Nagi “NOIZEK” Kastour
Interview with NOIZEK
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
My name is Nagi K, better known by my alias NOIZEK. I was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt — a place where music is woven into everyday life. Growing up, my parents would play Egyptian classics and traditional folk music, sounds that carried deep emotion and cultural identity. Even though I didn’t explore those genres much when I was younger, they left a lasting imprint on me and shaped my sense of rhythm and melody.
As I got older, I became obsessed with collecting and sharing music. My older brother introduced me to electronic music — artists like Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, Sasha & Digweed, and Chus & Ceballos became early inspirations. I started DJing in 2008, at the age of 12, and began producing music by 14. At 16, I signed my first record deal and released several tracks before university, all from a small studio I built in my parents’ basement in Cairo.
Producing became essential to stand out as a DJ, so I devoted myself to mastering the craft. I was also active in the local underground scene, carving my path within Egypt’s vibrant community.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
When I moved to the United States to further my education, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Audio Engineering from Full Sail University in 2017. That experience gave me both the technical foundation and creative freedom I needed as an artist.
I worked in world-class studios in Los Angeles and New York, collaborating with major names in hip-hop and pop. Those experiences refined my skills and deepened my appreciation for the artistry behind major productions.
Still, my heart was always with electronic music. That passion led to the rebirth of NOIZEK — a project I originally launched in 2015 and redefined in 2019 — as my creative outlet where I could merge my cultural roots, upbringing, and technical background into one authentic sound.
How would you describe your style and sound? What sets you apart as an artist?
My sound is a reflection of who I am — a fusion of heritage, culture, and journey. I blend the traditional sounds I grew up with in Egypt and the electronic influences from the ’90s and early 2000s that inspired me.
Today, I lean toward Afro and Organic House, combining deep grooves, emotional melodies, and ancient elements from my region. I believe artists from the MENA area have a powerful voice in this genre — and we carry the responsibility to represent it authentically.
My tracks have been supported by leading artists such as Francis Mercier, MoBlack, and Nitefreak, which helped establish my presence internationally. Through NOIZEK, my mission is to represent Egypt on the global stage and bridge the past and present through sound.
Tell us about your latest release — the Jerusalem EP. What’s the story or inspiration behind it?
This EP was born from a desire to push the sound forward with authenticity. The Afro and Organic genres have grown rapidly, but often they’re missing depth — many tracks rely on random samples or vocals without cultural meaning.
One of the main tracks, “HASSANEN,” draws from my Upper Egyptian roots, featuring folklore-style vocals from the Nile Delta layered with ancient instruments that define our musical heritage. My goal was to create something timeless yet modern — a sound that connects Egypt’s deep cultural legacy with today’s electronic landscape.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
I want listeners to understand and feel our culture on a deeper level. The global Afro and Organic scene is thriving, but often misrepresented. This EP aims to bring clarity — to show that this sound comes from real stories, traditions, and places.
It’s about celebrating authenticity and staying true to your roots.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
This project came together naturally. I didn’t follow a formula — I just followed the feeling. I revisited the sounds and influences that shaped my early years and began experimenting freely, transforming them into something uniquely mine.
It was about instinct and emotion more than structure — letting the sound evolve and take its own direction.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
This release represents a new direction for me — heavier, more rhythmic, and designed for the dancefloor, yet still carrying emotional and cultural depth. It’s raw, tribal, and connected to the music I grew up loving, while pushing it toward something new and global.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
The digital age has made it easy to share music but hard to stand out. With so many artists emerging daily, it’s easy to get lost in the noise.
But I believe quality and authenticity always win. Too many artists imitate trends or their favorite producers instead of developing their own identity. True artistry comes from understanding your influences, then finding your own message and voice.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
Collaboration is essential. Working with other artists teaches you new ways to think and create — there’s no single formula for creativity.
Releasing with Cafe De Anatolia has been a major milestone for me. It gave me visibility, credibility, and access to new audiences. More importantly, it’s a label that truly believes in the vision I’m trying to represent. It feels like home — a partnership built on artistic purpose and mutual respect.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
Be yourself. Learn the craft, study music, and connect with your roots — that’s where your true sound lives. Don’t chase trends or try to please everyone. This industry may seem big, but authenticity always stands out.
If it’s meant for you, things will align naturally.
What can your fans expect next?
After the Jerusalem EP, I have one more project planned before closing the year and preparing for 2026 releases. I’m currently a resident DJ at AVA Mediterranean in Winter Park, Florida — if you’re in the area, come join me for some Mediterranean grooves and good energy.
More shows and new music are on the horizon. This is just the beginning.
NOIZEK – Jerusalem EP, October 31 (released via Cafe De Anatolia REC.)