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Beyond the box: Jose Noventa on artistic freedom and community

With over 15 years in electronic music, Jose Noventa stands as a testament to artistic independence in an increasingly commercialized industry. His commitment to authenticity has shaped him into more than just a DJ—he’s become a cultural bridge-builder.

Photo credit: Jose Noventa – Facebook

This dedication has recently culminated in ‘From Stars to Dust’, his first vinyl release on Belgium’s WeZienWel label. The release brings together collaborators who have profoundly influenced his journey. From intimate underground gatherings to major international festivals, Noventa’s sonic palette spans house, deep house, downtempo, and disco.

In a candid conversation with EG, Noventa shares insights about his artistic evolution, the importance of community in music, and his perspective on the industry’s future—where he envisions a return to stronger community bonds in response to current commercial pressures.

EG: Hi, Jose! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?

Jose Noventa: Thanks for the invite. I’ve been doing well, thank you for having me! Right now I’m home in Mexico City.

EG: First of all, thank you for your contribution to our EG Podcast. It is a pleasure to host your sound. Tell us, what can fans of the series expect to find in this installment? Is there a concept driving this mix? How do you usually go about crafting a recorded mix?

Jose Noventa: It’s an honor to be featured on EG. In this podcast, I followed a certain energy while expressing certain emotions, feelings, and thoughts that I feel are accurate to the time we are living in. I also picked some of my unreleased works, and also some from our family label in Belgium, WeZienWel.

EG: By the way, we really enjoyed your latest release, which seems to be very important to you. ‘From Stars to Dust’ is also your first release on vinyl, right? What was the process of getting that package together, and why does it mean so much to you?

Jose Noventa: Yes, it is my first physical release! That alone is a check from the bucket list. This one is special as it represents a full cycle in my journey as an artist. It’s a collaboration album with artists who had a big impact on my career. From the graphic designer to all remixers and featuring artists in the originals. Also, it’s released on WeZienWel, which is our Belgian family label. It made a lot of sense for me to have my first vinyl connected to my roots.

EG: It seems like there was a lot of thought in terms of curation. How important is the act of curation in today’s music landscape?

Jose Noventa: Curation is very important to me. I strive for a uniqueness that still feels relatable, especially in the present moment where algorithms have a big impact and where similarities are the norm.

“This release is special as it represents a full cycle in my journey as an artist

EG: And since we’re on the release front, is there anything incoming that you can anticipate? What should we keep an eye out for this year?

Jose Noventa: I have a new EP planned, which is being remixed by artists I love. Besides that, there’s a lot of unreleased music that I’m planning on releasing.

EG: Speaking about culture…what’s your take on mainstream events and their underground counterparts? How do you envision their near future?

Jose Noventa: I personally think we are in a transitional period where at this moment, the industry is in a phase where sales are the most important factor, the big players are making it hard for smaller promoters to flourish. I personally miss the community feeling a lot. And I think community and supporting one another is what will be standard soon again.

EG: You’ve been a stalwart in this business for over 15 years now. So, how does one manage to stay independent and grow a global network without the help of outsourced agents or management?

Jose Noventa: It’s a proper struggle and a constant challenge to make the right choices. I decided very consciously not to let anyone form or adapt my expression as an artist. The offers and advice I’ve received over time were usually related to choosing a certain sound, which is based on a commercial idea that is easier to sell. What makes me the artist I am today is the fact that you can’t put me in a box.

EG: Now, on to the state of the scene…What do you see as the biggest challenge for the music industry in the next few years, and how do you think artists can adapt?

Jose Noventa: The growth of the industry and the impact of social media are big ones. I think art will always find its way; everything cycles.

“I strive for a uniqueness that still feels relatable

EG: Looking forward, what can we expect from Jose Noventa in the coming months? Are there any incoming releases we should be looking out for? Where can your fans catch you next?

Jose Noventa: There is! Following me is the best way to find out what’s next.

EG: Thank you so much for your time, Jose! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!

Jose Noventa: Thank you so much! Love.

EG.1018 Jose Noventa is now available on EG’s platforms. For more info visit here.

Follow Jose Noventa: Soundcloud I Spotify I Instagram I Facebook 

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