The Electric Reunion of Noisia: A Triumphant Return After Seven Years
Beloved Dutch trio Noisia, known for their groundbreaking contributions to electronic music, have announced their reunion after a seven-year hiatus. Comprising Nik Roos, Martijn van Sonderen, and Thijs de Vlieger, the group has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their innovative soundscapes and energetic performances. Their announcement on September 17 propels them back into the spotlight, and music lovers everywhere are excitedly anticipating their return.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
After spending nearly a decade apart to pursue individual projects, Noisia’s members decided to reform after realizing how much they missed collaborating and connecting through music. In a press release, they reflected on how they yearned for “the exchange of ideas between them, and the feedback loop that begins when their music meets a crowd.” The longing for this communal experience served as a significant catalyst for their decision to come back together.
First Show at Amsterdam’s Melkweg
Fans will not have to wait long to experience Noisia live again. The trio is set to perform their first show since their farewell tour on December 4 at Amsterdam’s Melkweg, marking a poignant return to the venue that hosted them during their last run of shows. This announcement has sparked excitement among dedicated followers, who eagerly await details about more performances to follow.
Celebrating the Reunion with Creative Ventures
Before this momentous announcement, Noisia debuted a 27-minute documentary titled Vlucht on September 10, directed by Farhad Khodadadzade. The film serves as a nostalgic homage to their journey as artists and highlights the creative processes that have defined their work over the years.
In a joint interview with Billboard back in 2019, the trio discussed their deliberate decision to part ways, emphasizing the painful yet necessary nature of that choice. They expressed a deep understanding of the risks involved in putting an end to something they had built with great dedication for two decades.
Individual Pursuits and Growth
During their time apart, each member of Noisia found success in different avenues, showcasing their versatility as musicians. Roos delved into his bass project Sleepnet and collaborated on Ring Noord with fellow producer Former. He also explored other musical ventures, such as the house duo Body Ocean, and expanded his skills in production, scoring, and audio technology.
De Vlieger embraced his solo act, Thys, engaging in collaborations with electronic music heavyweights like Amon Tobin. His work also spanned composing music for film, contemporary dance, fashion, and writing for various instrumental ensembles. Meanwhile, van Sonderen became involved with the duo Zonderling, further diversifying his portfolio by producing across genres like house, melodic techno, pop, and hip-hop under the name NSR. Despite their solo achievements, the trio acknowledges that these projects will continue alongside the revitalized Noisia.
Reigniting Collaborative Excitement
Van Sonderen expressed his eagerness to return to collaboration with his bandmates, remarking, “Getting a rough idea from the guys and letting my own ideas loose on it. That already feels exciting again.” Roos echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The farewell tour actually planted the seed of the idea that Noisia can be what we want it to be.” This newfound perspective brings a sense of freedom and creativity to their reunion.
De Vlieger shared his excitement about rekindling their collaborative spirit, highlighting the importance of “defining this relationship and this friendship on new terms that align with who we are and who we want to be.” This renewed dynamic promises to pave the way for innovative sounds and fresh inspirations within their music.
From Graffiti Artists to Electronic Music Icons
The origins of Noisia trace back to the late 1990s when Roos, van Sonderen, and de Vlieger first crossed paths in the northern Dutch town of Groningen. Initially bonding over their shared interest in graffiti, the trio transitioned into the world of electronic music, which would ultimately propel them into the international limelight. Their distinctive style evolved, encompassing explosive drum & bass productions, electro, house, pop, and beyond, showcasing their meticulous production techniques and unrivaled artistry.
Chart-Topping Legacy
Over the years, Noisia has produced numerous hits, including their single “Tommy’s Theme,” which remarkably spent 18 weeks on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and peaked at No. 44. Even during their hiatus, their influence remained strong—earlier this year, they contributed to Skrillex’s track “Supersonic (My Existence),” which attracted attention globally, peaking at No. 13 on the same chart.
Looking Forward
With their reunion, fans are eager to see what the future holds for Noisia. As they prepare to showcase their talents together once more, the trio embodies the spirit of collaboration, growth, and artistic freedom. Their return not only signifies a new chapter in their musical journey but also reaffirms their status as pioneers in the electronic music landscape. The anticipation for their upcoming performances and projects continues to build, as the world waits to embrace Noisia once again.
