Norwegian artist Nikolay Cranner is a master of more than just meets the eye. A producer, composer, DJ, engineer, and saxophonist, he fuses electronics, vocals, and jazz in a fresh genre that is undeniably his own. Cranner’s upbringing was surrounded by instruments and a knack for picking them up, and he soon began experimenting across various genres while performing with bands on stage. It was only a matter of time before he brought it all together and released his own music.

Since his 2018 EP, “Dancin’”, Nikolay has been bringing listeners into his world. Now, they’re in for a treat. Back with an EP of two summer singles, “Times” and “Sunshine Living”, Cranner shows once again he is a master of all trades. While “Times” highlights the need to stick together during difficult times, “Sunshine Living” is a pure feel good anthem with a twist. Together, they create a dynamic duo that challenges EDM through their lyrics and structures.

Bringing his lifelong love for music into everything he does, he creates one-of-a-kind soundscapes that are constantly evolving.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Nikolay Cranner about his two summer releases, the Norwegian music scene, and rereleasing prior tracks.

Stream the EP…

Read the interview…

How did you first find a love for music?
It’s hard to say. As a kid I played in marching bands, and took music theory lessons on the trumpet. It was great, but at one point I felt my creativity was stuck between the theory and the tablature. I found real love for music first when I started producing, and when I learned to play the saxophone. It was important for me to focus more on finding my own way with improvisations, instead of too much theory.

Why did you begin producing?
My first meeting with electronic music was actually through a Computer software I think it was named, Dance EJ. This was maybe around 2003, I remember the program had some Demo songs with house music. It was something about this rhythm that really caught me. So a few years later I got my hands on an early version of Ableton live demo, and I tried to make some beats. It just felt right to combine my musical experience with new ideas around music I appreciated.

What is it about production and composition that makes you passionate?
The fact that there’s no rules in music, and the freedom to be creative.
It’s also very amusing to see what the outcome of an idea can be, I never get tired of that.

How would you define the essence of your style?
My style is 4 to the floor with elements of jazzy, funky, deep, and feel-good vibes.
My tracks are mainly driven by melodic chord progressions with a mix of acoustic instrumentation like piano, guitars, saxophone, vocals, and synthesisers. My early productions have more minimalistic and tech house character, while my newer productions tend to be more melodic with vocals, and saxophone.

Your approach plays with expectations of house music – how do you plan to move your sound further?
A great track is often not complicated, but easy to understand by the audience. I do believe in base principles, things that work well don’t necessarily need to be messed with. I also love experimenting, so to do a twist on something familiar that is recognisable but not too unfamiliar, is a path I’m eager to follow, at least for now. My goal is to lift house music and EDM to new unheard levels.

Who should we be listening to from the Norwegian scene?
Third Attempt, Sebastian Emnes, and Henrik Villard. These are some great House underground artists from the Norwegian scene.

We love the new “Times” EP – talk us through the creative process of the record?
The way I work is that I make as much music as I can for a period of time, and then maybe a year later I have the right feeling for what to release.

So for “Sunshine Living”, It started back in 2021. There are different ways of starting a track, but for this one I produced the beat first. Around the same period I met singer/songwriter Kieran Fowkes over the Internet. His voice had character, and I felt it was the right match for the track. I asked Kieran to write a song to what he felt was right for that beat. Then I picked up the sax and recorded.

For the main track of the EP, “Times”, it had a different story. I was experimenting making tracks with more EDM feel to it. So for this one I tested various ideas with different vocal samples. In the search for vocals I met Joey Law, a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles. To decide for the vocalist is an interesting aspect of production. The lead melody was changed several times until my satisfaction was there.

How does it differ from your previous work?
My previous work was overall more minimalistic. In my newer productions, there’s more vocal, saxophone, and melody.

What do you want to achieve with the project?
Festival mood and reflection.
Check out the music video for Times on YouTube.

Where do you want to take your artistry?
I want to develop my artistry to be valuable for my listeners in the long term.

What else is to come from you this year?
I’m planning on rereleasing “Darkest Love” as a Remaster. There were such positive responses around this track and the music video. I’m also in a new exciting collaboration with singer/songwriter Mason The Healer. We are working on a new chill/deep track together. Other than that I have compiled a deep album around 7 songs. Not sure all of it will be this year, because I will become a father to a little girl this summer!

Why do you make music?
It feels like the right thing to do.