Music / Interviews | Music / Guest Mixes
Exploring the NEXT Frontier of Electronic Music with CHINGIS - Baikal Nomads
Get to know Chingis, the man behind the wonderful Baikal Nomads record label.
By SIX_AM
February 15, 2024 at 12:00 AM PT
CHINGIS - Baikal Nomads
SIX AM have joined forces with PFENNINGERxORTNER to bring you a bi-monthly DJ and live mix series that promises to be an immersive journey through the realms of upcoming and established downtempo electronica DJs and producers. With a global perspective and an initial emphasis on Switzerland and Los Angeles, USA, the NEXT series is set to be a melting pot of talent and sonic exploration from all over the world.
The core ethos of the NEXT electronic music channel is to celebrate the beauty of slower BPM electronic music, spanning across genres from enchanting electronica and mesmerizing trip-hop to the hypnotic grooves of downtempo and house. This series aims to shine a spotlight on the masterminds behind the music, unraveling their unique styles, and seamlessly merging different cultures through the artful selection of sound.
In episode 003 NEXT series features Chingis, the man behind the wonderful Baikal Nomads record label. His label is one of the top downtempo outlets worldwide, having released numerous top talents and constantly pushing boundaries in the electronic music scene. The music often blends traditional elements with modern electronic beats, creating a unique sound that resonates with a global audience.
We had a chance to catch up with CHINGIS for this exclusive interview below
Hi, please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background in music?
Hello, my name is Chingis Iakovlev, I'm the founder and A&R of Baikal Nomads record label. I never produced music, I don't have music education, but I was a long time event organiser in Moscow and a night club owner in my hometown in Siberia. I loved electronic music since my childhood, maybe when I was 10 years old, somehow I listened Orbital - Halcyon On and On. I think that changed a lot in me and big love to electronic music start growing inside :)
What characterises your music (mixes or productions)?
Mainly we release downtempo and organic house, but I don’t limit myself when selecting a demo, it could be also some slowtech/techno vibe too. The main thing is that the track catches you and makes you move or you can do any other active meditation while listening to the track.
How did you end up in the downtempo genre?
It came itself while listening and discovering new music around 2014-2015, me and my friends quickly understood that we really love this style and it's still like that!
Who do you think is the most exciting downtempo producer at the moment?
Now I'm living in Mexico and I really love what music comes from here right now. In August 2023 we did a showcase in Tulum with Catatonique, it's a duo with producer and VJ from Mexico city (you can check full video in our YT channel) and it was blast! In my mix last 2 tracks are their unreleased remixes that will be out soon on Baikal Nomads, so listen to the end ;)
Could you walk us through your creative process when you produced your NEXT mix?
I've used tracks from last 3 years that was released on Baikal Nomads, these are very special to me, i'm often coming back to them. This time I didn't had a monitors and speakers and I borrowed small Traktor controller to mix it especially for you :) just with headphones and without pre-listening. Hope you enjoy :)
With which artists would you like to work with in the future and why?
As I said already, I like what Catatonique is currently doing. I hope we will do more collabs sometime soon. For other artists I would like to keep it in a secret, but be sure that more good music on the way, so stay tuned ;)
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects, releases or events?
In 2024 we will do some shows in Tulum for sure and hopefully in the US. Let's see, fingers crossed :)
Any parting words or messages for those listening to your mix?
Enjoy the ride and subscribe to our Soundcloud if you haven't done this yet. Thank you for listening and thanks for invitation!
Follow Baikal Nomads HERE