Nikolay, known as A.Ni, is a DJ and producer based in Novosibirsk, Russia, whose journey into electronic music began at age 7, sparked by hearing The Prodigy’s “Voodoo People.” Inspired by early encounters with DJs and performances, he pursued professional DJ training in 2010, eventually building a career performing across various clubs and festivals. This experience led him to explore music production, and in 2019 he founded the Kvadrat Music Academy, where he now mentors aspiring DJs and producers.
A.Ni’s sets are defined by deep basslines, dark energy, and intricate rhythms, elements he brings into his original productions. Influenced by legends like Barac, he continually pushes boundaries in his music, aiming to capture and share his unique soundscape. His philosophy is to create music that offers something new, both for himself and his listeners. With his passion rooted deeply in underground music, A.Ni aspires to reach new audiences worldwide, carrying with him the essence of the minimal scene and a drive to connect through sound.
Tzinah Records: To start with, please, recommend us something to listen to while we go through this interview. It can be anything.
A.Ni: I really love the sun and the sea, so whenever I’m near the sea, I always record its sounds. Let’s listen to the sea.
Tzinah Records: Could you remember when and where you first felt that you wanted to become a music artist?
A.Ni: I was 10 years old when I saw a DJ at work at a children’s summer camp, and I felt that I wanted to be in his place. For me, it all started with DJing. There was no desire to write music back then; that came later, around age 20. At first, I thought it was too difficult, but after watching various online masterclasses, I realized I really wanted to learn how to write music so I could show people my vision.
Tzinah Records: Why did you choose to create and play this particular type of music? Are there any artists who influenced your style deeply?
A.Ni: Since childhood, I’ve liked more serious and intense electronic music. At 7, I saw The Prodigy’s “Voodoo People” video and fell in love with electronic music. Later, I got deeply interested in techno and electro. Seeing Gesaffelstein live in 2013 was a big moment for me. It’s hard for me to label my music to a specific genre because I create as I see it, always trying to make each track more interesting and complex. My first tracks didn’t sound like anything specific, but I knew I needed to find a direction. My residency at a club with an excellent sound system also helped me discover the depth of minimal music.
Tzinah Records: Briefly describe the current state of the underground music scene where you’re from. How is it?
A.Ni: There’s only one nightclub in my city that plays minimal music. I used to be a resident there, but I’m not performing there currently.
Tzinah Records: Without giving away too much about your secret weapons, tell us how the magic happens in your production routine. Software? Analog? What’s your DJ setup?
A.Ni: I create music using Ableton Live. The real magic happens in my head. My DJ setup is always CDJ + DJM. I’m not a fan of controllers. I have a small vinyl collection, but I prefer to play with CDJs because I rely heavily on magnifiers during my performances.
Tzinah Records: What aspects of your daily life influence the shape and sound of the music you’re currently making?
A.Ni: Since I run my own music academy, I work a lot with music and teach others. This helps me stay updated on current trends not only in minimal but across other genres as well, since I need to help my students understand modern music.
Tzinah Records: Which underground house DJ or producer would you love to take out for a summer picnic? And which artist from any genre would you want to spend 24 hours stuck in an elevator with?
A.Ni: Right now, I really enjoy music from Lukea, Bryz, and r.hitect. I’d like to meet them personally and learn as much as I can about music-making from them. And, of course, Barac. He’s a legend to me, even though I play slightly different music.
Tzinah Records: Have you already played at your dream venue? Which one is that?
A.Ni: I love to travel and hope my music will one day be my ticket to new countries. Visiting new places refreshes my mind, and I always try to learn about different cultures—it’s inspiring. As for a dream venue, I’m aiming to perform at festivals. I’d love to play at Sunwaves Festival one day, as it would give me a chance to meet new people and share an unforgettable dance experience with them.
Tzinah Records: What motivates you to be an active part of the underground movement?
A.Ni: I love music, and I can’t imagine life without it. Music is part of who I am, and my goal is to share it with others. Working with different genres, I find pop music gets boring quickly. Underground music, on the other hand, always has something new to offer.
Tzinah Records: What’s your favorite type of breakfast?
A.Ni: The one my wife cooks. We can’t always have breakfast together, but whenever possible, we share breakfast. When I’m alone, it’s usually toast and coffee.
Tzinah Records: What do you do when the music isn’t playing?
A.Ni: I really enjoy watching football, especially the Italian Championship, Premier League, and the Champions League. I also like to play video games sometimes.
Tzinah Records: What’s the story behind your Tzinah Family Podcast? How did you record it, and does it feature released or unreleased tracks?
A.Ni: In my podcast, I wanted to showcase music that I feel deserves attention. I didn’t focus exclusively on my own tracks, though a few are included. There’s also a lot of vinyl music in the mix.
Tzinah Records: Do you have any upcoming plans or projects you’d like to share? Where can we see you play next?
A.Ni: Right now, I’m working on relocating to live by the sea. I want to work on music and have access to the beach.
Tzinah Records: If you read this interview 10 years from now, what would you like to say to your future self?
A.Ni: I believe you’ve achieved the goals we set out. And Nick, don’t be late for your DJ set—they’re waiting for you!