The Journey Behind SAMSARA: From Sound Design to Spiritual Reflection

As an electronic music producer, I (Sounds of Nik) have always been drawn to the world of sound experimentation. For me, music is not just about creating beats or rhythms—it’s about exploring new sonic landscapes and telling stories through sound. My creative process often begins with a simple idea or feeling, and then it transforms into something deeper as I play with textures, melodies, and rhythms. But sometimes, the inspiration for an entire project can come from the most unexpected places.

This is the story behind my latest EP, SAMSARA.

The Spark of Inspiration

One day, during a sound design session, I was working on creating various synth sounds, diving into a world of ambient drones and evolving textures. As I twisted the knobs and layered frequencies, I began to experiment with a particular drone sound that suddenly resonated with me. It had this spacious, ethereal quality to it—like I was floating in a vast, infinite space. It felt as though I was somehow observing the entire existence, as if the sound itself was capturing the essence of life in its rawest form.

In that moment, my mind wandered, and I found myself thinking about a book I had recently been reading. The book explored the ancient Indian concepts of Prakriti and Maya—two words that spoke deeply to me and mirrored what I was feeling in that sonic space.

Prakriti and Maya: The Dualities of Existence

Prakriti refers to the primordial nature or the force of creation—essentially, the essence of Mother Nature. It embodies beauty, growth, harmony, and all the things that are pure and life-giving in the natural world. On the other hand, Maya refers to illusion—the deceptive veil that distorts our perception of reality. In this context, nature’s beauty and perfection can sometimes conceal the deeper, more complex truths of existence, creating a sense of illusion or Mithya (the Hindi word for “lie”).

As I reflected on these ideas, I began to see a deeper connection between these concepts and the sounds I was creating. Prakriti felt like the light, the nurturing and hopeful side of life—the beauty we often take for granted. Maya, however, represented the darker, more ambiguous side of existence—the illusions that shape our perceptions and lead us into confusion or self-deception. The balance between these two forces is what shapes the world around us, and it is this balance that I wanted to capture through my music.

The Birth of SAMSARA

The more I thought about it, the more it became clear that I needed to create an EP that explored these dualities. I realized that this project had to be named SAMSARA—the term that refers to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, the ever-turning wheel of existence. SAMSARA captures the essence of the world, of our lives, and of the forces that shape our reality.

Each track on the EP would represent one of these dualities: Prakriti would capture the beauty and serenity of nature, while Maya would explore the illusory and darker aspects of existence. Both tracks, though distinct in their tone and energy, would ultimately come together to tell a unified story of the cyclical nature of life and the balance of opposites.

The Creative Process

In crafting Prakriti and Maya, I drew from my love for sound design and my deep fascination with the emotional power of melody. As a producer, I am constantly experimenting with new techniques to shape sound, and this EP was no different. Prakriti was built with flowing, uplifting melodies and rich atmospheric elements, reflecting the beauty and hopefulness of nature. It is a track that celebrates the raw, unspoiled essence of the world—peaceful, rejuvenating, and full of possibility.

In contrast, Maya was designed with darker, more introspective tones. I used moody synths, deep basslines, and evolving textures to create a sense of tension and mystery. This track embodies the illusionary aspects of life—those moments when reality is obscured, when perception is clouded, and when we are confronted with the unknown. It’s a track that invites listeners to reflect on the transient nature of existence and the illusions that we, as human beings, create in our minds.

SAMSARA: A Reflection of Life’s Dualities

Ultimately, SAMSARA is more than just an EP. It is a sonic exploration of life’s dualities—the balance of light and dark, creation and destruction, truth and illusion. Through the melding of melodic techno, ambient soundscapes, and intricate production techniques, I wanted to craft a musical journey that invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of existence.

Creating this EP was a deeply personal process. It allowed me to merge my passion for sound design with a deeper philosophical reflection on the nature of reality. I hope that SAMSARA resonates with listeners in a way that invites them to explore their own relationship with the world around them, to reflect on the beauty and illusions that shape our lives, and to embrace the cyclical nature of existence.

Thank you for taking this journey with me.

About the Artist:

Sounds of Nik is an electronic music producer known for his experimental approach to sound design. Specializing in genres like trance and techno, he blends rich melodies with intricate rhythms, creating immersive and emotive compositions. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of electronic music, Sounds of Nik’s work often explores the intersection of technology and emotion, creating music that speaks to both the mind and the soul.

