Noise Daughters is a newly launched label founded by GAEL and Skungal. Originally from Ukraine and now based in Berlin, the project aims to showcase versatile techno from artists across the global scene. The label’s first release, Noise Daughters Vol. 1, is an 8-track various artists compilation featuring producers from Ukraine, England, South Korea and Germany, bringing together a diverse range of perspectives within contemporary techno. Recently we premiered Skungal's track "Defuse The Tension", but we wanted to know more about the pair's approach to the label so we sat down with them for a nice interview about music and beyond.
The Brvtalist: So let’s start at the beginning: tell us about the inception of Noise Daughters? Why did you want to start a label and what did you want to do with it?
GAEL & SKUNGAL: The idea of starting the label has actually been around for quite a while, we’d say it properly took shape about a year ago. What really pushed us was the desire for independence, having a space where we could release music entirely on our own terms. Not just musically, but visually as well: choosing the artwork and building a world that reflects our taste. It’s also very much about community. We wanted to create a platform where we could bring together artists we genuinely love, people who might not know each other at first, but end up connecting through the label. Seeing those connections happen has been one of the most rewarding parts. In a way, it’s about curating your own environment instead of trying to fit into someone else’s structure or expectations - you build your own
TB: How did you approach putting together the first release? Tell us how you think the tracks represent the direction of the label.
ND: We didn’t start from a genre or a specific framework, it was more about the artists themselves. There were people we genuinely loved and wanted to work with, and that became the starting point. At the same time, we did share a clear vision of the label, a certain mood, a feeling, both sonically and visually. What’s interesting is that even without strict guidelines, all the artists really understood and translated that energy into their tracks
We encouraged everyone to stay true to their own sound and to experiment as much as they wanted. The result is quite diverse. The tracks communicate with each other in a natural way. Even though they’re different, they exist in the same universe, like from the same “cartoon”
TB: You play a lot of b2bs together. How do you think your sounds complement each other?
ND: At first, it wasn’t like we instantly felt like the perfect b2b match, it actually took some work. But interestingly, the challenge wasn’t really about the music, it was more about us and how we function together. We were playing tracks that naturally complemented each other, which is actually one of the reasons we wanted to play together in the first place. It didn’t come from being a couple it came from sharing a similar taste and energy in music
What took time was the technical and personal side of things. We have very different approaches to mixing and to using the equipment, so we had to learn how to adapt to each other. There were moments in the beginning, miscommunication and fails 😳😁 It became more of a process of understanding each other and building a common language behind the decks. And that’s something you can’t shortcut, it just comes with time and experience. Now, after playing together more consistently, it feels much more natural. We’ve found a rhythm and a way of communicating without overthinking it, and that’s when it really starts to work
TB: Do you think parties are too strict nowadays in terms of sound? Would you like to see more sonic diversity?
ND: We actually have slightly different takes on this. On one hand, especially in a city like Berlin, there is a huge range of music available, you can always find something different if you look for it. Certain clubs have a defined identity, and people go there expecting a specific sound, which makes sense. But at the same time, we do feel that things can become quite strict, not necessarily because of the parties themselves, but because of the trends shaping how DJs play. There’s a tendency to follow what’s currently popular, which can lead to a kind of “same and trendy” sound, even within genres that are supposed to be “underground.”
For us, sonic diversity doesn’t mean just mixing completely different genres, it’s more about depth, selection, and intention. It comes from digging, from taking risks, and from trusting your own taste instead of relying on what’s trending or widely played
TB: What is coming up next for Noise Daughters? Tell us anything else you would like to work on.
ND: There’s a lot coming up, we’re just getting started. First of all, we’re preparing our next VA “Vol. 2”, which will be coming very soon. We’re really excited about it, both of our first releases have slightly different moods. The first one leaned more towards a darker, more intense energy, while the second one goes deeper and feels a bit more experimental
Alongside that, we’re planning to release a few EPs before the next VA. One of them, in particular, is something we’re very excited about- a collaboration with a close friend of the label. We can’t reveal too much yet, but there are definitely some special things coming. Beyond releases, we also want to expand the label into a broader platform. We’re planning to start hosting events, launch a podcast series, and continue building a strong community around the project
TB: Finally, what is your ideal pre-gig meal?
Skungal:I would definitely go for a sushi. It just feels right before a gig: not too heavy, but still gives you enough energy
GAEL: I’d choose something more comforting, like Ukrainian food. Ideally borscht and vareniki. It gives that homey feeling before playing
So together, the perfect scenario would probably be a mix of both, something fresh and something comforting at the same time.
Pick up the v/a on Bandcamp now.