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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
59
Nora En Pure
14
From: South Africa/Switzerland
 
Rising star DJ/producer of 2021: “Paradoks.”
 
 
 
When Nora En Pure polled in the DJ Mag Top 100 for the first time in 2020, the Swiss-South African DJ and producer was presenting her style of orchestral-leaning melodic deep house at festivals like Ultra and Coachella, at residencies like Privilege Ibiza and on her weekly broadcast, Purified Radio. During the pandemic, she spent time in the Swiss Alps and South African wilderness working on new music, continuing Purified Radio and preparing for a return to clubland. “I finally spent more time with my family and friends, then touring picked up again, especially in the US, so I was quite busy on the road during the summer months,” Nora says.
 
Propelled by this year’s EP ‘Oblivion/Thermal’ and single ‘Won’t Leave Your Side’ featuring Liz Cass — both on her long-time label Enormous Tunes — Nora En Pure has come back with style, playing a special live-stream set for Beatport from Switzerland’s stunning Lake Arnen and readying performances for Mexico’s Kygo’s Palm Tree and Departure festivals (this December and January 2022 respectively). Tapping into her life-long love of nature, she’s also teamed up with Beneath The Waves, a non-profit organisation for ocean conservation; another summertime single of hers, ‘Aquatic’, is inspired by this collaboration.
 
 
How was your first gig back after lockdown? 
 
“I had some really special ones that meant a lot to me and where you saw the crowd is in the same place. Others I had high expectations that it would feel very emotional, which they did to me, but that market was having events already for months.”
 
 
How have the last 18 months changed how you view your work/life balance?
 
“I definitely have a healthier balance now, which I was already aiming for though before the lockdown happened."
 
 
What further steps should the industry take to combat climate change?
 
“I think there are other industries and huge companies that carry a much more heavy and impactful responsibility for this topic, which could make the real change we need. While it's rather unrealistic that we all stop driving cars, taking planes and get rid of our electronics, I think we should all try to stay informed on current issues and what solutions can be, also on a political level. In daily touring life, my rider states to avoid any sort of plastic – bottles, cups, packaging etc – I think this is something festivals and clubs could easily adopt, though many already do this.”
 
 
What’s the best bit of tech you’ve added to your studio or DJ setup this year?
 
“A Roland Juno-60.”
 
 
What’s the best album you’ve heard this year?
 
“I'm waiting for the new ABBA album.”