Behind The Scenes With…David Novell

Born in the ’90s as a child of two German Democratic Republic parents in Thuringia, the singer, and artist David Novell is now based in Leipzig. David’s musical journey began in the 2010s when they found their own niche somewhere between Hip Hop and New Wave synth sounds through several mixtapes.

David played in various projects before launching “David Novell” with the singles “Chiptune,” “Love Juice” and “Weltraumarmee.” As an Amplify Into The Metaverse finalist, David Novell showed their unique take on ’80s nostalgia via the bop “Weltraumarmee.”

What are some of your earliest musical memories?

I’m sitting in a car with my Dad. We are listening to 80s synth pop. “Smalltown Boy” is starting to play. Remember when the voice of Jimmy Somerville unfolds its magic? I sure do! What I also remember is how my dad and I tried to match his singing. Damn, we were so out of tune, but I really like going back to this memory.

Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by many musicians, and even more by general life and everyday people. I like drawing inspiration from the mundane and putting it into a new, creative context.

Who is your dream collaborator?

I have a lot of songs and demos waiting to find their final form. I’m getting better at producing myself, but I still enjoy teamwork and when people bring to the table what they’re best in.

So, I love to collaborate with professional producers and musicians – no matter if they’re unknown or famous – who want to contribute their craft. Let’s create something amazing!

Highlight of your career so far?

There have been many incredible moments in my journey as a musician. I mean, I could say something like performing in front of thousands of people was a truly unforgettable highlight, and sure it is. But often for me, it’s about these less popular moments, for instance when you mastered a specific skill and realise that you are now able to apply it with ease. Those are the small moments I find magic in.

Who else should we listen to from your local scene?

I’m constantly discovering new artists and soundscapes who inspire me. I like to venture out into the unknown. But I also like referentiality, especially from the 70s and 80s. My inspiration is a heady greyhound, so I don’t come back to the same sounds very often. But since you are probably waiting for namedropping, I’d recommend checking out DeLorea Pontiac from Leipzig, who recently released a new EP. I really like the mix of dreaminess and coldness.

If you had to change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

If I had to change one thing about the music industry, it would be the emphasis on commercial success over artistic integrity. I believe that music should be about self-expression and creativity, not just about being famous and making money. Of course, this contains a very basic critique of capitalism, but since new technology is about to reshuffle the pack, we also need to reassure we’re fighting for the same things!

Any projects in the pipeline that you’d like to share with us?

I’m still in my single release cycle, where I’m constantly showing excerpts of my craft. But I`’m already working on my first coherent collection of music. Feel free to follow my socials and don’t miss out!