Today we are with NygmV (pronunc. nɪɡma). Venezuelan DJ and producer, born in Caracas, grew up in San Antonio de los altos, currently resides in Chicago, United States. I hope you enjoy this interview full of flow and melodies to the beat of rap.
Astrid: When did your interest in music begin?
Nygmv: My interest, although it sounds cliché, started at an early age, growing up in pt. fixed, falcón, there was a turntable and my first vinyls were Juan Corazon, Poppy and the soundtrack of The Ninja Turtles 2, then later I discovered the vinyl collection that my dad left before migrating (U.S.A, born in Trinidad and Tobago) and made trips to record stores to buy CDs. But I would say that my interest began fully at 20.
Astrid: What is Hip hop for you?
Nygmv: Hip hop as a definition I think it should be known without entering into diatribes and redundancy and without being purist, but for me, it is a conglomerate of artistic expressions (visual, audiovisual, oral, musical, etc.) product of living in contemporary times and with social ramifications, entertainment, politics, among others.
Astrid: What was the first artist or crew you did fusion with?
Nygmv: My first fusion was when I joined an alternative band from San Antonio de los Altos called “La Cuestión “, back then I rapped more than now since I focus more on the dj and production part. Then a crew of graffiti artists JMC (multichromatic jihad) that although we did not remain very active the link was maintained. From there I have collaborated and been affiliated with crews and artists mostly from the Venezuelan, Mexican, Colombian and US scenes.
Astrid: Do you have any upcoming projects that you want to share with us?
Nygmv: Projects (very soon), finally I will be releasing a beattape (instrumentals) entitled Nyctophilia, very personal and that has cost me to share for tragic events and that in turn are the conceptual engine of album. Many collaborations with Venezuelan artists: iceod, 3m5, cesn, ghetto 357, among others and from Chicago: svnto pecvdo (holy sin). More tours and touches in the Chicago area, videos and more.
Astrid: What is the experience of continuing to work outside your native country like?
Nygmv: The experience, although stressful and full of doubts, has been rewarding and full of learning. Representing your town and country in this country where there is so much competition and a gigantic industry, in another language generates obstacles but nevertheless the reception has been good and even more so with the great migratory waves that unfortunately exist. As they say, for better or worse, no one is a prophet in his land.
Astrid: Do you have an artist who will influence you?
Nygmv: Oops of artists who influence me too many. Both friends first of all, as artists have and continue to influence me, there are many to name.
Astrid: What kind of tools does a turntablist use?
Nygmv: A turntablist should use a pair of turntables and a mixer, vinyl and the absence of a sync button (laughs). It is the essential, from there to use any modern digital dj controller. In short, every turntable player as a good dj more than anything should know how to use any equipment that is put in front of him, read the audience and have good ear and musical selection. In other contexts such as a tour, for example, other skills and type of equipment are needed depending on the type of DJ. In this case a turntablist.
Astrid: Do you think your expressive medium can make a social impact?
Nygmv: Absolutely. In fact, historically, the dj or turntablista is linked to hip hop as an element and its development derives as a result of the social, political and racial tension in NY in the 70s and 80s. Imparting knowledge of music and DJ can help low-income youth stay busy and perhaps profit from what may at first be considered a hobby.
Astrid: Do you also rap (sing)?
Nygmv: Well I don’t sing (laughs), but if I rap, I’m actually having a rapper renaissance right now. Two songs in collaboration with Iceod and Lebrasco respectively. And as for that, I find it easier to rap in English than in Spanish.
Astrid: Would you do this for the rest of your life?
Nygmv: Apparently that’s what I’m doing (laughs). I have been in the music world for approximately 15 years. I am currently 37 years old, and I continue to do so, because everything indicates that it will be.
Many thanks to Nygmv for allowing me to talk today with the sovre his wonderful work, I invite you to follow him on his social networks.
Social media:
Instagram: @_nygmv_
Facebook: Nygmv YouTube: _nygmv_Spotify: _nygmv
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