If you’ve been following the electronic music scene in Europe over the past decade, Nicola Kazimir is likely a familiar name. He is best known as a cofounder of Les Points, a Swiss collective and label that has been further solidifying Zurich’s standing as a key electronic music hub since the early 2010s. Their first releases pushed the boundaries of minimal house by infusing it with a playful quirkiness, contributing to the rise of the emerging “digger” scene represented by figures like Nicolas Lutz and Binh. But rather than stopping there, Nicola and his accomplices Audino, Louh, and Barbir chose to reinvent themselves with each new record, incorporating elements from their wide range of influences—from black metal to video game music—even at the risk of unsettling some of their early fans.

“Music is the bouncer.” This quote, borrowed from Underground Resistance, is one of Kazimir’s favorites, which he embraces as a true ethos for his entire career. Beyond its artistic dimension, music and everything surrounding it (album covers, track titles, distribution mechanics) also serve as a true political medium for Nicola. This approach led him to open Mikro in 2015, a hybrid space between art gallery and club located in the former premises of the Zurich University of the Arts. This off-space, open 24/7, is a response to the sectarian and elitist nature of clubs and art galleries that claim to be “open to all” while enforcing strict exclusionary policies, either directly or indirectly. Over the years, Mikro has become an essential part of Zurich’s cultural scene, combining exhibitions of emerging contemporary artists, rave parties with icons such as Mad Mike, and exclusive showcases devoted to electronic music acts like Drexciya and SP23.

Nicola Kazimir is mainly driven by an enduring love for electronic music, both for its sound and its cultural significance. Always searching for new ways to express this passion, his latest project is a manga titled Freq, created in collaboration with Italian illustrator Good News For Bad Guys and legendary Japanese scriptwriter Dai Sato. The first volume, which directly references the history of electronic music in different ways, is finally available after two years of intensive work.

In the following interview, we dive deep into Nicola’s mind and life, from his childhood memories playing on his brother’s Super Nintendo to his teenage excursions in Zurich’s after-parties and his career as an international DJ. We explore a variety of themes along the way, including the parallels between DJing and art curation, the dynamics of music production, and the creative potential of artificial intelligence.

Most incredible record found in Cut A Kaos's basement

Favorite track from Goblin Synth EP

Tracks that illustrate the Drexciya and SP23 exhibitions at Mikro

Best soundtrack for Freq

Track that best represents what Mikro is about

Diadem (La Voyage Remix)

DRIFT Session 005 - NUNO&STAN

NUNO&STAN bring a playful, likable energy to the decks, always keeping things fun and never too serious. Known for their bouncy, groovy basslines and creative twists on familiar tunes, they make every set a journey of discovery and nostalgia. Whether delivering intense, floor-shaking rhythms or setting the mood for a joyful, groovy afternoon, the two know how to adapt to any crowd. Their sound is designed to make you move and leave you with memories, blending infectious beats with melodies that linger long after the last track. From sunset vibes to peak-time madness, their sets are all about unforgettable music and good vibes.

Stan discovered his passion for DJing during his time living in Bali, where he played funky, groovy tunes in various venues like Disco Pizza Palace and more, creating uplifting vibes for the crowd. When he moved back to Zurich, he continued to spread his feel-good energy in places like Seebad Enge, always driven by his desire to make people feel good through music.

Nuno started his musical journey in another duo, «medøefso», with a focus on Italo Disco and Trance. Through his work with the Schwing und Stampf label, he had the opportunity to play at venues like Neubad Klub and Kaffeekind in Lucerne, as well as the Schwing und Stampf festival. He still is engaged with the Schwing und Stampf Label alongside DRIFT which we've been helping to grow since day one. Together, we've been fortunate enough to play at amazing venues like Gerold’s Garten, Hive, Giesserei, Stall Valär (Davos), Stenna Club (Flims), Kiosk (Lucerne) and we can’t wait for what’s next.

