Interview With Nauci Gold

How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?

Musically, I’d say my sound blends nu-soul and nu-jazz with ethnic elements and electronic touches, like synths and textures. I think the label "nu soul–nu

jazz" fits it quite well. Conceptually, I’ve always been drawn to esoteric themes and different ethnic traditions, so I try to bring that into the music. Lyrically, my songs are often very personal and inspired by my own experiences, but I try to write in a way that allows anyone to connect and interpret them through their own lens.

What’s the significance of your musical moniker?

It’s nothing too wild, honestly. "Nauci Gold" was just the name I used on social media before starting the project. "Nauci" is a nickname my family and friends have always used for me.

What are your musical influences?

As I mentioned, I'm heavily influenced by nu-soul, nu-jazz, afrobeat, and ethnic music. If I had to name a few artists, I'd say Chief Atunde Adjuah, Yazmin Lacey, D’Angelo, Jino Inagaki, José James, Bilal, Erykah Badu, Fela Kuti...and the list goes on. I listen to a huge range of styles—from what I just

mentioned to hardcore, metal, Latin music, rap...almost everything.

What are your musical inspirations?

I'm really inspired by artists who have a strong personal voice—those who truly stand apart from the rest. I admire creatives who don’t follow trends blindly and bring something different to the table, no matter the discipline. In my opinion, they’re the ones with the most interesting stories to tell.

If given the chance, what musician(s) would you like to collaborate with?

It would honestly be a dream to work with any of the artists I’ve mentioned, but if I had to choose one right now, I’d probably say Christian Scott, Chief Atunde Adjuah. He’s a huge inspiration. But really, all of them have shaped my sound in one way or another. Ask me again tomorrow, and I might name someone else from the same list! [Laughs].

What’s something you hope people take away from the new song(s)?

With "Dancing Gods," the single I just released, I wanted to offer the first glimpse into my upcoming EP, The Days We Left Behind. I hadn’t released music for a while, and I felt this track was the perfect way to show the new direction my sound is taking.

One of the inspirations behind the song is the god Shiva, who represents both creation and destruction. That duality, when applied to the things we love, felt like a message I needed to tell myself. Sometimes what we love can hurt us, but we can’t live without it. And this song reminds me that, most of the time, the good things love brings us still win the battle.

Which songs on the album were the most fun to write, and which were the most challenging?

Whenever I write new music, I try to push myself, experiment more, and give something beyond what I’ve already done. Even though I usually need a bit of time rehearsing the new songs before feeling completely comfortable performing them live, this process helps me grow as an artist. I think that’s why my sound keeps evolving, and that’s something I really value.

What’s the new album about?

The Days We Left Behind is, in many ways, about nostalgia. The years since my last EP have been a bit strange, and I’ve spent a lot of time longing for things and people from the past. This EP reflects that feeling, but also how all of that should ultimately push us forward. Each track tells its own story, but as a whole, it’s a reminder to look back with love, but to celebrate that we’re still moving ahead.

Do you have any favourite songs to perform live? It could be your own music or even a cover. Any reason why?

I really care about live shows. Whenever I can, I prepare visuals to help tell the story behind the songs. If the venue allows it, I also work with lighting and everything surrounding the performance. I like to think of concerts as a journey, so honestly, the song I enjoy the most changes depending on the day and how the audience connects with the music in that moment.

If you could perform a show this very second anywhere in the world,

where would it be? Is there any particular venue(s) or city/cities that come to mind?

If I had to pick a few cities, I’d say London—ever since I lived there, I’ve dreamed of playing at KOKO. That venue is definitely a goal of mine. I’d also love to perform in Los Angeles, which holds a special place in my heart from my time living there. Paris and Tokyo are also on the list, and going back to

Mexico would be amazing too. Honestly, any city would be incredible—and if the venue has some history or a unique atmosphere, even better! [Laughs].

What do you currently have planned for the remainder of the year?

For the rest of the year, the plan is to release a few more singles to introduce The Days We Left Behind, and then drop the EP itself. I’m also incredibly excited to start performing it live.

Thanks for the time today. Is there anything else you may want to add before you go?

Just a big thank you, of course, to you for the conversation—and to anyone reading this interview. I hope you connect with my music, and hopefully, we’ll see each other at a live show sometime soon.