Mondingo: "Being creative in nature gave me a strong routine and constant inspiration"
- Editorial Staff
- Dec 3, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
Mondingo is the project of Domien Cnockaert, a versatile songwriter, producer, DJ, and musician with a background in music production. After live experiences with Charlotte Adigéry, Emma Bale, and Hooverphonic, he launched Mondingo in 2020, blending electronic sounds with emotive songwriting. Based at Durbuy Music, a nature-inspired studio he built with his wife Le Manou, he produces and collaborates on international projects. His sound merges organic and electronic elements, drawing inspiration from artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL and Ben Böhmer. In 2025, his debut album will be released on the MOODSHINE label, following a year of rapid international growth and collaborations with Nico Morano and Romain Garcia. Mondingo combines live performances and DJ sets, delivering immersive and versatile sonic experiences. "OVER" is released on SubLife Records, a record label that stands at the crossroads of pop, electronic, and afro-house; a label and creative collective redefining the sound of tomorrow. With over 70 releases to date, SubLife continues to reveal pieces of its highly anticipated first album, slated for release in early 2026. The label embodies a new philosophy: empowering visionary, cross-genre artists to push creative boundaries and craft immersive, spiritual experiences through sound and AI-enhanced visuals.
The name Mondingo evokes a sonic journey through imaginary worlds. How do you manage to transport listeners to these "other places" through your music?
When I make music, I always try to imagine a specific place and then build it piece by piece with sonic "bricks".
Soundscapes in the background - birds, water, subtle textures - helps reinforce that feeling without becoming dominant elements.
And I think it works, because I often hear from friends, family, and fans that they listen to my music the most when they’re traveling or on vacation. That’s the best compliment.
You built Durbuy Music together with your wife, creating not just a studio but a creative "sanctuary". How has this natural environment influenced the sound and essence of your debut album?
Being creative in nature gave me a strong routine and constant inspiration. And being lucky enough to work in such a magical, nature-surrounded environment filled me with gratitude — something you can really feel in the music. The atmosphere of Durbuy is woven into me and therefore also in the album.
You have released "OVER" on Booba’s new electronic label SubLife. Can you tell us how the collaboration came to life?
A Paris-based A&R was asked by Booba to send him electronic artists, and he picked me. Booba wanted to try a long-distance collaboration, and he immediately connected with my production style and vocals.
After the first track, we started talking more, and eventually he came very close to Durbuy Music for a show at a Belgian festival. He and his team decided to do a 4-day writing camp at our studios. During that time, my team and I made five more songs that got signed— one of them became "OVER", the first single.
4. You’re a very versatile artist: you write, produce, play multiple instruments, perform live, and DJ. How do you balance all these facets while maintaining artistic coherence in your Mondingo project?
It took me a long time to find that balance, but now I really see the advantage of being so all-round. It allows me to adapt quickly and cross genre boundaries naturally.
As for maintaining coherence — I’m a workaholic simply because I’m addicted to the feeling of making music. This deep passion keeps everything aligned. I couldn’t go through life without creating, so the Mondingo identity comes out organically in everything I do.
5. Your music blends organic and electronic elements, drawing inspiration from artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL and Ben Böhmer. What are the challenges and rewards of creating a sound that is both personal and expansive?
Finding the right balance is always the challenge — organic versus clubby, edgy versus clean, live versus programmed. Sometimes I feel a bit in between worlds: for DJs my music can be too organic or pop-leaning, and for pop radio it can sound too electronic or “DJ.”
But honestly, that excites me. I love walking that thin line between the two. Having both backgrounds and blending them is what makes the sound original.
6. Your debut album Island has already achieved great success. Looking ahead, what new horizons or projects do you envision as you continue evolving as an artist?
Alongside my recent collaborations on Anjunadeep, Get Physical, and SubLife, I have several very exciting collaborations lined up for 2026. That year will really be about connecting with new artists and bringing the Mondingo sound to new audiences — all leading toward creating another, hopefully even bigger and better album in 2027.
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