Artist Spotlight: NES

Nestled in the vibrant Miami music scene is a rising DJ known as NES - meaning miracle in Hebrew. Born Noah Reines, this 22-year-old Cuban American Jew is making waves in the world of electronic and house music. NES's journey into this enchanting realm began at Ultra Music Festival in 2017, where the hypnotic beats of house music first captured his attention. Needless to say, after that day, house music was the only thing on his mind for months. Inspired by tracks like "Hey Pablo" by Anti Up, NES embarked on a musical odyssey that led him on his journey to become a talented DJ and producer. The EDM community's culture resonated with him, and the fact that some of his friends were DJs inspired him to give it a try. He purchased his first DJ set the summer after graduating high school. We now fast forward to last week where he opened up for one of his inspirations, Chris Lake, who is half of Anti Up.

Music & Money had the chance to speak with NES, and we're excited to share his story, as well as his insights for up-and-coming DJs and those starting out in the industry.

Unique Musical Identity: 

As a rising artist, what do you believe distinguishes your music from the rest in the EDM/house music landscape? 

What makes my music unique is that it has a sound that really grabs people in each track. During my years as a DJ, I've dived deep into various styles and flavors of house music. In college, I was out, spinning almost every night at different spots, and eventually, I got the chance to open for pretty much every big-name house DJ who rolled into town. Playing for diverse audiences so frequently taught me to get a feel for what people liked and what works and what doesn't. Now, I can easily spot which tracks will or won't vibe with different club scenes and audiences. It's all about reading the room and giving the crowd what they want.

Overcoming Challenges: 

Breaking into the music industry can be quite the challenge. What strategies and approaches have you adopted to carve your niche and grow your fanbase as an emerging talent?

Breaking into the music industry is truly a hard task. Just having DJing talent will only get you so far. Ultimately, it comes down to how popular your music becomes. That's why, in recent months, I've shifted my focus towards music production. What's helped me thrive personally in this industry is my consistency in playing great music, my skills as a DJ, and most importantly, building strong relationships with the people who book me. I'm optimistic that in the months ahead, my music will open doors to new horizons.

Career Milestones:

Reflecting on your journey, are there any pivotal moments or achievements that have contributed significantly to your current recognition and buzz in the electronic music scene?

I don't think there have been any particular standout moments or achievements that have created strong recognition for me. What sets me apart is the consistent grind I've put in over the last few years. I've had the privilege of regularly performing at some of the most renowned venues in my college town and supporting nearly every major artist out there. Not many artists or DJs my age can claim to have done what I have. Through this extensive experience of playing in front of diverse audiences, I've been able to hone my skills and build confidence. It's reached a point where those who book me know they can count on me to deliver my best performance every time.

Collaborative Ventures: 

Have you had the chance to collaborate with artists or producers recently? How have these collaborations influenced your musical evolution? Are there any dream collaborations you aspire to in the future? If you could play b2b with any DJ in the world who would it be?

Since I've been focusing more on producing music than DJing, one exciting aspect of that shift has been collaborating with other artists. Social media has made it incredibly easy to connect with talented musicians from all around the world both locally and internationally. I've been actively reaching out and teaming up with as many artists as possible because each one brings a fresh perspective and something unique to the table. It's a thrilling experience to adapt and evolve a song by incorporating multiple takes and perspectives on a song.

If I were to pick a dream collaboration, it would have to be with artists like Chris Lake or Pawsa. I'm a huge fan of their modern approach to tech house, and working with them would be a dream come true. And in terms of a dream b2b performance, I'd absolutely choose to share the stage with Pawsa or Michael Bibi. Their passion for music and the incredible energy they bring to their performances would make it an unforgettable experience for both us and the audience.

Creative Process Insights: 

Can you provide some glimpses into your creative process? How do you approach the creation of new tracks and where do you find inspiration for your music?

I don't follow a strict formula when I'm in the creative zone. I typically start with a sound that grabs my attention and build from there. Given my exposure to diverse house music styles, I can move forward quickly in the direction I believe works best. I often enjoy incorporating familiar sounds that people know and add a modern twist to cater to the current preferences of audiences at venues.

Guidance for Aspiring Artists: 

Drawing from your own experiences, what advice would you offer to fellow aspiring EDM artists who aspire to make a mark in the industry?

I'd say the most crucial advice I can offer is to cultivate lasting, solid relationships with those who have the confidence to book you for any gig. Everyone starts somewhere, so build on what you have. Another piece of valuable advice is to maintain consistency in your musical skills while constantly exploring new sounds. Being able to adapt your sets for different types of crowds is key to success in this industry.

Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors: 

Are there any upcoming projects, releases, or exciting collaborations on the horizon that your fans can eagerly anticipate in the near future? What do you aspire to do as you grow and progress as a DJ and producer?

As I keep working on my own music, my plan is to release it more frequently. I currently have several collaborations in progress, so I'm aiming to share some of these projects with you before the year's end. I actually just dropped my opening set from last Friday’s Chris lake concert so be sure to check it out on youtube. As I continue on my journey, I aspire to make a transition into the underground house scene as time goes on. It's where I truly want to be, so you can definitely expect to find me there in the near future.

Be sure to check out NES latest hit Bang Bang and keep a look out for numerous new releases coming in the next few months!

Click Here to watch NES’ opening set for Chris Lake!

Click Here to follow NES’ journey through his music and social media platforms!

Instagram: @thedjnes

Tik Tok: @thedjnes

Youtube: @thedjnes

Snapchat: @noah.nes

Spotify: @NES

Soundcloud: @NES

Apple Music: @NES