Returning back with the ‘Cowlin Presents‘ interview series, we had a chat with a name who isn’t shy with releasing his music with some of the most recognised record labels helping structure the underground music scene.

Christian Nielsen spoke with us to talk about his most recent release with Noir, what motivates him when he’s in the studio, who his dream collaboration would be to work with plus more…

Lets start by talking about your recent release with Noir, ‘Over and Over’… How did the link up take place? 

So back in 2010 I had been producing for some years. Mostly deep house under the name Chris Minus. I was working on a deep house track at the time, where I had sampled my own voice that I recorded on the bus on my way to work. When it was done I sent the track to Rene (Noir) because I hoped he would sign it to Noir Music. He rejected it as a demo, but instead wanted to collaborate on the track and bring it to another level.

We ended up releasing “Sleep No More” and it went to no. 2 on the deep house charts on another label.

So a few months ago I finished two tracks that needed a home. I wasn’t really sure what to do with them but had an idea Rene would dig them. Thankfully I was right!

Describe to us what your productions sound like and how it has an impact on the underground music scene? 

When I start a track there are some things I always try to accomplish. First thing is the groove. In my world an amazing groove is what will make people dance. It’s the heart of the track. Then comes the hook. The hook is the brain of the track. Makes it move, makes it speak, makes it breathe. When you got those two things covered you got yourself a Christian Nielsen track.

I think my sound is a bridge between the genres. I listen to all sorts of house genres so I also have a tendency to mix things up. I don’t really do It on purpose, but it kind of just happens. I very often try to include vocals in my tracks. People have often asked me why. Well I do it because firstly I love vocal house so that’s a no brainer. Then it’s all about gaining listeners. Not only to myself but I hope that my music can get people who normally don’t listen to house to start being curious about it.

‘Beginning To End’ is set to be released on Jesse Rose’s ‘Play It Down’ imprint… 

You’ve release on his label a few times now; can you tell us how this link up took place? What can we expect to hear?! 

Play It Down was the first place I released as Christian Nielsen. Play It Down is home for me.

My idea after creating the groove was to make it into a soulful tech house track. Like an old-school soul track that had been remixed for the clubs. But expect a massive groove with an infectious vocal!

When you get into the studio, how do you motivate yourself to produce music? 

I normally don’t have problems motivating myself. Creating music has become such a natural thing for me that I can’t even remember what it was like not producing. But sometimes I can get into a producer-block. Call it a groove-block if you will. Nothing really works and everything sounds like shit. I hear lots of people do stuff like going for a walk, or taking a break. For me the best way to get out of a block is reminding myself why I do what I do.

So I fire up Dancetrippin or Be-at.tv and I watch some of my favorite DJs perform. Seeing the DJing loving the gig and the crowd responding and dancing just lights a fire in me.

What do you get up to in your free time? 

Almost every free moment in my life I will try and produce some tracks. Even if it’s only 5 or 15 minutes. Besides that I like to spend time with my girlfriend and son. Life at home can sometimes get a bit hectic with the music, since my girlfriend Julie helps me out a lot as well as working. She’s something between a manager and a personal assistant.

What events are you exceptionally looking forward to playing at this year?

Well as always I’m looking forward to ADE, Amsterdam, it’s going to be amazing. It’s a great opportunity to meet up with friends from abroad and business partners. Besides that the Dutch crowd is amazing and so responsive. The energy at ADE is second to none.

What has been your favourite track to work on in your musical career to this date? 

Can’t and won’t pick! Every single track has a different story that is important to me in its own way.

What’s your favourite genre, house or techno? 

Oh I love both. I understand that they are two different genres, but they are both part of our underground scene. These two genres are closer to each other than ever before. DJ and producers around the world are starting to connect the dots and the result is magnificent.

Who would be an absolute dream artist to work with? Why? 

Love this question! It would be a collab with Pharrell Williams and Henrik Schwarz. Individually they are both amazing artists, but I’ve always had the idea that these two would be able to do something amazing together in the studio. Not sure what my role would be there but as long as they would let me be in the studio.