Who is Nicole Moudaber?
A Nigerian-born, London-based DJ, producer, and electronic music artist who has earned global recognition for her deep, dark, and atmospheric techno sound. A prominent figure in the electronic music scene, she first garnered attention with her single “Moudaber” in the early 2010s, a track that defined her unique style. Known for her electrifying live performances, Nicole blends moody, driving beats with emotive, melodic elements, captivating large audiences at major festivals such as Tomorrowland, Awakenings, and Ultra Music Festival. Beyond her performing career, she founded her own label, MOOD, in 2013, which allows her to further explore her vision of techno. Nicole is also the host of the “In the MOOD” radio show, where she showcases her latest tracks and features special guest appearances. With her ability to adapt and innovate, she remains a respected and influential figure in the world of techno.
During an intimate interview aboard Groove Cruise, Nicole Moudaber, the British-Nigerian techno powerhouse, shared personal stories, musical philosophies, and surprising moments that highlight her journey as an artist.
A Heartfelt Encounter at Sea
When asked about a memorable experience on the cruise, Moudaber’s face lit up as she recounted a touching moment from just the day before. “This couple came up to me and said, ‘Oh my God, we came on this cruise just to hear you because we met on a dance floor where you were playing.’ They got engaged, married, and now they’re here to see me again,” she recalled with genuine warmth. “That made my cruise. It made my day.”
The Art of Reading the Crowd
Diving into her creative process, Moudaber explained how she crafts her sets with instinct rather than rigid preparation. “I choose the style for the set, whether it’s techno or tech house, and from there, I gather my selection. But I never program what I’m going to play. I go with my gut feeling, follow the crowd’s energy, and improvise,” she said. “For me, that’s what DJing is all about.”
While some DJs rely on pre-set playlists, Moudaber thrives on spontaneity. She even expressed surprise over the trend of using software like Rekordbox to play tracks in chronological order, stating, “It defeats the purpose of digging in and finding the right record for that exact moment.”
Mentors and Musical Evolution
Reflecting on her influences, Moudaber named Carl Cox and Danny Tenaglia as key mentors, describing them as “the pioneers, the dinosaurs who started the scene.” Despite her techno roots, her musical taste is diverse. When she’s not performing, she gravitates towards chill-out and ambient sounds to unwind. “It relaxes me and helps me disconnect, especially when I’m traveling. Being on a ship with no emails, no Zoom calls, just music and downtime, is a blessing,” she shared.
Behind the Booth: The Hidden Grind
Moudaber shed light on the lesser-seen side of being a DJ. “People don’t realize how much work goes into every show. It’s not just weekends—it’s 24/7. There’s planning, meetings, strategizing releases, events, merch launches, and constant travel,” she explained. “We spend 70% of our time traveling, often with no sleep, just to play for a few hours.”
Switching Gears: Drum and Bass Dreams
When asked which genre she’d love to explore, Moudaber surprised us with her answer: drum and bass. “I grew up in London with that sound. It’s been making a comeback in the U.S., and I’d love to play a drum and bass set one day,” she said, citing Sub Focus as a favorite producer.
Racing and Relaxation
Beyond music, Moudaber has a passion for racing. “If I wasn’t a DJ, I’d be a racer,” she revealed. She even holds a professional racing license and competes twice a year. When not behind the decks or the wheel, she enjoys water skiing, diving, and perfecting the “art of doing nothing”—basking in the sun and fully unwinding.
What’s Next for Nicole Moudaber?
Looking ahead, Moudaber is excited about several upcoming projects. She’s collaborating with industry giants like Jamie Jones, Space 92, and trance legend Armin van Buuren. Additionally, she’s launching a new tech house label, Mood Collective, to complement her renowned Mood imprint. “Expect incredible releases, including tracks from R², Sierva Francis, and even Fisher,” she teased.
For Moudaber, music isn’t just a career; it’s a lifelong passion. Whether she’s behind the decks, racing cars, or simply soaking up the sun, she embodies the spirit of fearless creativity and authentic connection.
Follow Her Socials:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nicolemoudaber/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/officialnicolemoudaber
X:https://x.com/NicoleMoudaber?mx=2
Soundcloud:https://soundcloud.com/nicolemoudaber
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6QtTBTtf4Ih6hekHechkuw