NOTD - Interview
Having just eclipsed 1 Billion streams on Spotify alone and 1,5 Billion on all platforms, NOTD have continued their roll out of successful single releases in 2020. The global hit “I Don’t Know Why” with Astrid S kicked off this run, amassing nearly 50 million streams to date. They then teamed up with Nina Nesbitt for “Cry Dancing,” which has generated over 10 million streams and counting, and most recently, they joined forces with Boy In Space for “Therapy”, and remixed Zoe Wees’ hit ballad “Control.” Last year, NOTD had the most played track on US Dance Radio with the RIAA gold-selling “So Close” featuring Georgia Ku and reached platinum status in the U.S. on their 2018 smash, “I Wanna Know” [feat. Bea Miller].
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
We both grew up playing instruments – I (Sam) have played the guitar since I was a kid, and Tobi played some piano and drums early on. Tobi also picked up the guitar when he was 14-15, so we were definitely into music from a young age. When electronic music started getting more and more popular around the world and before we knew each other, we individually started to idolize producers and DJs who were making music in computers and that’s how we both got into producing – trying to make music like the artists we loved.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Avicii will always be our #1 inspiration. He’s one of those artists that got us into producing, even though our music today doesn’t sound so much like what he was making at the time that we connected with him so deeply. Today, we’re inspired by bands like The 1975 that blend organic and electronic elements. That would be the dream collab for us.
3. Tell me about your creative process when you make music, do you have a particular routine or do you just write/create when the feeling takes you?
We got our start remixing other artists, and up until recently, the process of starting with an already existing vocal and creating a new world around it had been our go to, even as we transitioned into our own original music. Lately, we’ve started doing more writing sessions ourselves because we want to develop and grow – to be a part of our records from start to finish.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Our sound is definitely evolving, but we think it will always fall into the genre of pop-dance. We hope to make music that people want listen to both in their bedrooms and at the nightclub.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as artists?
That’s a hard one. We’ll never forget playing our first show as support on the Zedd tour in America. That was a crazy feeling since he is also one of our big inspirations.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Make as much music as possible and put it out on as many platforms as possible – you never know who will find it or where it will take you.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
We’re loving a few up and coming artists including Nightly, Chiiild, Gavin Haley, and Koda who are making amazing music.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
The new Dominic Fike album “What Could Possibly Go Wrong” is definitely on repeat.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
When the weather is nice out we love to skateboard, but it’s getting really cold here in Sweden so that’s becoming less pleasant (haha). We also love playing video games which is a great winter hobby.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when you’re in the studio?
We can’t live without our guitars (Fender Stratocaster’s), our favourite mic (Neumann U87) and most importantly Red Bull.
Words - Ed Lindsay