“If used correctly, music can really bring change and shift society,” states NOCUI about the role of music in an age where technology constantly shapes our reality. The Italian-born and Berlin-based artist, DJ, and producer unveils his debut album ‘Italian Robot,’ with an introspective yet universal take on the societal relationship with technology overlayed over electronic-infused, atmospheric sounds.
NOCUI’s goal for ‘Italian Robot’ is to introduce a common ground for crucial conversations as he develops the actuality of the dominance and normalcy of individualism and isolation. Through his ever-evolving sounds, NOCUI desires to bring people together.
Trained in classical piano, it was when he heard Nicolas Jaar’s ‘Space Is Only Noise,’ that NOCUI fell in love with electronic music and began his journey with sound design. On ‘Italian Robot,’ his fans can enjoy his vocals as he overcomes his fear and shares a new side of his musicality.
For Noctis, NOCUI opens up about his record label, Shapeless Culture, with a strong belief in artists thriving on freedom. Feeling creative and bubbly, NOCUI says as we start our chat, “Electricity feels on the tip of my fingers!”
How did you come up with your stage name NOCUI, what does it mean?
“NOCUI” is old Italian, a word that was not included in the language IOS update of the last century. It means “lack of innocence or purity,” and it perfectly reflects my musical philosophy. My sound is not “innocent” because it’s always evolving, never fixed or complete, and it falls short of fully expressing my aspirations.
I strive to convey truth through my music—a truth that is universal, all-encompassing, and ultimate. However, the act of expressing it is inherently imperfect, as no artistic effort can fully embody such a vast and infinite concept. This gap between the ultimate truth and my human attempts to reach it is what gives NOCUI its meaning in my work.
Congratulations, your debut album ‘Italian Robot’ is out now. Could you elaborate on what inspired you to commit to the concept?
Thank you! The inspiration came from my desire to create a common ground for addressing crucial conversations. These include our relationship with technology, the delegation of our agency to AI, the rapid growth of data-driven social engineering techniques, and the psychological challenges that stem from our ambiguous relationship with technology.
How did it feel to step out from behind the decks and perform using your own vocals?
Very liberating, I feel like I’m on a new musical journey now. I’m very glad to have surpassed my fear of showing this part of my musicality.
‘Italian Robot’ touches upon themes of excitement and alienation living in a technology dominated world. When did you start to feel the disconnect even though we’re living in a world that’s connected more than ever?
It’s all an apparent connection, purely instrumental to third-party interests (companies, institutions, etc.). There’s no secret here—I’m just speaking common sense. We are social animals and have been for thousands of years, yet this is the first time in history that individualism and isolation have become so normalized. I felt disconnected from the world when I repeatedly had to leave my friends, family, and loved ones behind, only to plug my brain back in front of a screen.
In your opinion, what is the role of music in an age where technology constantly shapes our reality?
Ambivalent. It can be an opportunity to generate awareness or simply serve the machine. One thing is sure, nothing like music has the power to bring people together, and that’s a unique opportunity and power. If used correctly, it can really bring change and shift society.
Your goal is to create music that enriches people’s lives and provides a deeply fulfilling musical experience. What do you feel when you listen back to your music, let’s say after you finish a track, what emotions take over?
I feel a mix of excitement and restlessness! Completing a track is thrilling because I’ve poured so much of myself into it, but it also comes with a sense of vulnerability. I’m always hopeful that someone out there will connect with it and share in the passion that drives me. At the same time, I can’t help but feel a bit of fear—the fear of shouting into the void and not finding a new home for my music. Once a track is finished, it’s no longer just mine; it needs to go out into the world because my heart has already let go of it.
You musical journey started with a classical piano training. Do you remember what song or artist opened the door to your love for electronic music?
Absolutely! The album that got me into electronic music was Nicolas Jaar’s “Space Is Only Noise”. Brilliant record at the time, and really inspiring for a newcomer to electronic music.
After that, you discovered your passion for sound design. What were some skills you had to develop to start experimenting?
Honestly, I had to learn how the machines actually worked and how sound is shaped—basically all the technical, sometimes boring stuff. But those skills are only developed through a hands-on approach, diving in, and having fun with it—like a kid experimenting and exploring.
It’s been so long since I started that I don’t even remember the journey. I know it started with Ableton, friends into abandoned buildings doing art, lots of curiosity, lots of terrible ideas, and most importantly FUN.
What made you want to study neuroscience all the way in Boston?
I chickened out from studying just Music, and felt like after being trained all my life it was a bit redundant. I went for my second passion, “The Mind”. I was indecisive between Philosophy and Neuroscience, but picked the latter in the end.
What was the biggest driving force behind your move to Berlin?
My dad’s advice. I didn’t want to live anymore in the US, and he suggested that I try out Berlin considering my love for electronic music. Great advice! I loved it, and I wish I could thank him for it.
For anyone who’s never been to Berlin, what does the city offer that you won’t be able to find anywhere else?
It’s entirely a vibe thing. There’s nothing specific. I could say Art, Culture, History, Clubs, etc… but it would be limiting. It’s a vibe to be here and the freedom of expression that comes with it is just priceless and unique to this city.
Could you please introduce us to Shapeless Culture and explain what it stands for?
Shapeless Culture is my cherished, genre-fluid record label. After years of working with other labels, I often felt the counterproductive and creatively stifling effects of the rigid aesthetic expectations they imposed on both me and their artists. I firmly believe that artists thrive on freedom—there’s no room for predictability in art. If you want that, there are plenty of vanilla businesses out there.
That’s why I created this label—not only to set myself free, but to give other artists the same liberty. I don’t believe that promotional strategies should compromise the music or define it. Once a groundbreaking piece of music is created, the next step is simply figuring out how to share it with the world.
On top of that, we’re living in a shapeless culture. I wanted to build a label that reflects this fluid, ever-evolving environment—one that resonates with the times we’re in.
Thinking ahead, what are you currently manifesting?
Many many things in the making! There’s a deluxe version of my record in the making, a collaborative EP with my dear friend Xpresso Martina, and possibly another album. Yes, I’m restless.
Follow NOCUI On Instagram
Words: Karolina Kramplova