Name: Aida Noshadi aka Aida Arko
Nationality: Austrian
Occupation: Producer, DJ
Current release: Aida Arko's new Hard Disco EP is out via HEKATE.

If you enjoyed this Aida Arko interview and would like to know more about her music, visit her on Instagram, Soundcloud, tiktok, and Facebook.



Are there examples of minimalism in music that impressed you? Were you  interested in minimalism as a style – from Philip-Glass-variety to minimal techno?

Minimalism is a perfect form of maximalism.

For me, a perfect tune isn’t just filled with great sound design; each sound must have a purpose and convey meaning.

Especially in very minimalistic house and techno, the line between a “tool” and a carefully crafted “composition” can be a fine one. How do you see that – and the difference between “tool” and “track” in general?

For me, the main focus is always the outcome of the music. While having access to many tools creates a great playground for creativity, it’s not a must.

Sometimes, having fewer options is actually more beneficial for the workflow and creative process. Ultimately, the original idea matters most.

Do you tend to find that, as many claim, “less is more?” Are the notes you don't play really as important as the ones you do play?

Less is definitely more. It’s always quality over quantity.

Music theory is simple: set an expectation, create tension, make the audience wait just a little, and then fulfil that expectation.

That said, my process involves playing with elements extensively to achieve this balance.

Do you feel as that music is a process of adding elements until it is done – or one where you chisel away pieces from something that is already there?

It varies each time, depending on my mood. I usually start with one main idea, like a melody or a breakdown. If it feels unique enough, I build on that idea by adding more elements until I’m satisfied with the overall result.

In the end, I remove anything unnecessary and refine it further by testing it with a crowd to get feedback, ensuring it feels complete.

The music on your new EP is relentless, but so are the topics discussed here. Tell me a bit about the inspiration and impulse behind these pieces, please.

This EP sets itself apart by pushing the limits of tempo and sound design while staying rooted in the essence of my style for Hekate Records.

"Hard Disco" takes listeners on an emotional ride. It is modern and full of energy blending intensity with moments of tension and release. I had the pleasure of collaborating with an incredibly talented young UK artist, PRYDIE, on the title track, and I’m thrilled with the outcome.

"Knock Out" is deeply personal. For me, music isn't just sound; it's a way to share meaningful messages. This track is my way of shedding light on domestic abuse, a topic that often stays hidden in silence but leaves profound emotional and physical scars.

My hope is to spark conversations and encourage more understanding and support for those affected.

Are you finding that, the less cluttered the music is, the more precise you can deliver messages like those on “Knock Out”?

In my experience, creating a less cluttered but precise sound is one of the hardest yet most rewarding challenges for a producer.

It requires a lot of production knowledge and DJ experience to understand what works on a big sound system and how to keep the audience’s energy at the perfect pace.

What were some of your creative musical starting points for the Hard Disco EP?

Simple! I wanted to create bangers to play in my sets.

In terms of the creative process, do you like to set yourself limitations? If so, which were some of those limitations for the new pieces?

Limitations are essential in the creative process because there are no natural limits to creativity! Deadlines and setting boundaries help me stay focused and bring projects to completion.

The sonic palette of the EP, perfectly in line with the title, feels cold and brutal. What were some of the most important pieces of gear for this release?

I wouldn’t describe it as cold and brutal—these terms are subjective. For me, this EP is unique, powerful, and full of energy.

Most of the tracks were produced digitally. Some acid patterns came from Acid V, epic MIDI sounds and designs were crafted with Serum, and I used a lot of processing with tools like Soundtoys, Dada Life, Waves, and more.

Would you say that you approach equipment and gear with a minimalist mindset? Or do you need a wide choice of instruments and tools to make music?

For the creative part, I love experimenting with unusual tools and techniques for sound design.

But when it comes to arrangement and mixing, I narrow things down to make everything tight and compact.

When you're working with comparatively few elements, the challenge and the opportunity is to keep things interesting. How did that work for these tracks, what did the arrangement process look like?

Nowadays, I start by building the breakdown, as that’s the main part of the track. From there, I work outward and build around it.

Drums seem extremely important for your sound. Listening to Hard Disco and something like the Millennium EP side by side, I was struck by how much personality the percussion has on each. How do you approach drum programming, processing and production?

I’m so glad you noticed!

Drums and percussive elements are the main drive and groove that guide listeners through a track’s sections. I always pay close attention to them, using EQ and filtering to add dynamics and drive.

So much in this music depends on finding the right balance between the tracks. Tell me about the mixing of the music, please.  

Mixing and EQing are everything—they can make or break a track.

Controlling the frequencies to create a full spectrum, from the lower end to the middle and higher frequencies, is crucial. It all needs to harmonize and make sense together.

Would you say that minimalism extends into other parts of your life as well?

Yes, I agree. I used to be very minimal, but the crazy schedules of touring have made things a bit messier than I’d like.

That said, I’m still very tidy in my mind and my physical environment. I dislike clutter, I live art, it’s a lifestyle, not just about music or creation.

Many artists are becoming more minimalist in their music as the years go on, focusing on the “essence.” After many years of making music – how is that for yourself?

The more time you spend fine-tuning your craft, the more you see the beauty in the simplicity of wholesome sound design.

As we’ve mentioned before, it’s all about quality over quantity.