We had a super interesting and insightful chat with producer, DJ, and record label founder Nicole Moudaber about her music, inspirations and philanthropy work.

Catch her at Lightning in a Bottle Festival – May 23rd – May 28th

How did you react when you found out you were playing Lighting in a Bottle this year?

I’ve heard so many good things about LiB so was naturally excited to find out I’m playing. I can’t wait to experience the vibe of this Festival.

Is there a certain mood you’re going for with your set for LIB?

I usually like to arrive a little early to see how the crowd is vibing to the other DJs, and then once I go on, I am always making adjustments in the moment. I’m very versatile so my sets often can range from deep, groovy, hypnotic, melodic, and everything in between.

Is there a specific sound or vibe you listen for when considering releases for your label, Mood Records?

Mood Records is all about emotion. There are many different moods and different states of mind a person can be in, and this concept gives me a freedom to explore different emotions with the music we release. The music must always invoke a feeling, emotion or passion, whether it be euphoria, reflection, warmth, isolation, darkness – I want the music we release to make you feel something.

“I wouldn’t want to be boxed in to just appeal to female producers, I believe music has no gender, my music should speak to all or at least I hope it does.”

Any upcoming releases on Mood Records that you are looking forward to?

We’ve got a few great releases coming up. Right now, I can say there will be a 3 track EP by Stephan Hinz coming soon, and we recently signed Carlo Ruetz in the next month, watch out for him he’s very talented.

In a male dominated industry, you stand out as an inspiration to many female producers and Djs. Who are the people you look up to and what in particular about them inspires you.

I wouldn’t want to be boxed in to just appeal to female producers, I believe music has no gender, my music should speak to all or at least I hope it does. I look up to anyone who’s ambitious, hard working and humble, who stay true to their personal brand and hold themselves to high standards. No matter what race, gender or status.

“Another subject that is very dear to my heart is FGM. This is a big issue around the world in certain countries and cultures. If I can use my platform to scream about that and show the world that these people need to stop this slaughtering and murder, as I would call it, that’s a good thing!”

I really admire what you’ve done in the past with charities such as “Lower East Side Girls”, do you have any other charity initiatives coming up?

Another subject that is very dear to my heart is FGM, which is female genital mutilation. This is a big issue around the world in certain countries and cultures. If I can use my platform to scream about that and show the world that these people need to stop this slaughtering and murder, as I would call it, that’s a good thing— I mean mutilation of women’s genitals? Come on! So if I can help then, yes… I will be starting a mini-campaign for this specific issue in the coming months. This is appalling and it needs to change.

What do you hope you accomplish for the rest of 2018?

I’m looking forward to releasing a remix EP in collaboration with Moby, in addition several of my own productions. As always, the MOOD branded events are a focus for me and you will be seeing multiple MOOD events announced in the coming months. I’m also excited that my annual MOOD On The Hudson cruise will be returning to New York on June 22nd.

lightninginabottle.org -May 23rd – May 28th

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press images provided by Woolhouse Studios