Ibiza-based music producer and DJ Words of Niō delivers his highly anticipated Beside The Fire EP including Patrice Bäumel Remix on Hernán Cattáneo’s label Sudbeat. 

Words of Niō has made a name for himself with releases on some of the reputable labels including Get Physical, Renaissance, and Borders of Light to name a few. In the past his tracks have been supported by the likes of Denis Horvat, Elif, Fideles, Zamna Soundsystem, and more. 

We sat down with Words of Niō to talk about the making of his upcoming ‘Beside The Fire’ EP, his event series in Ibiza, inspiration, and more. 

WWD: Thanks for joining us today. What has been your highlight this past summer? 

Thanks for having me, a big fan of WWD, so glad to be here. The highlight would be seeing the result of hard work and dedication coming to fruition, trusting the process even when in doubt so I could reap what I sow like my Beside the fire EP,  as well as our event series Garden Of Niō & LA TIPI.

WWD: Congratulations on the release of your upcoming ‘Beside The Fire’ EP on Sudbeat. What was your inspiration behind this record? 

Thank you, signing with Sudbeat was unexpected and magical at the same time.  Many great artists have released on the label so I’m glad to be part of the family. My inspiration? My intuition, trusting that inner voice and not letting fear and conditioning overshadow it, telling myself do as you feel, forget the labels, forget the trends and just manifest.

WWD: This project includes Patrice Bäumel on remix duties. How did you meet? Could you share how this remix came to fruition? 

Yes, it is a fantastic remix, Patrice always delivers, plus he has been such an influence on my music! I’m just happy to have one of the most talented and kind heart artists I have ever known being part of my journey, and getting to know him at a deeper human level just makes it all even better.

How did we meet? I rarely send my music out to anyone and 2 years ago I listened to that inner voice which said  “Send your music to Patrice…” so I did, I sent him the tracks which I had saved in a folder called Patrice Bäumel Music. He listened to them, liked them and started playing them all around the globe, which paved the way for him to connect with them at a deeper level.

The Remix and Sudbeat release came into fruition during Patrice’s and Hernan’s 12 hour b2b at Stereo Montreal, where Patrice played both tracks and caught the attention of Hernan and that’s where it all started. It was a surreal situation, having 2 artists that I admire and respect being so supportive of my music was nothing short of welcoming and the whole team at Sudbeat Graziano and John made the whole process a lovely experience.  

WWD: How did you first get into music production & DJing?

I’ve been playing music since I was 16 years old, I played and toured in Indie rock bands which paved the way to music production. In 2013 I decided to quit music as a whole after getting all our gear stolen on tour. Then 2 years later my youngest blood brother Ernesto aka Silent Duality introduced me to some great music which helped me find the inspiration to start producing and Djing and never looked back. 

WWD: What are some of your favorite instruments and plugins that define your sound?

I always loved rhythm, drums and grooves, so drums and piano would be my favorite instruments and plugins? ummhh, I would say, Arturias synth bundle and soundtoys for effects. 

WWD: Based in Ibiza, what has been your experience of the local underground scene?

Ibiza is such a melting pot, with so many great DJs, artists and venues, all in different pockets around the island. I love winters in Ibiza. It gives us the opportunity to find many of these collectives and pockets, build tribes and communities and be part of some really fantastic events. 

WWD: What has been your experience running your own events on the island? 

It’s relatively a new endeavor which is still in its early days but is getting traction based on the fact that it is intimate, tribe and community driven. We have been able to create a container of deeper connection, a space of healing through dancing, magical decoration, and a space for your inner child to shine in a magical setting. It really is a group effort with my girlfriend Sabrina, and good friends Iara, Mario and a collective of other beautiful co-creators. 

WWD: Can you share some musical influences that you believe shaped your taste in music? 

Sure, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Laurent Garnier, Underworld, Gustavo Cerati, LTJ Bukem, Patrice Baumel, Bjork and Damian Lazarus to name a few. 

WWD: How do you define success? Is it about numbers, or is there more to it? 

Do I feel happy with who I am? Where am I and where am I going? Am I inspiring others or making a difference in other people’s lives? Are my kids saying “My dad is the best dad in the whole world?” If the answer is yes, that’s success to me. 

WWD: What can we expect from Words of Niō in the near future? 

New music, new events, touring collaborations with my dear friend Gam3 from India and creating pathways to help children that have gone through any type of abuse. I want to be involved, I want to make a difference in people’s and children’s lives. 

WWD: Last but not at least, is there a message that you would like to share with the world? 

Don’t get so caught up in the validation and approval of others as it only fractures your own self worth! Remember that you’re whole, you are complete as you are. Also, please get involved in children’s lives, they are the future, and by healing our children we are healing our future. 

WWD: Beautiful words. Thanks for the chat! 

‘Beside The Fire’ EP is available here