Sounds of Nik

Sounds of Nik: Electronic Music Producer, Composer, and Sound Design Enthusiast Sounds of Nik (born Nimish Choubey on June 13, 1992) is a versatile electronic music composer, producer, and DJ from New Delhi, India. Known for his experimental approach to sound, he transcends genre boundaries, blending melodic elements with cutting-edge production techniques to create immersive and emotive music. Whether crafting deep, atmospheric techno, uplifting trance, or exploring new frontiers in orchestral and cinematic compositions, Sounds of Nik's music is an exploration of both sound and emotion. A Passion for Sound Design and Melody From a young age, Nimish’s curiosity about sound was evident. He was always fascinated by the process of recording, synthesizing, and manipulating sound to create something new. Growing up surrounded by the vibrant electronic dance music scene, he was drawn to its dynamic energy and the emotional depth of melodic music. These early influences sparked his passion for sound design and music production, pushing him to experiment with various genres, techniques, and tools in pursuit of his own unique sound. The Journey Begins In 2016, Sounds of Nik officially began his music production journey, uploading early tracks to platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud. These initial releases were met with positive feedback, encouraging him to refine his skills and deepen his understanding of music production. Over the next few years, his experimentation with sound grew, leading to more refined and professional releases. By 2023, Sounds of Nik had moved beyond independent platforms and began distributing his professional releases across all major music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. His debut album, SPECTRUM—a 7-track, story-driven science fiction concept album—was released alongside the animated web series A Journey through the SPECTRUM of Light. The project showcased his ability to blend electronic music with narrative, creating a fully immersive experience. The album explores themes of light, energy, and the universe, all while retaining the emotive, melodic sound that has become a signature of Sounds of Nik's music. In addition to SPECTRUM, he released PROGRESS, an electronic hip-hop track in collaboration with Khatarnaak Crew and Sushanto, followed by the ethereal single Aurora. These releases highlighted his versatility, not only in the electronic realm but also in merging different genres, from hip-hop to cinematic and orchestral music. Now, in January 2025, Sounds of Nik is set to release his highly anticipated melodic techno EP, SAMSARA. This EP delves into the philosophical concepts of Prakriti and Maya—the beauty and harmony of Mother Nature and the deceptive, illusory aspects of the world. The two tracks, Prakriti and Maya, capture the essence of existence, inviting listeners on a sonic journey that reflects the dualities of life: light and dark, truth and illusion, creation and destruction. With SAMSARA, Sounds of Nik once again demonstrates his ability to merge profound themes with his signature melodic techno style, creating an immersive and introspective musical experience. An Artist Who Transcends Genres While his primary focus is on trance, techno, and EDM, Sounds of Nik is a true genre explorer. His work spans an array of styles, including hip-hop, orchestral, world music, and cinematic scores for films & video games. A self-described "knob-twisting sound design geek," he thrives on experimenting with sounds, pushing the limits of synthesis and sound manipulation. For Sounds of Nik, melody is not just a tool—it's his weapon of choice, and his music resonates with listeners on a deeply emotional level, guided by the belief that melody has the power to connect and transcend. As a DJ, Sounds of Nik brings his experimental sound to life on stage, creating unique, high-energy sets that reflect his diverse influences. Whether playing a techno-driven set at a club or performing at a festival, his live performances are an extension of his creative vision, blending intricate beats, melodies, and atmospheric elements to keep his audience entranced. Music Education and Community Engagement Beyond his production work, Sounds of Nik is passionate about helping aspiring music producers find their voice. Through his YouTube channel, he shares valuable production tips, tutorials, and insights on the latest plugins and tools. He regularly posts educational content, including music production challenges, plugin reviews, and even industry updates, helping new artists and producers navigate the ever-evolving world of electronic music. With a focus on practical learning, Sounds of Nik has built a growing community of music creators who look to him not only for inspiration but also for guidance on their own creative journeys. Join the Journey Whether through his intricate sound design, captivating melodies, or diverse genre explorations, Sounds of Nik is redefining the boundaries of electronic music. His work transcends the limits of any single genre, inviting listeners and fellow producers alike to experience a unique fusion of creativity, emotion, and sound. From heart-pounding techno to cinematic scores, Sounds of Nik's music is an invitation to embark on a sonic journey—one that is constantly evolving and always expanding.