Q&A with IMANU: Master of Duality, Evolving European Sound & Noisia's Legacy

We recently connected with Netherlands' intricate producer IMANU following the release of his new single "HUSH" (feat. KROY), that recently released on Zeds Dead's Deadbeats label — a track from his highly anticipated upcoming EP releasing this spring.

Known for his precise and intricate sound design, IMANU (aka Jonathan Immanuel Kievit) masterfully balances heavy and angelic elements in his productions, showcasing his talent for duality. Growing up in Amsterdam, he has made a significant impact in the techno-heavy European scene, particularly with his ADE showcase series "De Verte," which sells out annually in his hometown.

With support and recognition from industry titans like Noisia, Zeds Dead, and other prominent figures, IMANU's distinctive sound has resonated worldwide, particularly across Europe. In this exclusive Q&A, IMANU reflects on his mastery of duality, the evolution of European electronic music, and more. Here's what he shared:

You've launched this year with an impressive lineup of performances and new releases. What additional projects can we anticipate in the coming months?

As some attentive people might have guessed, the recent singles are leading up to an EP and a string of audio-visual shows around the world! This EP will showcase some darker/moodier music I’ve been working on. Besides that I’m releasing a fashion collection too.

Your collaboration with Deadbeats has garnered significant attention in the industry. How has this partnership influenced your artistic direction, and what can we expect from this relationship moving forward?

I actually love working with Deadbeats because they let me have close to full control over the art and creative direction, so I’d say there hasn’t been much opportunity for me to be influenced by anything.

Your recent release 'Hush" featuring KROY has generated considerable anticipation. Could you share insights into the creative process and development of this track?

KROY and I became friends through a couple of mutual friends, but for a while didn’t have a chance to work on anything together. One day in Montreal we had the opportunity to use Apashe’s studio for a grand total of two hours while he went on to do a photoshoot, and we practically wrote most of the music section in that time! We aligned on what we wanted immediately - modal, moody, and dark. I then went on to make the drop and wrap up the song on the road and at home.

As a pioneer in bringing bass music to the European scene, how do you view your role in shaping your regional music landscape?

It’s not something I actively think of much, but I’d say that any influence I have in shaping or having shaped the music scene would have been done more so through my musical output rather than touring, directly.

Noisia has been cited as a major influence in your work. How has their legacy impacted your artistic evolution, and what broader vision guides your musical direction?

I firmly believe Noisia are the best to ever do it when it comes to pure production standards. Back when I focused on D&B, both under IMANU and under Signal, artists like them really helped push my and my peers’ production to the best of our abilities. It also really inspired me when they - around I’d say 2016 and beyond - started pushing non-D&B music in their sets, with music by the likes of Radiohead and Ivy Lab. It kind of paved the way for many artists in my corner of music to be more daring in that regard.

The consistent success of your De Verte shows at ADE speaks to your growing influence. How do you perceive this hometown reception to your innovative sound, and what does this achievement mean to you personally?

De Melkweg has always been my spot, even though I’m based in Rotterdam rather than Amsterdam. I’ve been playing sets there since I was 16, and to now get to curate nights there is like a dream come true. The ADE show being in Amsterdam (obviously) also makes it easy for a lot of both my local and international friends and family to come enjoy the show, which always adds something extra.

I’m very thankful to everyone involved in the shows, from production to agencies, who believe in me and my weird ideas, because the lineups we come up with are definitely not the easiest to pull off!