Multidisciplinary artist, producer, DJ, and Seeking the Velvet label boss Cora Novoa continues to carve a singular path through the techno landscape.
Photo credit: Cora Novoa – Official
Her latest release, the ‘Ancient Rites’ EP, marks her debut on the Italian imprint Void +1 and showcases a striking blend of industrial textures, hypnotic percussion, and visceral energy. The four-track EP has already drawn praise from artists including Luke Slater, Dave Clarke, Ancient Methods, and DVS1.
Known for her AV performances at global institutions such as Mutek Montreal, Tate Modern, and fabric London, Novoa brings a vanguardist ethos to both studio and stage.
In this conversation, Cora opens up about the ritualistic elements behind ‘Ancient Rites’, the state of the scene, and what comes next.
EG: Hi, Cora! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been doing?
Cora Novoa: Hi! The truth is that I’m a little tired from traveling, but very happy to see the reception my latest EP is getting and the support from artists and radio.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your new EP, Ancient Rites. What are some of your first thoughts now that it’s out for everyone to hear? What has the initial reception been like so far?
Cora Novoa: I’m really happy about the support the EP is getting from artists and DJs. It’s been totally unexpected and a real gift that artists like Luke Slater, Dave Clarke, Ancient Methods, and DVS1 have supported the release and written such nice feedback about it. It’s a great gift, and it’s fueling my creativity for a few months.
EG: What can fans of Cora Novoa expect to find on this one? Is there a concept or emotional trigger connecting these cuts?
Cora Novoa: Mental techno, industrial sounds, and hypnotic percussion—that’s how I would describe it. Above all, I tried to work with sequences that varied constantly throughout the tracks and that functioned as a common thread to give everything more impact.
EG: There’s quite a visceral feel across the record and, particularly, the names of the tracks as well. Can you walk us through your recording processes as someone who’s oriented to live performances?
Cora Novoa: I am fascinated by liturgy and mysticism, so I always try to draw on concepts and elements that inspire me when producing songs. When I record, I don’t think so much about the live performance, but rather focus on the sound design and making sure the tracks sound different and have their unique identity. Then comes the next stage, which is adapting those tracks to a live performance.
“I would recommend to someone just starting out to work hard, strive, and be consistent. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon”
EG: By the way, Ancient Rites also signals your Void +1 debut. Why did you decide to release it with Void +1? Was there a previous connection? What was the process like?
Cora Novoa: When Void+1 contacted me to propose releasing an EP and also including me in one of their compilations that would be released on vinyl, I didn’t think twice. I was already a big fan of Scalameriya’s work, and as soon as I discovered the label’s sound identity and, above all, saw that they work professionally and honestly, I jumped on board.
EG: You’re known as a vanguardist. What does the future of music look like to you? Do you see visual means being incorporated more and more into performances? Are we in danger of the visuals overtaking the sound/music?
Cora Novoa: For me, staging, visuals, set design, and lighting are very important, so anything that adds to a unique experience is good for the industry. The problem arises when you sell a mediocre musical offering wrapped up in an incredible visual show. Sometimes we take it for granted that the music is going to be incredible, and it’s not. It’s okay to demand that DJs and producers put on a show that’s up to par.
EG: How do you feel about the state of the scene these days? What would you like to see more and less of?
Cora Novoa: The problem with the current scene is that more than 80% of lineups are plagued with products that lack musical quality: people dressed up in costumes, wearing dog masks, bare-chested… I think everything is valid, and I think it’s great that these products exist. I consume them too, but the problem arises when the industry is mostly sustained by these types of projects, and this is everyone’s responsibility: booking agencies, promoters, media, managers, clubs… we must examine ourselves and question where we place value.
EG: Given your experience, what would you say are some of the biggest obstacles artists will face in the near future? What advice would you give to newcomers and rising artists?
Cora Novoa: The key is to know the industry, adapt to it, but always stay true to yourself and your values. I would recommend to someone just starting out to work hard, strive, and be consistent. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
“The problem with the current scene is that more than 80% of lineups are plagued with products that lack musical quality”
EG: What’s next for Cora Novoa? What milestones are you looking forward to now? Where can your fans catch you next?
Cora Novoa: Right now, I’m going to spend these last few weeks of the year finishing up things that I’ve had pending for months: updating the website, the press clippings, redesigning the SEEKING THE VELVET podcast, and organizing my schedule for 2026. I already have a couple of projects lined up for 2026, and I’m really looking forward to combining the creation of experimental pop in the studio with continuing to produce for the club scene.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Cora! We wish you all the best in the future. Take care!
Cora Novoa: Thank you!
Cora Novoa’s ‘Ancient Rites’ is out now on Void +1. Stream and download here.
Follow Cora Novoa: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
