Noisia

Noisia
Name	Noisia
Background	group_or_band
Origin	Rotterdam, Netherlands
Genres	Drum and bass, Neurofunk, Breakbeat, Electronic
Years active	2000–2019
Labels	Vision Recordings, Division, Mau5trap
Associated acts	I Am Legion, Foreign Beggars, Ed Rush, Optical

Noisia Noisia were a Dutch electronic music trio originating in Rotterdam, Netherlands, known for producing drum and bass, neurofunk, and breakbeat. The group released records on labels including Vision Recordings, Division, and Mau5trap, toured worldwide alongside artists such as Skrillex, Pendulum, and The Prodigy, and contributed production work for films, video games, and other musicians. Their output intersected with scenes around London, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Berlin, and festivals including Glastonbury Festival, Ultra Music Festival, and Tomorrowland.

History

Formed by three producers from Rotterdam and linked to scenes in Utrecht, the trio emerged during the early 2000s drum and bass resurgence that involved labels like RAM Records, Hospital Records, and Metalheadz. Early releases on Vision Recordings and collaborations with artists on Sony Music and Universal Music Group led to remixes for acts including Daft Punk, Amon Tobin, and Noisia-adjacent projects, while international DJ sets took them to clubs such as Fabric, Ministry of Sound, and Berghain. Over the 2010s they expanded into scoring for media linked to productions from Warner Bros., Activision, and Electronic Arts before announcing a planned split in 2019 after farewell events in venues like Paradiso and festivals like Exit Festival.

Musical Style and Influences

Their sound combined elements from jungle, techno, and hip hop traditions, drawing inspiration from producers and acts such as Ed Rush, Optical, Bad Company UK, Autechre, and Aphex Twin. Tracks often employed production techniques associated with studios like Abbey Road Studios and technologies tied to manufacturers such as Roland, Korg, and Native Instruments. The trio cited influences ranging from LTJ Bukem and Goldie to modern electronic groups like The Prodigy and Pendulum, integrating approaches common in releases on Mau5trap and compilations curated by FabricLive.

Members and Collaborations

The core producers were three individuals who also worked separately under aliases and side projects, collaborating with vocalists and collectives such as I Am Legion, Foreign Beggars, Skrillex, Sia, and Zola Jesus. They partnered with film and game composers connected to Hans Zimmer, John Powell, and studios including Sony Pictures and Blizzard Entertainment. On remixes and production duties they worked alongside engineers and mixers who have credits with Kanye West, Beyoncé, and Radiohead.

Discography

Their catalog included albums, EPs, singles, and remixes released on imprints such as Vision Recordings, Division, and Mau5trap, with notable entries achieving attention in publications like NME, Pitchfork, and Rolling Stone. Releases were compiled on platforms and charts including Beatport, Billboard, and UK Singles Chart and featured in soundtracks for franchises such as Call of Duty, FIFA, and Need for Speed. Compilations and DJ mixes placed them alongside artists represented by XL Recordings, Ninja Tune, and Warp Records.

Production and Technical Work

Beyond artist releases, the trio provided production, sound design, and mixing for projects tied to Warner Bros. Pictures, EA Sports, and television networks like HBO and Netflix. Their sound design techniques referenced workflows common at facilities using consoles by SSL and microphones by Neumann, and they contributed patches and presets compatible with software from Ableton, Pro Tools, and Serum. They also collaborated with synth designers and sample companies aligned with Splice, Loopmasters, and instrument makers such as Moog Music.

Live Performances and Tours

Their touring history encompassed headline shows, festival appearances, and collaborative sets with acts from the electronic and rock worlds including Skrillex, Pendulum, The Prodigy, and Enter Shikari. They performed at venues and events managed by promoters connected to Live Nation, AEG Presents, and regional festivals such as Sziget Festival and Sonar. Technical production for their live shows incorporated lighting and staging suppliers who have worked with U2, Coldplay, and Depeche Mode.

Legacy and Impact

They influenced a generation of producers across scenes in London, Amsterdam, New York City, and Los Angeles, with their techniques echoed by artists on labels like RAM Records, Hospital Records, and Mau5trap. Music press outlets including Mixmag, DJ Mag, and Resident Advisor documented their contributions to electronic music, while academic and trade discussions in journals and conferences about sound design and electronic production cited their work alongside that of Brian Eno, Trent Reznor, and Imogen Heap. Their catalog remains referenced in tutorials and masterclasses hosted by institutions such as Red Bull Music Academy and platforms like MasterClass.

Category:Dutch electronic music groups