Nastya Sipulina of oqbqbo on the electronic music scene in Copenhagen

Introduction by Rachel Weinberg
Interview Annabel Blue

Nastya Sipulina of oqbqbo is a portrait of ease: a soothing nurturer, fluid thinker, and confident creative. Her ambient synths and tangled rhythms have brought a lightness to the electronic music scene. From Copenhagen, where she resides with her new baby, Nastya sat down with to Be to reflect on her year thus far and look forward to the euphonious steps she is yet to take.

Annabel Blue: Can you tell me a little about yourself and what you’ve been up to lately?

Nastya Sipulina: I grew up in Russia in the Kaliningrad Region and have since lived in Moscow, Tokyo and Copenhagen where I now make music and raise my baby. Emotionally, 2022 has been quite conflicting. On the one hand, I experienced giving birth to my daughter and was introduced to the overwhelming love associated with bearing a child. On the other, the shocking invasion of Ukraine by the Russian government left me with feelings of anger and shame.

Before having my child in April, I would go to Japan once a year and work as a model. In 2021 I released two tracks on two different compilation albums, as well as a mini EP on Posh Isolation with artist Scandinavian Star. Once in a while I produce mixes on NTS Radio as well.

AB: When did your relationship with music begin?

NS: Music has always been an essential part of my life. I have early memories of my mum singing in the car to 90s / 2000s pop tunes… I recall Kylie Minouge, t.a.t.u., Madonna, Cher and the Russian band Ruki Vverkh. Even though I enjoyed music so much, I never imagined that I could make it. Especially because I thought it was an art form that is learnt and practiced for many years. When I first met Malthe (Scandinavian Star, Lust For Youth) years ago, he reassured me that anyone can make music. He taught me how to use Ableton, which gave me the initial confidence to try and make a self released cassette. Just for the fun of it of course.

AB: How did oqbqbo start? 

NS: Before there was any music ‘oqbqbo’ was actually the name of my Instagram profile. Many people ask about its meaning and pronunciation. I’ve always seen it as more of a visual thing though. For instance, if you turn the word upside down it still looks the same. Over the years, I’ve heard some funny articulation attempts. After a concert, I once heard two people discussing it and it was cute to hear their versions. There’s no right or wrong way.

AB: Are you usually working on music full time?

It varies. Sometimes I prefer not to listen or make any music and just take a break. Other times, once that exciting feeling to create something returns, the process feels really fluid and magical. At the moment, I’ve been enjoying being a new mum and spending time with my little bubble. In the near future I plan to make more music and be a little more productive.

AB: What is the music community like in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is quite small so most people working in music seem to know each other. I’m mainly involved with the Posh Isolation scene. I’ve also recently discovered a new platform/label/radio to follow – uumphff – with a lot of interesting artists and music. I recommend listening to Rosa Melano & djd2g’s track Metelo, from a recent uumphff compilation.

AB: What has been a great piece of creative advice you’ve received?

Work fast and assess later. Creating in the beginning always has to feel carefree – like a quick sketch.  I have discovered that I work better in the moment and prefer to go with the motions so I don’t overthink too much. When I have too many preconceived ideas about the final product, the process often becomes strenuous.

AB: Who or what are you finding inspiration in at the moment?

Giving birth gave me a huge boost of creativity. It's the greatest thing that has happened to me. Nature also inspires me a lot: cycling around quiet areas of Tokyo, watching the shadows from moving trees, feeling the warmth of  summer in the evening… what I like to call the ‘tired sun’. Artists I’ve never heard of before spark my interest too. If I find a song or artist I really like, it usually goes to the mix-folder.

Some of the artists you can find in my music library include Pavel Milyakov & Yana Pavlova, Whitearmor, ETM, Eartheater, Malibu, Susumu Yokota, Burial, Geinoh Yamashirogumi, Tomoyoshi Date, Talisto, Zvuki Mu, Nicola Cruz, Lust For Youth, Ssaliva and DJ Heartstring.

AB: Are you working on any releases at the moment?

I’m working on an ambient LP as well as some dance tracks with Scandinavian Star. I’ll hopefully do a physical release of that. There are for sure going to be some other collaborations… I just need more sleep and time.

Photography Sarah Stenfeldt @sarahstenfeldt
Styling Caroline Clante @cclante
Talent Nastya Sipulina/ oqbqbo @oqbqbo 
Words Rachel Weinberg
Interview Annabel Blue