Consistently showcasing his versatility, Charles Nimbus unleashes another captivating single “Projector” on July 25th. His releases are well recognized, often with DnB and UKG foundations, while mixing digital flares and industrial energies into timeless works. Exemplifying his project’s objective, the self-released single is sure to take you on a mind-warping realm through both nostalgic frequencies and cutting-edge sound.
Keeping us engaged, Charles Nimbus quickly delivers the last four releases as a series, using low-end, heavy UKG for inspiration. The last of the series, “Projector,” not only defines this, but also, his production style of texture and depth. It follows the recent single, “Monocline,” another groovy, yet high-tempo heater, with both old and modern elements. Aside from the four-track series, the rest of Charles Nimbus’ discography blends genres like halftime, jungle, and dub.
Check out today’s premiere, Charles Nimbus’ ‘Projector’ here!
From bass-driven tracks and experimental style to his use of UKG and DnB genres, we can’t resist a look behind the Charles Nimbus project. Luckily, we have the opportunity to get to know his style, inspirations, and what’s in store for the year.
Khalila (Electric Hawk): For those just getting to know you, how would you describe your sound, style, & project?
Charles Nimbus: Hybrid music! Dubstep is a hybrid of 2-Step and Dub. Also, drum and bass; but I feel that one might be obvious.
I think technical perfection, like finding the right words, is less important than the ability to benefit from multiple sources: new and old, analog and digital, raw and clean. It creates a fabric that feels personal, new, and singular.
KH: What artists inspired you to begin your career in music?
CN: When I first heard “Possession” by Noisia & Ivy Lab, I understood what I wanted to do with a project. I posted the first Charles Nimbus song on Soundcloud a month later.
With that said, Noisia, Flying Lotus, Hudson Mowhawke, and Skrillex all inspired me at first. Later, Burial, Mr. Carmack, Ivy Lab, Sam Gellaitry… A lot of the discovery and inspiration happened online, so it was basically Pitchfork, Beatport, to Soundcloud, to Bandcamp.
KH: Who currently inspires and / or drives your production?
CN: I tend to absorb whatever my homies are into. Anything from Wessanders, Tygris, Sober Rob, Molokai, Vide, Insp3ctor, Mirror Maze, Maya Elise, and Madi to name a few. Artists like Alix Perez/1985 Music, Calibre, Chord Marauders, Skee Mask, and Overmono also influence my production.
Burial and his interview with Mark Fisher for The Wire magazine is also quite inspiring. Fisher’s questions are so forward-thinking, and Burial’s responses are utterly revelatory. A quote that I am still trying to crack:
“Urban legends get woven so you’re unable to be sure it’s untrue.”
KH: Has there been a moment, live event, or something this year that’s stuck with you?
CN: I woke up one day last winter, and heard a short clip of audio. It was a drum break flickering over a sun-drenched soul sample, on Alix Perez’s Instagram story. I played it back 10 times and my spine tingled every time I heard it. I search for this kind of moment every day. I heard it again when I saw Halogenix for the first time at The Untz Festival.
“I had that ineffable, out-of-body experience where I was like, ‘You are living a moment you will never forget. Enjoy it,’ and spent the rest of the festival singing the song to my friends.
Then, at Secret Dreams Festival, I heard LTJ Bukem play it and witnessed Alix Perez announce the track as part of his new Entanglements LP, both within the same hour. The story continues, because I still don’t know what it’s named… but that’s part of the fun…
KH: You’ve already announced some incredible live appearances and dropped a ton of music lately. Anything you’re most excited for or that you’d like to share?
First, today’s single release “Projector.” I’m also working on tons of new music. So there might be a few releases from now until the fall begins…
As for next month, I’ll be supporting Smigonaut in Atlanta on August 9th. After that, I’m hitting Philadelphia on August 17th with my side project, Villain Era, supporting Detox Unit. Then supporting Somatoast in Ashville on August 23rd.
Looking to kick August off with Charles Nimbus and Smigonaut? Grab your tickets here to Aisle 5 on August 9th!
Although “Projector” ends his four-track series, Charles Nimbus predicts more new music on the horizon. From his own project to his side project with Wessanders and Tygris called Villain Era, the diversity found within his craft goes unmatched. With sound influences from artists like Alix Perez and Noisia, he fosters a new age twist to that of classic DnB and UKG stylings.
We know we can’t wait for more music. Until then, let’s dive deeper into Charles Nimbus sound!
Keep up with Charles Nimbus
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And if you’re looking for a solid playlist to follow? Keep up with our weekly Spotify Playlist, Fresh Hunts. Whether it’s the newest drops from Charles Nimbus, all your other favorite artists, some old school, or underground—we just want you to hear it.
Cover image of “Projector” cover art.