Introducing New Cadenza Sub-Label: Cadence Noire
Guy From Downstairs unveils Cadence Noire - a new chapter in the Cadenza story. With a clear vision and Luciano’s full support, the Romanian artist aims to create a refined space for deep, expressive sounds. A fresh platform to explore the edges of minimal and house, as new musical stories unfold. Guy From Downstairs tells us how the collaboration with Cadenza came about and what we can expect from the label launch and beyond.
How did the idea for Cadence Noire first take shape?
It started when Cadenza and Luciano invited me to develop a new concept, a space to put out fresh music from friends and artists I admire. I saw it as a chance to build something meaningful, a place to channel my passion for the underground and contribute to the scene in a more personal way.
What’s your vision for Cadence Noire? Is there a specific sound, energy or philosophy you’re hoping to catch through the label?
I don’t want to pin Cadence Noire to a single genre. There’s so much incredible music out there that deserves a platform, regardless of categories. The sound will travel from minimal to housey grooves, from old school to new school and sometimes from experimental to downtempo and beyond. Some of the upcoming EPs even feature unreleased tracks that were made 20 years ago and never got an official release.
It’s not about following trends but more about finding music that truly moves people. Minimal but alive, deep but groovy. I want Cadence Noire to feel like a quiet force. Subtle but undeniable, pushing a meaningful sound forward and building a community of like-minded artists and fans. I know today’s music industry is obsessed with numbers and quick wins, but that's not my vision. Obviously, I want the sub-label to be successful and appreciated by music lovers, but I'm not here to chase charts or algorithms. I'm chasing those goosebump moments when a groove just locks you in. That's my compass, that's what guides me! When I will look back one day, I hope I'll be able to say I created something that sticks, not something that burns fast and fades.
You’ve described the label as an extension of Cadenza’s DNA with a fresh perspective. How are you approaching A&R or curating releases? Are there particular artists or styles you’re hoping to highlight?
For me, the core of Cadenza’s DNA is underground music with soul. Timeless, sexy, groovy...music that sticks with you, that makes you really feel something. It’s the kind of label that made me say "yep, I wanna do this" many years ago. There’s no replicating that kind of legacy. Cadenza's DNA runs deep in the scene. Luciano started this movement over 22 years ago, and I don’t take that lightly. With Cadence Noire, I see it as a continuation: a fresh chapter that stays rooted in those principles. It’s a huge mission, but one I care deeply about.
My focus will always be on quality, even if that sometimes means something raw, unpolished, or unconventional. I feel that quality is in the love for the groove, for the sound. It’s not supposed to be for everybody. It’s supposed to be real. The plan is to have a balance between emerging artists and more established names.
The name itself - Cadence Noire - suggests a certain atmosphere. What does the name mean to you, and how do you see it reflected in the music you want to put out?
The name might make you think of film noir, but that wasn't really my starting point. In electronic music, sub-labels often carry a “black” version of the parent label, and I wanted to honour that tradition while reworking the original name. It just came to me and I liked how it sounds in French, I think it gives a refined edge :)
“Cadence” shares the rhythm and elegance of “Cadenza,” while still hinting at movement, musicality, and flow. “Noire” is a subtle nod to the deeper, more hidden spaces of the underground. Not necessarily dramatic or cinematic, just a bit more shadow than spotlight, to reflect a different layer of the story.
What can listeners expect from the label’s first releases? Any teasers you can share about what’s coming?
If this interview comes out before the official launch, I’d love to keep the first release a surprise. What I can say is that it’s coming from someone I deeply admire. Not just as a producer/DJ/live performer, but also as a beautiful human being (obsessed with cats). The music is full of love and groove (and maybe cats). It’s the perfect introduction to the energy I want Cadence Noire to carry. The next EPs will follow this spirit (though maybe not the cats). You’ll hear some familiar names, but also lesser-known artists, who I believe, will seriously surprise you.
Your own music leans into a deep, hypnotic groove - how much of your personal aesthetic is woven into the Cadence Noire sound?
My personal aesthetic will probably show itself through the curation process...in the grooves I gravitate towards, in the stories I choose to tell through the releases. But beyond that, I want each artist to shine with their own energy, their own sound. I’m not here to shape their music. I just want to create a space for it. I just want to be a passageway.
You recently released a 3-hour EKOES mix that beautifully reflects a blend of the Cadenza/Cadence Noire sound - how did you approach putting an extended session like that together?
As always, I approach my mixes with a lot of love and pure enjoyment. I put a lot of time in digging for music, but didn’t overthink it. I wanted to build something that flows naturally through different moods and grooves. The EKOES mix for Cadenza blends sounds from across the spectrum; some favorites from other artists and some of my own productions.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about this next chapter, both for the label and for your own work as an artist?
I’m genuinely excited about the future of Cadence Noire, to work with old friends and new voices to build something meaningful and put together some sweet releases. It feels great to start this journey with the support of Luciano and the Cadenza family, knowing the music will reach the right people. As far as my own work goes, I feel inspired to keep pushing my sound into new spaces. New venues, clubs, concepts, and festivals I’ve dreamed about playing at, for quite some time. I feel grateful and lucky to be part of Cadenza and this feels like the right moment to go deeper, to challenge myself and to keep evolving.
Follow Cadence Noire on Instagram - news on the first release to be revealed soon!