A CONVERSATION WITH PARRA FOR CUVA
Parra for Cuva, is Berlin-based artist Nicolas Demuth (b.1991), who’s gained international reputation as an accomplished producer of electronic music characterized by depth racking up millions of streams on tracks such as his wildly popular "Wicked Games" cover. Today we talk to him on his latest album, Belle de Nuit, and his return to his roots as a pianist.
Indulging in his relentless fascination for sound and harmony, Nicolas commenced his quest for music at a very young age. Starting with classical piano and taking stops in Jazz, and Indie music, the young artist soon developed a strong passion for electronic music that inspired his move to Berlin!
Tell us about your greatest inspirations or influences for the EP Belle de Nuit, please.
My piano teachers from my early days have been my greatest influences. I consider myself lucky to have had dedicated teachers who never pressured me and allowed me to play what I enjoyed. After learning the basics of piano playing, I discovered composers like Yann Tiersen, Einaudi, Debussy, Michael Nyman, and others who have continued to influence me. Even now, I still enjoy playing and composing music in their style.
We’d love to hear more about your creative musical process. How were the compositions for this EP born?
My second piano teacher taught me improvisation, showing me how to generate and develop ideas into arrangements. Typically, I prefer a calm state of mind when writing a piano song, and boredom can actually help me focus for extended periods of time on a single idea. However, the creative process can be different and sometimes a glass of wine or beer can make ideas flow more easily. In fact, "Belle de Nuit" was written like this.
How are the current trends in technology and innovation affecting your work as a creative?
When it comes to my creative process, I find technology to be an invaluable tool in generating ideas. In particular, I've found that recording my piano requires specific equipment and software to capture the rich, nuanced sound accurately. After sampling each note into my computer, I can play my personal home piano on a digital piano or laptop from virtually anywhere. This flexibility has transformed the way I approach music composition and production, providing me with endless opportunities to explore my craft.
What most excites you about your latest release?
The upcoming release of my piano music is particularly thrilling for me because it represents a significant departure from my usual electronic music. Electronic music, with its complex arrangements and varied vibes, is where I've focused most of my creative energy thus far. However, piano music features only a single instrument, creating an intimate and vulnerable atmosphere that is quite different.
What does well-being mean to you?
To me, well-being is synonymous with happiness. I find happiness with the people around me and spending my time with what I love most.
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