Nicole Moudaber is no stranger to transformation. Her career is a study in reinvention, one that has taken her from the underground dance floors of London to the global stage, where her influence extends far beyond the DJ booth. As she celebrates the tenth anniversary of her label and brand, MOOD, Moudaber reflects on her journey with characteristic candor and passion, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist who has never stopped evolving. This is our Artist Of The Month. This is the sound of Nicole Moudaber.
Photo Credit: Nicole Moudaber – Official
For Moudaber, music was a part of life long before she discovered the pulse of electronic sound. “Growing up in Nigeria and spending my teenage years in Lebanon exposed me to a rich tapestry of musical cultures,” she shares. “Those early experiences shaped my ears and perspective, and that diversity is woven into every track I create.” These foundational years immersed her in the rhythms of Africa and the emotive melodies of the Middle East, elements that continue to resonate in her work today.
It was, however, her move to London in her early 20’s that ignited her love for electronic music. “London’s vibrant scene felt like stepping into another world, one full of energy, freedom, and creativity, and it completely transformed how I connected with sound,” she explains. “I was traveling to Europe and the States, following DJs around as a true fan—a professional clubber! I fell in love with the drums and tribal sounds of the New York scene, which then led me into my trance and techno phase. It was a period of discovering sounds and emotions, and it shaped my connection to music.”
Her journey into the industry began behind the scenes as a promoter in London, organizing events that drew some of the biggest names in dance music. But after six years of curating other people’s experiences, she felt the urge to create her own. “I decided it was time to create my own music—the kind of music I had felt so deeply on the dancefloor,” she says. That decision marked the start of a new chapter, one that would see her transition from promoter to producer and DJ.
Moudaber’s breakthrough wasn’t a singular moment but rather a series of milestones that cemented her reputation as a force in the electronic music world. “Winning my first award in the US was such a surreal validation of my work, and then having four consecutive months at No. 1 on the charts felt like a dream,” she recalls. But one moment stands out: playing back-to-back with Carl Cox during Space Ibiza’s legendary “Final Chapter” closing. “It was as if I was part of history in the making,” she reflects. “Each of these moments carried its own weight and significance, and together they shaped a period where I truly felt like I was breaking through.”
Her music, which she describes as raw, versatile, and deeply personal, reflects the many influences that have shaped her. “My tracks are my babies—you’re asking me to choose?!” she laughs when asked about her most important releases. “Through my music, I always aim to evoke emotion—something raw and visceral that connects with people on a deeper level. I believe music should take you on a journey, whether that’s an ecstatic release on the dancefloor or a moment of introspection during quieter times.”
This philosophy extends to her DJ sets, where intuition and adaptability reign supreme. “The number one rule for me is: don’t be overly prepared,” Moudaber asserts. “A great DJ set is about intuition, knowing your music, and understanding the moment—not sticking to a rigid plan.” She recalls a recent performance where her ability to read the room turned a potentially routine set into something unforgettable. “I had planned to play a full techno set, but when I got to the stage, I noticed the crowd had a groovier vibe. As I was setting up, I made the split-second decision to switch gears and lean into a tech house set instead. That instinctive choice led to one of the best tech house sets I’ve ever played. Moments like that are priceless.”
Moudaber’s versatility is not just a skill but a mindset. “I don’t see music through the lens of strict boundaries; I see it as a limitless spectrum,” she says. “Whether it’s techno, tech house, or something entirely different, my goal is always the same: to connect with the crowd, feel their energy, and create a shared experience that’s unforgettable.”
This ethos is at the heart of MOOD, the label she founded ten years ago. “MOOD was actually born in a moment of inspiration… in my shower of all places!” she laughs. “The name is an extension of who I am; it’s tied to my name and carries multiple meanings. It just felt right—it’s very ‘me.’ After all, I can be moody as hell!” But it is is more than a label; it’s a reflection of Moudaber’s creative vision and her commitment to fostering connection through music.
“From day one, I’ve poured my soul into it, and even after a decade, I’m just as hands-on and passionate as when I first started,” she says. “Whether it’s discovering and signing fresh talent, curating unforgettable In The Mood parties around the globe, or connecting with you all through my weekly radio shows, MOOD is my way of bringing you into my world.”
The tenth anniversary of MOOD has been a year-long celebration, marked by standout events and memorable performances. Earlier this month, Moudaber hosted an event in London, and on December 21st, she’ll take the stage at Los Angeles’s Avalon for an all-night-long set. “Marathon sets are where I can really get into the groove and take you on a journey,” she says. “It’s moments like these where I feel the true essence of MOOD come alive.”
Looking ahead, Moudaber is as ambitious as ever. “Techno, for me, is limitless—it’s a canvas that allows me to experiment, push boundaries, and evolve,” she says. With new music in the pipeline and her In The Mood brand continuing to expand, Moudaber is poised to shape the next decade of electronic music as profoundly as she has the last.
“I think it all comes down to being unapologetically myself,” she reflects. “Your individuality is your superpower. For me, I express myself through my music—it’s my voice, my story, and my emotion all wrapped into sound. Staying true to that authenticity while evolving over time has been key.”
As she stands at the intersection of past accomplishments and future possibilities, Nicole Moudaber remains a singular presence in the world of electronic music: a trailblazer, a storyteller, and above all, an artist unafraid to follow her own MOOD.
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