Naza (Musik): When the Body Knows Before the Mind Does

Naza (Musik) is a Brazilian-born, New York-based producer whose music draws on ancestral rhythms, world influences, and an intuitive sense of what moves people. With a #2 Beatport Organic House EP and support from Solomun, Dixon, and Damian Lazarus, his new EP "Dance Is the Answer" on TalkTalk Records is both a dancefloor statement and something deeper. In this interview, he talks about the duality of body and soul, and why the dancefloor is where differences disappear.

Q: "Dance Is the Answer" is a pretty bold statement. What was the question you were asking yourself when you wrote it?

A: To share this message, to live more in the moment and not be stuck in the past or the future. When we're dancing, fully present, we forget about our problems. There are no differences between us on the dancefloor — we become one. Just people connected, sharing energy, and wanting to have a good time.

Q: The EP pairs "Dance Is the Answer" with "Body & Soul" — two titles that feel very human and physical. Is that a conscious theme or did it emerge naturally?

A: I think it comes from the way I experience music. It's always been something very physical for me — movement, rhythm, energy — but also something deeper, almost spiritual. So "Dance Is the Answer" and "Body & Soul" naturally reflect that duality. It wasn't something I planned, but it makes sense. Music is something you don't just hear, you feel it in your body and your soul. It just felt true.

Q: Your sound draws on world influences and ancestral rhythms. How do those elements find their way into a track like "Dance Is the Answer"?

A: At the same time, I've been exploring different directions on my journey, discovering new sounds, and really connecting with where I am creatively right now — and I think this track reflects that evolution.

Q: What does your production process actually look like — do you start with a feeling, a groove, a melody?

A: It always starts with a feeling. Then I let a groove, a sound, or sometimes a vocal guide me. From there, I focus on creating a vibe — something that connects emotionally — and build around it. The process is very intuitive for me. I try not to overthink it and just let the track evolve naturally.

Q: Are there any tools, instruments or plugins that are central to how you build a track?

A: I don't get too caught up in tools — it always starts with a feeling. I work in Ableton and use plugins like Soundtoys, Serum, and Diva, plus some Moog synths for extra warmth. But for me, it's really about the vibe. I build the groove, add textures, and let the track evolve naturally — it's all about how it feels on the dancefloor.

Q: How do you know when a track is finished? Is there a moment where it just clicks, or is it more of a decision to stop?

A: It's a bit of both. There are moments where it just clicks — when everything feels right and the track starts to have its own life. But you can always keep tweaking forever, so at some point you have to let go and trust the feeling. For me, it's when I can play it and feel the same emotion every time — when it feels complete and real.

Q: Electronic music can feel very solitary to make. Do you collaborate much, or is the studio mostly a solo space for you?

A: I like both worlds. I enjoy being in my own space when I'm creating, but it's also amazing to collaborate — especially with friends, when everything flows naturally. You can share different styles, different workflows, and bring new energy into the track. It keeps the process fresh and can take the music somewhere unexpected — and that's where the magic happens.

Q: Growing up in Brazil and now being based in New York — how has that journey shaped the way you hear and make music?

A: It's shaped everything. Growing up in Brazil, I was always surrounded by rhythm, energy, and a strong sense of musicality — it's something that stays with you. Being in New York brought a different perspective — more diversity, more contrast, and a different kind of intensity. It pushed me to explore new sounds and think in a more global way. I think my music today is a reflection of both worlds — the rhythm and soul from Brazil, and the openness and evolution that came from living in New York.

Q: You DJ as well as produce. How does playing out influence what you make in the studio?

A: DJing has a huge influence on my production. Being on the dancefloor and feeling the energy of the crowd, you understand what really connects with people. It's not just about what sounds good — it's about what makes people move, what creates a moment. That experience naturally feeds into the studio. I'm always looking for that balance between something that works on the dancefloor, but still has emotion and depth.

Q: How do you balance the more functional, club-focused side of production with the emotional or artistic side?

A: For me, it's not really about separating the two — they naturally go together. The club side brings the energy and movement on the dancefloor, while the emotional side brings depth and connection. I'm always looking for that balance — something that makes people move, but also gives them something to feel.

Q: "Dance Is the Answer" feels like a track with a message. Do you think electronic music has a responsibility to make people feel something beyond just moving?

A: Electronic music can go beyond just movement — it can create connection, emotion, and a sense of unity on the dancefloor. At the same time, sometimes just making people move is already enough. For me, it's about creating a space where both can exist — where people can feel something, but also just let go and be in the moment. And even that, in itself, is already powerful. If people leave feeling better than when they arrived, more connected to themselves and to each other, then the music has done its job.

Q: You have had support from artists like Solomun, Dixon, and Damian Lazarus. Does that kind of recognition change how you approach making music?

A: It means a lot, especially coming from artists I really respect. It gives you confidence and shows that what you're doing is connecting. But it doesn't really change how I make music. I still follow my heart and stay true to my sound. I just like having the freedom to explore whatever I feel in the moment. If anything, it just pushes me to keep growing and evolving — but always in a real and honest way.

Q: Social media has changed how artists connect with their audience completely. How do you navigate that as someone who makes music for physical spaces?

A: It's definitely changed a lot. Social media is a powerful tool to connect and share your world, but for me, the real connection still happens in physical spaces — on the dancefloor. I try to use it in a way that feels natural, to share moments, music, and energy, without losing the essence of what I do. At the end of the day, what I create is meant to be felt in real life, and social media is just another way to bring people into that experience.

Q: What's next for you after this release? Where do you see your sound going?

A: My next release is coming next month, and I'm really happy to already have three releases out this year, with more music on the way. It feels like a new phase for me, and I'm excited to keep sharing that through my music — everything I'm creating right now feels very connected to where I am in my life, and I'm really enjoying the process.

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