Interview
Nolid is a Filipino American DJ, graphic designer, and organizer, as well as a member of the nonbinary, queer, trans, and POC-centered collective UwU, and resident of the Osmosis event series.
Dedicated to creating safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces, Nolid’s soundscapes blend the familiar with the warped, a communal embrace that weaves together story and emotion through music.
Nolid works to uplift marginalized voices and foster inclusivity, committed to healing through sound. Their work creates environments where individuality flourishes and connections thrive.
Each time we've caught Ryan behind the decks we've been entirely captivated, so it's a pleasure to share their thoughts and sounds with you all.
How has the end of summer treated you?
I had a really eventful summer so the calmness of the transition into fall has been really nice and relaxing.
Can you talk a bit about your history with music?
I grew up on a small island and listened to a lot of reggae and Hawaiian music, which I still very much love. My roommate in college showed me lots of classic rock and rap and we went to various shows, clubs, and after-hours. That’s when I started to get into electronic music. Some friends took me to bigger raves in southern California in the 2010s. Then I moved to Portland and was going to all these house and punk shoes, and doing promo for Abstract Earth so I got into cool electronic shows even though I couldn’t afford them. My friend Sam took me to some cool underground parties here in Portland where I started to shape my taste for dance music.
Can you share about your experience organizing events with UwU Collective?
I’ve learned so much from them. It brings me so much joy to be able to organize and care for people in that way. It’s a special crew who are aligned in the vision of what queer and POC joy looks and feels like. I’ve grown so much with their support.
At this point there is a lot of excitement for the Osmosis parties. As one of their residents, what do you think makes the Osmosis parties special?
What really stands out for me is the Osmosis brand and vibe. It permeates through many levels of the party from the sound to the decor; it’s like where the lily pad meets technology. I feel like a frog at the rave. Also, the bookings have been really fun!
As someone who is focused on developing inclusivity in the Portland scene, I'm curious how you feel about the levels of inclusivity in the scene?
Portland has made a lot of improvements in the last few years, but more work can be done to make spaces more safe and inclusive.
You've spoken to the intent to offer healing through music. Can you share about the opportunities for healing you see in the dance music scene?
I think it’s providing those moments where nothing else matters from the perspective of the dancer, a chance to lose oneself but also its moments of grounding, a familiar sound remixed or woven in an interesting way.
Was there anything in particular that inspired your mix for this episode?
I was inspired by the chill room at the Subsensory & Faceless: DVS1 party. Like I live for the chill room. I was torn between leaning into an ambient/downtempo mix or playing some dance music. Only one track carried over and it evolved into something more energetic and world-building.
Thanks again for taking the time, Ryan. What's up next for you?
Thank you, Peace Portal—Forrest for having me. I’ll be spending more time inside as the weather gets cooler, focusing on some personal and educational projects, playing some gigs, and spending some time in Hawaii with family and surfing.
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