently one of the best-selling rap artists in France
Thanks for doing this. That was fun, and this new EP is great. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Sausages.
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