IN CONVERSATION WITH NAINA

interview by MARIS-PAULINE CESARI

Numéro Netherlands Digital presents NAINA: A trailblazer in broadcasting, DJing, and music curation, NAINA steps into the spotlight with her debut EP, Survival, out on the 7th of February on Hooversound Recordings, the label she co-founded with SHERELLE.

A high-energy fusion of techno, jungle, footwork, and breaks, Survival cements NAINA as one of electronic music’s most exciting new producers. The four-track EP, featuring the fresh release Valentine, blends raw emotion with rave euphoria, reflecting her deep connection to club culture. With influences like The Prodigy, FKA Twigs, and Prayer, NAINA crafts high-BPM bangers that balance intensity with personal storytelling.

In this interview, she opens up about her journey from radio to production, the emotions behind Survival, and finding her sound beyond the decks.

Listen to “Survival” here.

Hi NAINA! How did your journey in music begin?

Hiii! Music has always been a huge part of my life. I was always creative at school and never really followed the norm, so I wasn’t sure if university was for me. I didn’t even know you could study music journalism, but I found a university that offered it and went for it. I got to write about albums, create a magazine, put on shows, film and edit video content, and interview bands—I loved it. While at university, I started DJing as a hobby, uploading mixes on SoundCloud and playing at local clubs and festivals. After graduating, I got into radio and landed a pilot at Reprezent, a community station for young creatives with no industry connections—just like me. I hosted a flagship electronic show there for eight years, which changed my life. That led to opportunities at Apple Music Radio, more DJ gigs, meeting SHERELLE, launching our label Hooversound, and even doing some production work, which has shaped my music today. Plus, I met some of my closest friends along the way.

Who were some of your musical icons growing up, and how did they influence your path into DJing, broadcasting, and now production?

Being open-minded about music from a young age really helped my career. I listened to bands, R&B, hip-hop, pop—everything. That shaped how I approach broadcasting and curating DJ sets. I believe in having a genuine love for all sounds. Portishead, The Prodigy, Nirvana, Yeah Yeah Yeahs were huge for me, along with Air, Chemical Brothers, The xx, Jacques Greene, Machinedrum, and Hudson Mohawke. Those influences led me to dance music and helped me develop an eclectic style in both DJing and production. If you saw my playlists, they’d be all over the place, but that’s what makes my approach unique.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your debut single, “I’d Rather Be Here (Than Anywhere With You)”? What was the creative process like for this track?

It was an emotional one. This track felt like the right first step for my EP. Everything in my career is so public-facing, but production was something I did privately—it really helped my mental health. Releasing this was a huge moment. I love emotive sounds; music brings you back to specific moments, pushes you forward, and is a form of release. That’s what this track was for me. I wanted it to be a dance track that still took you on a journey, packed with emotion, reflecting my life and its ups and downs.

You’ve described your new EP, “Survival” as capturing “tears in the club” moments. Could you share more about how you balanced the high energy of club music with these sentimental elements?

Emotional dance music is my favorite kind. I felt that bringing in my vocals balanced the ravey elements of the song—like how The Prodigy and Chemical Brothers balance their intense production with vocals. The lyrics on my first single are about shutting off emotions because the lows are too low, leaving you feeling nothing—not even the highs. That’s where the title “Survival” comes from. Infusing that emotion into the music was really important to me.

How did the transition from DJing and curating to producing feel for you?

It felt natural. I love radio and DJing, so this was a natural next step. But really, putting out a debut EP is for younger Naina—she’d be so proud of me. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I finally let go of the fear that was holding me back.

Did producing open up any new ways for you to express yourself creatively?

Absolutely. I used to sing when I was younger, so bringing that back for this EP felt amazing. Producing is different from broadcasting and DJing—it’s a way of putting yourself out there in the purest form. It goes hand in hand with other aspects of my career but feels uniquely personal.

Your label Hooversound has released work by artists like Samurai Breaks and Special Request. How has running a label influenced your own music style and production choices?

It’s made me care less about sonic boundaries. Working with such eclectic artists has inspired me to embrace different styles. When you listen to my EP, it doesn’t fit into one genre—there are elements of multiple styles. Artists are breaking down barriers more than ever, and that has influenced me to do the same.

You mentioned that the track was initially techno-focused but evolved with breaks. What draws you to this fusion of genres, and how do you approach blending different musical elements?

I try not to overthink it. These sounds complement each other so well, so why not blend them? My entire life, I’ve listened to different genres, and that naturally carries into my radio show, DJ sets, and production. Hopefully, you can hear that in “Survival”; Each track is a part of me, and what ties it all together is that it’s my sound.

Fashion and style have also been significant parts of your career. How would you describe the role of fashion in both your personal and professional life, and how does it complement your music?

Fashion and music are so similar—both are art, expression, and representation. They inspire each other, which is beautiful. I’ve always loved expressing myself through style. It’s fun, unique to each person, just like music.

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself at 10 years old? Is there anything you wish you had known back then?

Young Nay Nay… please smile on camera when you do your first Boiler Room. Also, don’t be so hard on yourself—you’re good. xxx

Finally, as you step into this new phase as a producer, what are some of your dreams and goals for the future? Where do you see yourself heading next in music?

I tend to throw myself into the deep end when I want a new challenge, and it happens regularly. So, who knows what the future holds? I just want to keep having fun, sharing what I love, and bringing positive energy into my life and others”.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent NAINA
photography JASMINE ENGEL-MALONE
hair and makeup SOFIA PARADIS