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Nicolas Demuth (born August 27, 1991), known by his stage name Parra for Cuva is a German electronic music producer and DJ.

Career

Life and early career

Nicolas Demuth grew up in a small town close to Göttingen in the state of Lower Saxony, Germany.

When he was 11 years old he learned to play the piano and became interested in pieces of the French composer Debussy. After his piano teacher changed, he started to be engaged with jazz improvisations, with a focus on the jazz piano. In 2009, Demuth started to print out midi piano notes with the help of a simple program, and then mixed his first piano pieces with hip hop elements. After his A-levels Demuth moved to Berlin to study audio design.

He first called himself "Natur-Klang" before he decided to choose the stage name "Parra for Cuva". His stage name originates in words he found in Spanish and Portuguese dictionaries, "parra" and "cuva." In an interview, Demuth claimed that a Spaniard told him at the time he chose it that it could be a girl's name meaning between the world / for / Cuva; he said that listeners are free to take whatever meaning they like.

2013–2014

Nicolas Demuth and Anna Naklab grew up in the same town as neighbors and have been friends ever since their youth. Under the stage name Nianband they published different songs and had some local performances. Demuth took over the piano part whereas Naklab played the guitar and sang. The Nianband's musical focus was based on calm and rather relaxed compositions. In early 2013, Demuth and Naklab published "Fading Nights" on the French label Delicieuse Musique Records, followed by a joint production of "Something Near" on the label Well Done Music! from Berlin.

In September 2013, the cover (remix) single "Wicked Games" was released by Demuth and featured Naklab. The song is a cover version of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" and was published on the label Spinnin' Records. "Wicked Games" was released on Beatport, a U.S. based electronica website. A mainstream release in France in October 2013 was followed by a German release in February 2014. The song charted at number 6 in the United Kingdom. The song also charted in France, Belgium, Netherlands and other European nations. This popularity led to Demuth's international breakthrough.

In November 2013, the instrumental single "Luhya" was released on the label Delicieuse Musique Records. November 2013 also brought the Aérotique and Parra for Cuva release of the EP (short track album) titled Unique, with four tracks, on the label Sinnmusik. In February 2014, Demuth along with artist Egokind and Jona Mayr released an EP titled First Chapter, on the label Lenient Tales. Soon after, Demuth, Ascii Code and Viken Arman released the EP titled Veiled in Blue, on the label Traum/TRAUMV179.

2015: Majouré

In January 2015, Nicolas Demuths debut album Majouré (French for "superior force") was released on the label Lenient Tales Recordings. It contained twelve songs, with iTunes offering a bonus song. The song "Devi" featured hip hop artist Nieve; the title track "Majouré" featured Casey K; and the song "Champa" features Monsoonsiren. All songs feature distinct foundations of electronic music mixed with a variety of musical influences of other genres.

2016: Darwîś

After finishing up their semester at university, Nicolas and Jonas – or Parra for Cuva & Senoy – packed their vehicle full of gear for a roadtrip to Spain where they recorded a new album. Inspired by the natural beauty of Spain's Mediterranean coast, the two were able to make enough content for an album. The duo spent the rest of the year back in Germany, mixing and arranging the pieces they had created. During the recording of the title song, the percussion track was accidentally left to loop, resulting in a trance-inducing meditative sound that gave them the idea for the title.

2017: Mood in C

In 2017, Parra for Cuva released the EP Mood in C. Following the album Darwīš together with Senoy on Project Mooncircle, the release is a collection of songs that were created in and around the previous year. The title song "Mood in C" was composed after the Ethiopian pentatonic scale that is deeply intertwined with both the spirituality of the people but also the war-torn and deeply trenched history of the country. Furthermore, it combines guitar effects with synths and all sounds were recorded analog with the help of effects units. The song "Unfinished Colours" together with "Others" is the first collaboration of a future joint project of the two friends. All percussion was either recorded on journeys and travels or at home with everyday objects to give the EP a unique sound.

2018: Paspatou

Parra for Cuva released Paspatou, in 2018.

2020: Parra for Cuva and Trashlagoon

Parra For Cuva and Trashlagoon collaborated on "Hotel Moonlight". It was buoyed by groovy and emotional textures that further reveal themselves with each subsequent listen.

2021: Juno

His new album Juno was released on 16 July 2021, with the single "Ordel" that already accumulated 2Mio+ streams. For the remix of "Her Entrance" Parra for Cuva teamed up with Innellea who was named best newcomer by Groove Magazine in 2017 and took the scene by storm with releases on Innervisions and a recent Cercle set at Jaisalmer Fort. Innellea´s interpretation of "Her Entrance" was shaped by his desire for extensive and intense club nights.

2024: Mimose

Parra For Cuva, has launched his fifth studio album,Mimose This LP draws inspiration from various cultures and landscapes. In addition to the title track ‘Mimose’, the album features notable pieces such as ‘Let It Burn’, ‘Pinie’, and the standout track ‘Stellar’. The latter was conceived during a trip to Corsica, blossoming into a melodic downtempo piece with dreamy undertones, vibrant vocals, and a choir. Parra For Cuva’s music fuses a variety of influences, blending elements of classical, jazz, and hip-hop within the Berlin electronic music scene. ‘Mimose’ delves into emotional depths and energetic peaks, featuring uplifting vocals, enchanting basslines, and collaborative endeavors.

Music style

The songs produced by Nicolas Demuth combine elements of house and pop music, piano compositions and downtempo. Many of his electronic pieces find their origin in piano music through sketches or with the help of complete solo pieces. Artists such as Ludovico Einaudi and Bonobo are Demuth's sources of inspiration next to many others. His set Plains of Ostara starts with Einaudis' piece Andare. Next to the piano many other instruments such as a kalimba, steeldrums, carillons, guitars and accordions can be found in Demuth's productions.

Discography

Studio albums

Extended plays

Singles

Notes

1. Non-album singles

References

1. "Parra for Cuva, About". Facebook.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
2. Interview mit Parra for Cuva Elektroaktivisten.de. Retrieved, 14 January 2015
3. ^ Featured Artist – Parra For Cuva… Archived 13 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine Blog.rormix.com. Retrieved, 14 January 2015
4. ^ Anne: Parra for Cuva im Interview: “Es geht hauptsächlich darum, Gefühle durch die Musik auszudrücken”. Replaymag.de, 21 Juni 2013. Retrieved, 14 January 2015
5. ^ Benjamin Reibert (16 June 2013). "Parra for Cuva (WellDone!): "Meine damalige Nachbarin hat fast die Polizei gerufen"". Trndmusik.de. Archived from the original on 4 June 2016. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
6. "Parra for Cuva - Nianband". Facebook.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
7. "Nianband". SoundCloud.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
8. "Parra For Cuva Ft. Anna Naklab – Wicked Game". Discogs.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
9. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 40 | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
10. "Parra for Cuva - Luhya". SoundCloud.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
11. "Delicieuse Musique". www.delicieuse-musique.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
12. "Aérotique – Unique EP". Aerotique.eu. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
13. "SM010 - Aérotique & Parra For Cuva - Unique". Sinnmusik.com. 29 November 2013.
14. "Parra for Cuva, Egokind, Jona Mayr New Releases: First Chapter". Pro.beatport.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
15. "Parra for Cuva, Ascii Code, Viken Arman New Releases: Veiled In Blue EP on Beatport". Pro.beatport.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
16. Parra For Cuva, Egokind und Jona Mayr auf einer EP. