Techno Doctor Nicolas Bougaïeff is a Berlin-based electronic producer and artist known for pushing the boundaries of sound, rhythm, and tempo. With a PhD in minimal techno, Bougaïeff bridges the worlds of rigorous theory and bold experimentation, merging academic precision with sonic innovation. 

His background — shaped by a multicultural upbringing and an academic career — deeply informs his approach to both music and life.
Born in Canada, Bougaïeff’s heritage spans Hungary, Poland, Russia, and France, and his early exposure to linguistics and diverse cultures shaped his worldview. “Learning a new language and integrating into new cultures felt normal to me,” he reflects, explaining his seamless transition to Berlin life in 2008, where he immersed himself in the city's techno scene.

For over a decade, Bougaïeff has explored the intersections between music, mathematics, and technology. His pioneering concepts, such as Pivot Mixing (a technique for tempo modulation in electronic music) and Prime Rhythms (polyrhythms based on prime number ratios), have challenged the traditional understandings of rhythm in electronic dance music. His work often incorporates bespoke tuning systems and experimental synthesis techniques, reflecting his deep engagement with modular hardware. This is further demonstrated in his collaborations with manufacturers like dadamachines and Five12.

As a performer, Bougaïeff has captivated audiences at iconic venues and festivals such as Berghain, fabric London, and MUTEK Montréal, blending intense club energy with avant-garde experimentation. His personal journey as an outsider—navigating Berlin’s techno scene as an immigrant—mirrors the integration of techniques typically foreign to dance music, resulting in a distinctive sound that challenges conventions. Beyond the dancefloor, his collaborations span visual artists, classical musicians, and technologists. Notably, Bougaïeff co-founded Liine, a music technology company with Richie Hawtin, which developed the Lemur app — famously used by astronaut Alexander Gerst on the International Space Station.

For Bougaïeff, music is both a technical craft and a vehicle for profound expression. His artistic journey spans diverse sonic landscapes, from early releases on labels like Trapez to his debut album The Upward Spiral (2020), which captured the industrial techno sound of the clubs he frequented. The album was followed by Higher Up The Spiral (2020), a remix compilation featuring Chris Liebing, Dusty Kid, and Introversion, highlighting his ever-evolving sound.

In his follow-up album Begin Within (2022), released on Mute, Bougaïeff ventured into new sonic territories, incorporating his voice as an instrument — a bold step in his ongoing exploration and redefinition of musical boundaries. In 2024, he released a series of EPs on NovaMute, further showcasing his signature approach to polytemporality by blending complex rhythms and tempos into a distinctive auditory experience.

"I see my music as an act of liberation," Bougaïeff states. "Liberation from within, from the boundaries of genre, and from constraints of thought. Problems are soluble. Everything will be okay."

Afterlife: an odyssey through the realm of consciousness.

Established in 2014, Emika founded her own imprint for self-releasing & the music of her friends.  Now includes Emika Records Studio in Schwarzwald, South Germany.  Sign up to the weekly newsletter Music With Meaning:
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For enquiries please contact info@jessekoolhaas.com
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De Nieuw is Amsterdam night club De School’s record label. It aims to capture the sound of the different rooms of the venue.

Thoughts & Moments mixtape out now ➡️ http://adysuleiman.lnk.to/thoughtsmoments

Connecting club culture to the wider world, on screen and irl through parties, film and video.

Chicago born, London-based Kate Simko is a classically trained composer and electronic music producer. For over a decade now, Kate has been affirming her status as one of dance music’s standout artists. Her catalogue includes releases on Get Physical, Hello?Repeat, Leftroom, No.19 and most recently, Sasha’s Last Night On Earth imprint.

While studying music at Northwestern University in Chicago, Kate began DJing on WNUR radio and taking jazz piano lessons, which inspired a shift to composing. Kate recorded her first album in Chile with Andres Bucci in 2002, and has since released three albums, various EPs, and film soundtracks.

A classically trained pianist with roots in Chicago house, her diversity as a musician is apparent throughout her productions. Whether remixing Philip Glass to Guy Gerber, or touring with interactive audio-visual live sets, she excels throughout. Named one of Chicago’s “Top 10 DJs” by XLR8R Magazine, Kate has performed at some of the world’s leading locations such as Panorama Bar, Warung, fabric, the Montreal Jazz Festival, Movement Festival, MUTEK, Eleven, Verboten, and Millennium Park. 

Now London-based, in 2014 Kate completed a masters in Composition for Screen at the Royal College of Music and launched her genre-bending project London Electronic Orchestra, which has performed at iTunes Festival, LEAF festival, Latitude Festival, the National Gallery, and Heart Ibiza.  

In fall 2015 Kate will release an  album with Tevo Howard on Last Night on Earth, and her debut London Electronic Orchestra EP on The Vinyl Factory.  Melodic, driving, jacking and funky, Kate’s distinctive sound continues to inspire dance floors across the globe.



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