Slow Nomaden: "I’m drawn to sounds that add a more natural, human feel to a track"

Slow Nomaden is the electronic alter ego of Tobias Kroschel, the creative mind behind Sound Nomaden and one of the most distinctive artists in the Organic House and Downtempo scene. Through a fusion of organic instruments, global influences and immersive electronic textures, his music creates a journey across cultures, landscapes and emotions.

Since his debut EP Jungle on 3000Grad Records in 2017, Slow Nomaden has established a unique presence in the international electronic scene, with acclaimed releases such as "Gondwana", "Elephant Dream", "Vasudeva" and the albums "Journey" and "Boho". Supported by renowned artists and tastemakers worldwide, his sound continues to connect dancefloors and introspective moments, bringing a distinctive soundtrack to modern nomads and free thinkers.

"Baaba" brings together Afro House rhythms with organic elements like kora and balafon melodies. What drew you to these sounds, and how did you shape them into your own electronic language?

I love the warm character of these instruments and the imperfect, organic quality they bring to electronic music. So much electronic music today sounds incredibly polished and almost too clean, whereas I’m drawn to sounds that add a more natural, human feel to a track.

I work a lot with sampled instruments—like the balafon in this case—and compose melodies on my MIDI keyboard. What I find especially exciting is being able to take these organic, sampled sounds and play, shape, and manipulate them just like a synthesizer. It gives me the best of both worlds: the warmth and texture of real instruments combined with the creative flexibility of electronic production.

Your music has always explored the connection between electronic sounds and influences from different cultures. How do you approach creating a track that feels like a journey through different places and atmospheres?

Sometimes I start writing a track with a specific feeling or atmosphere in mind and then search for the right sounds to bring that vision to life. Other times, it works the other way around: I come across a sample or an instrument that immediately inspires me, and that becomes the starting point for a new track.

"Baaba" carries a strong sense of warmth, positivity, and movement, making it perfect for open-air festivals and dance floors. What kind of emotions or experiences did you want listeners to feel when hearing this track?

I hope the track gives listeners a sense of joy, freedom and togetherness. If it can create a moment where people feel connected and simply enjoy the music, then it has achieved what I set out to do.

After years of releases, albums, and performances around the world, how has your vision as Slow Nomaden evolved compared to the early days of the project?

Slow Nomaden started out as more of a side project, but over the years it has grown into my main musical focus. The idea of blending world music influences and organic sounds with electronic music has really resonated with a growing audience, and it’s incredibly rewarding to receive such positive feedback from listeners all around the world.

You have built a sound that sits between Organic House, Downtempo, and Afro House, while playing in diverse locations and festivals worldwide. What continues to inspire you to explore new musical territories?

I’ve always loved exploring new musical directions. Music is incredibly diverse, and there are endless sounds and instruments to discover. That constant exploration is one of my biggest sources of inspiration.

I’ve never been someone who likes to stay within the boundaries of a single genre. Instead, I prefer to keep an open mind and incorporate everything that inspires me into my music.

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