At the Nexus Lounge’s cast iron space, electronic duo Piece Wise & Brendel sat down with Frank from Nexus Radio for an engaging conversation that revealed not just their sound, but the genuine bond and vision driving their work. The exchange captured the spirit of two artists deeply connected through music, travel, and shared ambition.
Piece Wise, born Bastiaan de Nooijer, brings a truly global perspective to his productions. Born in Spain and raised across parts of Africa, including Cameroon and Mozambique, his sound reflects a rich blend of cultural rhythms and lived experience. Since 2012, he has steadily built a respected catalog with releases on labels such as Loudkult and Strange Fruits, while also giving back to the scene through his own imprint, Setting Sail Records, which focuses on developing emerging talent.
From the start of the interview, the duo’s chemistry was unmistakable. Both artists spoke enthusiastically about their packed schedules and creative momentum, balancing label responsibilities, performances, and networking. That energy is amplified by the fact that their partnership extends beyond the studio. As Brendel revealed, they’re also roommates—an everyday closeness that naturally feeds into their musical collaboration and trust.
While Brendel keeps a deliberately low public profile, his presence completes the partnership. Their friendship, built on mutual support and shared experiences, translates into a seamless creative flow that listeners can feel in their productions. It’s less about branding and more about authenticity—two people pushing each other to grow.
Amsterdam itself remains a constant source of inspiration for Piece Wise. Even as a Dutch artist, he described feeling like a tourist every time he’s in the city, soaking in its history, energy, and ever-evolving electronic culture. That sense of curiosity and openness is mirrored in their music, which blends accessibility with subtle edge.
A defining part of Piece Wise’s philosophy is artist development. He spoke passionately about identifying promising newcomers—sometimes with only a handful of listeners—and helping them reach audiences in the hundreds of thousands. It’s a long-term mindset rooted in belief, patience, and the idea that dance music thrives when the community lifts each other up.
The conversation also had its lighter moments. Asked what kind of cheese best represents their music, Piece Wise laughed and chose Port Salut—soft, approachable, but with a little kick. It was a fitting metaphor for their sound: warm, melodic, and quietly bold. Listen to the full interview below.
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