It’s rare to come across musical artists like NOCUI, whose creative process is so deeply immersive and who create music that feels fresh, innovative, and invites you into a new world where ideas of humanity and technology converge.

From the vibrant “MAXIMAL RHAPSODY” to the introspective “No More Stress,” NOCUI’s debut album, “Italian Robot,” is an evolutionary journey that takes us from technology to humanity. In this exclusive conversation, the Italian producer reveals the creative process behind this ambitious project and how he has managed to build such a coherent narrative accompanied by a retro-futuristic sound and poignant lyricism.

I encourage you to listen to “Italian Robot” while reading this interview. You can find it at the following link.

SELECT: Congratulations on the release of Italian Robot! It is an amazing and fascinating project, and I can sense a deep connection to the artist. As you mentioned, you see your music as a diary.

This could be a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to all your Mexican listeners and fans. Would you describe Nocui as an “Italian Robot”? How would you describe yourself as an artist, particularly in the context of this album?

NOCUI: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to chat about my debut album! I consider myself a very fluid artist, and my sense of identity as a creator is not fixed but evolves as I do. As I mentioned, my music feels like a diary to me, and I hope my diary always has something fresh to say.

The concept of Italian Robot is a provocative one. At first glance, it might seem humorous, but if you dig deeper, you start to ask: How could a robot ever have an identity? Does it possess one, or is it something we project onto it? How is technology shaping our perception of the world? Are we, perhaps, alienating ourselves in this hyper-technological society?

As an artist, my ambition is always to provide a platform for conversation for my listeners. With this record, for instance, I aimed to raise questions about our relationship with technology and its impact on our humanity. My hope is to spark meaningful, inclusive discussions about pressing issues like AI, data privacy, the social programming of digital information, mental health challenges tied to social media, and much more.

SELECT: How has Berlin's nightlife influenced your music and your creation process?

NOCUI: It educated my ear to a huge variety of electronic music. I don’t think it has directly impacted my style in any way, but it definitely showed me there hope for diverse music.

SELECT: Talking about the producing role you had in “Italian Robot”. How is your creative process turning ideas into music? What was the experience like when you first incorporated your own vocals into your work?

NOCUI: My creative process usually starts in a very intuitive and impulsive way, then gradually becomes more technical and focused as the project develops. There’s typically one core idea around which each song is anchored, and this idea varies from song to song. For this album, I aimed to create a retro-futuristic aesthetic to reflect the themes I mentioned earlier, but the actual music remained deeply heartfelt.

Reincorporating my vocals into my music with this record felt incredibly liberating, almost as if I had been hiding a part of my identity from both myself and the world. I feel reborn now that I’ve embraced this new awareness and acceptance of my musical nature.

SELECT: I know that nothing is accidental in the narrative of your first album. Could you elaborate on the creative process behind the release of your promotional singles leading up to the full "Italian Robot" album? Was there a specific narrative or intention guiding the release order including the songs released today? 

NOCUI: Yes! The album tells a story that begins with a very artificial, technological feel and gradually becomes more human—almost like a reversal of the trajectory we’re experiencing in today’s world. As I started releasing the singles from the record, my goal was to gradually reveal the story and build intrigue around its progression.

SELECT: Why did you choose to conclude the album with "No More Stress"? Was there a particular reason for its placement after “Crave The Physical”?

NOCUI: No More Stress” is the most human track on the album because it focuses on a relationship with another person. It’s about heartbreak—the most human experience of all. On the other hand, Crave The Physical explores the desire for human connection while critiquing the digital world.

I chose to end the album with No More Stress because it’s completely removed from technology and centers on a personal relationship that didn’t work out. Despite the heartbreak, the song carries a message of hope—it’s about maintaining the desire to live life and connect with others. To me, it’s a hope song. I also feel that the overuse of technology often stems from a sense of hopelessness.

SELECT: One of the things that I got most from listening to “Italian Robot” is the urge to dance while feeling the comfort and company of the dance floor. If you could dance with a historical figure for a few minutes, who would it be and what song from the album would you choose?

NOCUI: I would dance with Pino D’Angiò, who sadly passed away recently. I would choose No More Stress as the song to dance with him.

SELECT: You seem constantly inspired and working on new projects. What drives your creativity at the moment? What surprises can we expect from Nocui and Shapeless Culture in 2025?

NOCUI: I have A LOT of new music in the making! Mostly vocal oriented projects and very human this time. Many surprises for 2025, and also a super cool collaborative EP in the making with a dear friend.

SELECT: Lastly, just out of curiosity, Are there any Mexican artists that you admire or draw inspiration from?

NOCUI: I have a deep love for Mexican music and its rich musical traditions. In fact, I’m a huge fan of South American music in general—there are so many incredible artists that it’s impossible to single out just one! While none of them directly influence my music at the moment, I truly enjoy listening to and appreciating the beauty of their work.

Thank you for sharing your vision. I look forward to the continued evolution of 'Italian Robot' and Shapeless Culture.