“This is a track that truly represents our combined vision” No Parachute interview

The Sonic Discoveries EP brings together some of Scorpios new artists and residents onto one record, one that takes listeners on a journey across different soundscapes, moods and tones, simultaneously transcendent and dancefloor friendly.

Blending multi-lingual storytelling inspired by good vibe manifestations, pulsating percussion, ancient Arabic qanun melodies, earth inspired sounds and introspective atmospheres to encourage inner journeys, this is a record that celebrates the diversity of the Scorpios sound.

Ghenwa Nemnom, Giovanny and Yura Aparicio, Diass and No Parachute come together to bring a diverse blend of influences and sounds, each lovingly distinct, yet distinctly Scorpios.

With the release out now, we caught up with No Parachute to discuss their track on the EP, METANOIA, and find out more about this exciting musical duo.

Can you share the story behind the formation of No Parachute? How did you both come together as a duo?

Six years ago, No Parachute was born when Livia landed a gig in Mauritius at a summer festival. Invited spontaneously by the promoter to play back-to-back on stage, the electrifying reaction from the crowd convinced us to give it a shot. Despite our differing styles—Valentin’s warm grooves infused with ethnic and Afro vibes and Livia’s energetic melodic techno—the blend harmonized seamlessly. No Parachute embodies the union of love and music, a story of passion fused into one captivating journey.

Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

Our music is shaped by a diverse range of influences in electronic music, particularly Afro House and melodic techno. Black Coffee’s fusion of traditional African rhythms with deep house, Stephan Bodzin’s emotive compositions, Culoe De Song’s cultural richness, and Tale of Us’s cinematic approach have all contributed to our sound. Integrating elements from traditional African music further enriches our Afro House productions, creating a unique blend that resonates emotionally and physically with our listeners.

Can you walk us through your creative process when working on new music?

Creating music as No Parachute is an adventure blending our inspirations and shared experiences. Our process begins with unexpected sparks of inspiration, like the vibrant rhythms of Dubai’s bustling streets, which fuel new beats and melodies. We capture raw ideas in our DAW, experiment with traditional African drums and electronic beats to craft an organic groove, then spend hours refining emotive melodies and harmonies. Structuring the song’s arrangement to take listeners on a journey, we focus on sound design, mixing, and seeking feedback from trusted peers. Finally, mastering gives the track its polish before preparing for release, where sharing our music and connecting with fans is the most rewarding part of our journey.

Your music blends ethnic sounds with electronic beats. How do you achieve this fusion, and what inspires it?

We achieve the fusion of ethnic sounds and electronic beats by incorporating traditional instruments and rhythms from diverse cultures, like African drums and Balkan trumpets, into our electronic production. This blend is inspired by our travels and cultural experiences, aiming to create a global musical dialogue that connects people through rhythm and melody.

What can fans expect from a No Parachute live performance, especially at unique venues like Scorpios Mykonos?

Fans can expect an electrifying experience at a No Parachute live performance, characterized by pulsating rhythms, emotive melodies, and a seamless fusion of ethnic and electronic elements. At unique venues like Scorpios Mykonos, we create an immersive atmosphere, blending our signature sound with the venue’s distinct ambiance to transport listeners on a sonic journey they won’t forget.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a duo, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced as a duo was navigating our different creative styles and approaches. Valentin’s background in warm grooves with ethnic and Afro influences clashed at times with Livia’s penchant for energetic melodic techno. To overcome this, we dedicated time to understanding and respecting each other’s musical preferences, finding common ground through experimentation and compromise. This process not only strengthened our collaboration but also enriched our music with a unique blend of genres.

What inspired the creation of your new single “METANOIA”? Can you tell us about the themes and emotions behind it?

The creation of our new single “METANOIA” was inspired by a profound journey of personal growth and transformation. Drawing from our experiences and reflections, the track explores themes of self-discovery, renewal, and embracing change. With pulsating rhythms and emotive melodies, “METANOIA” captures the raw emotions and cathartic energy of this transformative process, inviting listeners to embark on their own journey of self-realization.

“METANOIA” features P.Rivas. How did this collaboration come about, and what was the experience like working together?

The collaboration with P.Rivas on “METANOIA” stemmed from a mutual admiration for each other’s work. We connected through a shared passion for blending ethnic sounds with electronic music, and after exchanging ideas, we realized our musical styles complemented each other perfectly. Working together was a seamless and inspiring experience, as we bounced ideas off each other and pushed creative boundaries to craft a track that truly represents our combined vision.

Are there any upcoming projects or releases you’re excited about that you can share with us?

We’re thrilled about our upcoming releases, including “Tu Cuerpo” with P.Rivas on Afrodicto Label in June and “Inxeba” with Lizwi in August at Lump Records. These tracks represent our work’s culmination from Afro Latin House to Afro Melodic, combining pulsating rhythms with emotive vocals to create a captivating listening experience. We also have several other projects in the works that we’re excited to share with our fans soon, so stay tuned for more updates!

What message or impact do you hope your music has on your listeners?

We hope our music serves as a source of inspiration, empowerment, and unity for our listeners. Through our blend of ethnic sounds with Afro and electronic beats, we aim to create a sonic journey that transcends boundaries and connects people from different cultures and backgrounds. Our ultimate goal is to evoke emotions, spark thought, and leave a lasting impact that resonates long after the music stops.

Sonic Discoveries is out now on Scorpios Music – listen & buy

Follow No Parachute:
https://soundcloud.com/noparachuteduo
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