AWAKENINGS NYC, the visually dynamic techno event that’s set to take place on Valentine’s Day at the Hammerstein Ballroom, has just announced that “Queen of Techno,” Nicole Moudaber, will perform alongside another industry heavy-hitter, Victor Calderone, for back-to-back sets.
The inaugural EDM spectacular marks the first stand alone production for the AWAKENINGS brand in North America, which comes as a highly-anticipated follow-up to the event’s showcase, produced by founder Rocco Veenboer, at Electric Zoo 2015. Moudaber joins other confirmed, back-to-back line-ups on Feb. 14 by Adam Beyer B2B Ida Engberg, Julia Govor B2B Kamran Sadeghi and Pan Pot.
2015 was a big year for Moudaber, who finished with lauded remixes for Pan-Pot, Carlo Lio, and landed big bookings in North American. Her weekly radio show, InTheMOOD, is now also broadcast to over 64 FM stations worldwide. BlackBook hunted Moudaber down at her recent New Year’s Eve week set at Output, where she played from open to close.
“I long to do these long sets, especially at Output,” she said. “I like to build a story for eight hours; it allows me to grow and open up both musically and creatively sharing what I love in all styles of music I’m into. Once I’m locked with everyone, we all transform and get transported.”
Output, with its honest mission to feature the best techno and underground talent, resonates well with Moudaber.
“Me, you and the music,” she said. “Their policy works for me—no distractions. The sound system is incredible, as well as the crowd that comes to see me there. They’re clued up musically; they get every meaning of every single record I play. Output is made for the people who appreciate the music. There’s no show off, no rent boys or escorts with bottle serviced table, this is the complete opposite.”
Rent boys notwithstanding, at Awakenings NYC 2016, fans can expect a more intense experience in terms of scope and scale, considering the production values of previous European incarnations. The event is slated to feature unparalleled light shows, sound systems, and special effects, making full use of the Hammerstein Ballroom’s vaulted 75 foot ceilings until 6 a.m. That signature “dark, powerful and mysterious” atmosphere that Moudaber attributes to Output’s magnetism will certainly be felt.
When asked what her biggest achievements were—professionally and personally—in 2015, she surprised us.
“Personally, I just passed my racing license,” she said. “I can officially be on the circuits now, I just need to train. In fact, I’m heading to test the new Porsche. I also learned to control myself a little bit more, I’m very fiery.”
It’s that fire that her fans crave in her dense, deep techno.
“Festival and club appearances were a highlight, as well,” Moudaber admitted of her triumphs in 2015. “I’m feeling so much love out there.”