Nicolaas Black’s European background includes exposure to opera and classical at a young age, but it was the industrial explosion of the ’90s that led him to Electronic music. Enamored with the creative palette of groups like Front 242, NIN, 808 State, and Ministry, Black learned to mix vinyl records and, though not yet a DJ, the progression to a dancefloor aesthetic seemed inevitable.
As Nicolaas Black gradually discovered older sounds, a deep love for Soul, Jazz, Disco, Reggae, and Dub emerged. This new sonic injection resulted in an obsession with House music, leading him on a 6 year sojourn developing his musical sensibility in Chicago. He discovered Trax Studio, bought a Mac, sharpened his production chops and was fortunate to observe some of the seminal pioneers of House music working in the studio. He assisted sessions at Slang Music Group with Ron Carroll, Paul Johnson, Frankie Knuckles, Joe Smooth, Craig Loftus, and Vince Lawrence among others. Later, he worked as an office manager and assistant for Mark Picchiotti at his label, Blueplate Records.
After the heavy Chicago winters, a move to the West Coast was in order where he began freelancing as an engineer, audio editor, composer, and mixer. Countless parties, raves, festivals, DJ gigs, and sessions later, he is still based in LA and remains committed to impromptu surf sessions as well as long analog nights in the studio. Currently producing and performing as both Nicolaas Black and Closer Orbit, his music spans the breadth of the Dance music spectrum. Not limiting himself to the dancefloor, he prides himself in always growing as an artist, creating many other genres and even songwriting are also in his wheelhouse.
Nicolaas brings this same passion to his writing. Having freelanced previously for Space Cadet, Electronic Groove, XLR8R, and The Glass Eye, Black brings his childlike excitement for music and Techno to Dirty Epic, promising to always champion talent. He brings the energy of not only an experienced professional, but also of a rabid fan.
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