Mixed by @nunoandstan

Instagram: nunoandstan
SoundCloud: @nunoandstan

DRIFT Session 005 - NUNO&STAN

After individual musical journeys as DJs, event organizers, and live acts, Andreas and Reto have united as Feature Complete. In their initial studio sessions, they're now blending their diverse musical influences into a cohesive sound.

The fruit of this collaboration is the "Trinity" EP, a perfect fit for Sirion Records.

Soul Lemon, the second track, immediately invites you to dance and immerse yourself with its warm kicks, solid basslines, and catchy synth lines. Kellerkind's remix elevates the original to a maintime level with its tribal framework and slightly darker synth elements.

The title track, Trinity, is more driving. While the bassline gently massages your stomach, the various virtuoso synth elements animate your arms and encourage uninhibited dancing. In contrast, Britta Arnold's interpretation of Trinity is more hypnotic, mysterious, and mythical.

Trinity

Focal Point

Feature Complete - Focal Point (Original Mix)

Soul Lemon

Feature Complete - Soul Lemon (Original Mix)

Feature Complete - Soul Lemon (Kellerkind Remix)

La Voyage is a French House trio formed by Patrick Capece (@opierm), Philip Stojakovic (@guvnorfunk_music) & Lee Smith (@luv4loop) formed in tribute to French House duo Vanguard!

WELCOME TO DRIFT, WHERE EVERY EVENT TELLS A STORY.

Born from a passion for music, dance, and creating extraordinary experiences, DRIFT is not just an event; it's a pulsating heartbeat in the rhythm of the city.

Next Events:
26.04 Micas garten
07.06 Gerolds Garten
05.07 Fischerstube

DJs (a-z):
Anotherseb
Cris Caprez
Laura Stern
Nuno&Stan
Sebb.
Tima
Yotakhi

Sirion Records is a Swiss music label based in Berne and Zurich, founded in 2004.
To start with Sirion primarily and continuously created DJ mixes and presented them on local radio stations as well as on international internet radio stations to the greater music community. Among others, their program "The Trip" on the American online radio "Frisky Radio" (www.friskyradio.com), which has been aired monthly well over a hundred times. 
In the hometown of Berne Sirion has been regularly organizing parties since 2004, where congenials come together to celebrate music. 

The focus has been increasingly aimed on the ultimate goal: publishing music on the label Sirion Records. Since Spring 2007, numerous digital releases have found their way into the electronic music world. Sirion can list wide interest and a benevolent recognition by now. The growing awareness benefits both the label as well as the artists who publish on Sirion. The basic idea of a local platform brings with it the claim to be able to provide a strong base. Promoting local artists and connecting them with internationally renowned artists, always leads to exciting projects.

Since Fall 2009 Sirions publications resp SR020 are partially available as tangible records. Despite the hard times for the industry, the risky step was taken and music got pressed on vinyl. Expressing the love for the vinyl record and as appreciation of emerging music.
With the project of SR030 Kellerkind "Disco On The Dancefloor" in the spring of 2012, the first complete album including CD and video production was published. This project is without question an important milestone in the history of Sirion because there has never been a more intense or more successful one before.

In addition to publications Sirion operates their FM and online radio show "The Trip" and regularly hosts successful party events in the area of  Berne.
Their platform allows local music creators to connect with international musicians, challenges and encourages their creativity and leads all in a lively debate into a marketable product. The publication and marketing of these products has already born many fruits and added to new horizons.
Since the year 2013, a further step in the music industry is done, Sirion Records now also acts as publishing company under the name Noiris publishing.

Early Reflections is an electronic music platform launched in 2023 and based in Paris, France.

Through a collection of mixes, interviews and reviews, our goal is to bridge the gap between the past and the present across the entire spectrum of electronic music.

For any enquiries: filip.earlyreflections@gmail.com

https://early-reflections.com

New tracks tagged #zurich