Photo credit: Jacob Zaoutis
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Berlin-based producer and live act Nils Hoffmann releases his latest single “Lonely” and will be launching his new Phenomena project with its first EP to be released July 28 on Anjunadeep.
In this new single, Nils collaborates with talented British singer-songwriter Rae Morris, who is known for her previous work with Lane 8 on the track “No Fun” and acclaimed by Clash, NME, and The Guardian. Nils pairs Rae Morris’ heartfelt vocals with warm synths characteristic to his sound, creating a pop-influenced summer anthem.
The Phenomena EP series is a new ongoing project for Nils to release music that feels fitting for the present moment.
“There’s so much beautiful music that I’m excited to share with you in the future,” said Nils, “which leads me to my new Phenomena releases. While working towards my next album, there are some tracks that I just couldn’t wait to release. Maybe the inspiration felt too current to save, or the tunes felt appropriate for the season, this project will give me a running series to keep things fresh.”
Nils described his inspiration behind the single, saying, “‘Lonely’ features a beautiful vocal from Rae Morris. I made this for my live sets, and it was inspired by the highs and lows of my first headline tour this past winter. Going from the euphoria of performing to sleepless nights in hotels around the world is quite an experience, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
Nils’ latest single follows the release of his highly praised album A Radiant Sign, which has amassed over 20m streams and radio support on BBC Radio 1, SiriusXM Chill, KCRW, and more. The album reached #1 on iTunes Dance and was championed by the likes of Maceo Plex, Joris Voorn, and Eelke Kleijn, to name a few.
This summer, Nils is embarking on an extensive tour with over 30 shows across Europe and the USA. His performances include renowned events such as Tomorrowland, Above & Beyond Group Therapy Weekender at The Gorge Amphitheatre, and Anjunadeep Open Air at The Brooklyn Mirage.
Upcoming tour dates:
- Jul 15th – Medival Play (Lauchröden, DE)
- Jul 16th – Exit (Würzburg, DE)
- Jul 21st – Tomorrowland (Boom, Belgium)
- Jul 23rd – Above & Beyond Group Therapy Weekender (George, Washington)
- Jul 27th – Commonwealth (Las Vegas, NV)
- Jul 28th – Chvrch of John (Edmonton, AB)
- Jul 29th – Sub Rosa – (Calgary, AB)
- Aug 4th – The Office (Nashville, TN)
- Aug 5th – Primary Nightclub (Chicago, IL)
- Aug 11th – Bauhaus (Houston, TX)
- Aug 12th – Village Studios (Vancouver, BC)
- Aug 19th – Echelon Open Air (Bad Aibling, DE)
For more information about Nils Hoffmann, go to:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube
I’ve been following and writing about Nils for a long time. When he released “Lonely”, it was time to dive down the rabbit hole and learn more about this German producer. I just love his sound, and he has been producing some amazing tracks. Have you heard “Breathing” yet? It has 52 million Spotify streams… Not many more than his same remix of Ben Bohmer’s “Moments”. This interview was fun for me and it is my pleasure to introduce you to Nils Hoffmann.
Digging your new single “Lonely” featuring Rae Morris. Tell me more about that release and your experience working with Rae.
Rae and I had a virtual session last autumn, and we both were excited about the direction of the song, so we decided to work further on the track while I was in London for a few days before my show at Printworks London last December. We met in her beautiful studio in London and recorded a few more takes and the verses. Afterwards, I finished the song while I was on my North America tour.
You are on an impressive tour this summer. You’re all over the world, really! What are some of the shows you’re most looking forward to?
I think The Brooklyn Mirage, Tomorrowland, and The Gorge Amphitheatre. These are shows that are at iconic venues or festivals that I can’t wait to play. I’m looking forward to all of my shows, but these events feel to me like milestones. There is always something in the air that tells you that it’s going to be a special night. I’ve felt a glimpse of that already at my gig at Printworks.
“Lonely” follows the release of your album A Radiant Sign. Tell me more about that album and the 13 songs on that release.
The album was made in a transitional time and always reminded me to look on the brighter side of things while your surroundings are changing.
You also released A Radiant Sign (Remixed). How did that come about? And do these DJs reach out to you or are you working alongside them on the remixes?
I have been following all of the artists for a good amount of time, and then we wanted to compile a package that was diverse and that took the songs in a new direction. I’m very happy about the turnout, and let’s see what the future brings.
I’m not a DJ, but I’m partial to Bose. What headphones are around your neck?
I’m playing with in-ears from Shure, to make sure I’m playing to tight while my live show and to protect my ears from hearing damage.
I’ve not seen you live… Yet. What can fans expect from a live performance? And do you get nervous on stage playing in front of such big crowds?
I’m always nervous since ten years, and it won’t go away in the future I guess but it’s also a part that keeps playing shows exciting to me. I play a mixture of my biggest songs and some new unreleased ones that I might release in the future. I’m playing a part of each song live on my midi keyboard and the sample pad.
A Radiant Sign reached #1 on iTunes Dance. That’s great, man. What does that sort of support mean to you and the music you are creating?
It’s crazy. We’ve surpassed Drake’s album to get there. I can only say that I’m thankful to have so many great supportive fans.
What is your songwriting process like? For example, when you wrote “Lonely”, did you sit down and write the lyrics, or do they just come to you over time?
It’s always different. It can start with an instrumental, a topline, or completely from scratch in a session. For “Lonely”, I sent an instrumental to Rae, and then we finished the vocal together in person after she sent a rough sketch. Then I took the song with me on tour and finished it during my off time. Usually I write the lyrics together with the singer, but that’s also not always the case. Sometimes a towline is perfect, and there’s no reason to touch it anymore. It should always serve the song, if that makes sense.
What is the Phenomena EP series?
The Phenomena EP series is an ongoing EP series where I release music that is not part of an album project but I feel like releasing.
Who inspires you? Who are you listening to when not working on your own music?
Many things. It can be travel, shows, or other people’s music. At the moment I like to listen to Fred again.. a lot, but in general I’m listening to music that is quite close to my lane like Rüfüs Du Sol, Bicep or Ólafur Arnalds.
We have good friends in Berlin. Have been over to see them a few times, too! What are some of your favorite places to see a show in Die Hauptstadt? Any good restaurant recommendations for our next trip across the pond?
So I’m living in Charlottenburg, which is probably my favourite area in Berlin together with Mitte. My favorite dish is sushi, so I can recommend this place called The Catch Berlin a lot.
Besides the tour, what’s next for Nils Hoffmann? I know you just released an album, but we are already eager for your next one!
Working on a lot of new music. I feel very inspired to write my new album at that moment.
