Nicole Glazunov started vocal training at 6, fell in love with jazz around the same time, and spent years absorbing Amy Winehouse and Etta James before she ever touched a DAW. She taught herself production during COVID, landed on an R&B and jazz fusion style, and builds everything around as much live instrumentation as possible.
That includes guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, kalimba, and harpsicle. And her voice, which she treats as an instrument in its own right — bending and layering it the way other producers layer synths.
Under the name NGEL, she’s one of the few creators on WAVS whose catalog sounds like it could only have come from one person. We talked about her process, how she thinks about AI and vocal expression, and what she believes gives a sample real longevity.
What’s NGEL’s story? How did you get into music?
“I was classically trained since the age of 6 in vocals, and around the same age was when I fell in love with jazz. Through singers like Amy Winehouse and Etta James, I learned to incorporate both techniques in my artistry and production. I taught myself how to produce around COVID times, and it took me a few years to land on an R&B and jazz fusion style. I enjoy it most when my art includes as much live instrumentation as possible.”
What’s something about your process that would surprise people?
“I play guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, kalimba, and harpsicle. When creating ideas or beats, I like to play as many as I can, while also using my voice as an instrument.”
The self-titled NGel Sample Pack by NGEL
What would you say is your ‘secret weapon’ VST, and are there any tips you can give on recording/processing vocals that could instantly improve someone’s sound?
“One free plugin for your vocals that I love is ‘Nectar 3 Elements.’ It’s a great polishing plugin for main vocals (de-esser, compressor, reverb, etc.). A top tip I’d give is to double every main vocal and harmony to make it sound more full.”
Nectar Elements by iZotope
When your voice is the foundation of your sound, how does that shape your approach to production? What makes the human voice a more powerful tool than a synth or instrument?
“With the right techniques, we can bend the vocal cords in so many different ways that it becomes its own instrument. With your voice, you are fully in control of how the sound can bend and come out.”
Love Language by Nicole
Do you see AI as a tool that enhances or threatens human vocal expression?
“AI can be a beautiful tool to make our life easier. However, when we take the soul out of the music it becomes less emotive and more calculated. Music expression should always be natural and emotive.”
BACKYARD, a sample pack by NGEL
What do you think gives a sample longevity? What qualities ensure it still resonates years down the line?
“Real instrumentation can always be appreciated no matter the time period. Rather than following ‘trends’ with what melodies or vocal lines should be created, when the voice is projected with healthy technique, it can’t be denied either.”
ANGEL WINGS, BLUE and SIREN, sample packs on WAVS by NGEL
If someone used your sample in a way that’s completely unexpected and not quite up to your liking or standards, would you embrace it or feel disconnected?
“When you release samples or any art into the world, it’s both a personal and impersonal process—because then it is for the world to resonate with and interpret in their own unique ways. As hard as it might be for the ego to accept, a new perspective can always be appreciated.”
‘More Than Anything’, Nicole’s latest single
If you could change one thing about the samplemaking/music production business overnight, what would it be, and do you think the golden age of sampling is ahead of us or behind us?
“I would put more women in positions of power in the production world and music industry in general, as well as recognize and nominate them for more awards and opportunities. We are only now starting to acknowledge women’s contribution to the music industry (as songwriters and artists) the way we should, and even less so in the production world. However, I think more women are soon to be recognized leaders.”
HERMIT, a sample pack by NGEL
What’s next for NGEL? Where do you see yourself as a producer, songwriter, and artist within the next 3 years?
“As for production, I’d love to hear my samples used by artists that resonate with the R&B/jazz fusion world, and to hear my samples and beats interpreted in unique ways by other producers I look up to. As an artist and songwriter, I’d love to organize more live shows to present my new work—especially since it’s recently taken on a route of self-love and discovery, which are very meaningful to my life and would be best experienced in an energy-sharing space. My goal is to share my experiences of expansion and learned lessons vulnerably, as it makes music a more true and community-based experience.”
sample NGEL’s catalog here.
