Nick Schwenderling: "Every note tells a story in a more human and honest way"

Feb 26

Nick Schwenderling is a prodigy in electronic music who effortlessly fuses the elegance of piano with the energy of techno and house. Despite a significant hearing impairment and being unable to speak, he turns challenges into creative strengths. His breakthrough came in 2019 with a heartfelt piano cover of Boris Brejcha’s "Gravity", which quickly caught the attention of industry heavyweights. Since then, he has collaborated with renowned labels such as Yellow Kitchen and Tube & Berger, captivating audiences with dynamic live performances and a strong digital presence.

Your piano reinterpretation of "Silence" was praised for its emotional depth and intensity. How did you approach the creative process of transforming a techno track into such an intimate and evocative version?

I stripped it back to its rawest emotion. The piano lets the melody breathe, making every note feel like it’s telling the story of the original track but in a more vulnerable, human way.

Your remix of "Holding On" blends energy and atmosphere in a unique way. What was your artistic vision for reimagining this track, and how did you approach collaborating with Be Free Recordings?

I wanted it to hit hard on the dance floor but still feel emotional. Be Free Recordings gave me the freedom to experiment, and together we found the perfect balance of energy and vibe.

You’ve mastered the art of combining your piano roots with your passion for electronic music. What challenges have you faced in merging these two distinct worlds, and what inspires you to maintain this balance?

It’s all about balance, keeping the piano emotional while making the beats connect. Inspiration comes from the crowd and random melodies that pop into my head at 3 a.m.

As a musician with a hearing impairment, you’ve turned challenges into strengths. How has this experience shaped your approach to creating and performing music?

I feel music differently, it’s all about the vibrations and flow. It’s pushed me to focus on details and trust my instincts, turning a challenge into my edge.

At just 24, you’ve already achieved remarkable milestones. What are your goals for the future, both as a pianist and as a DJ/producer in the techno and house scene?

More and bigger shows, more releases, and turning my passion into a full-time.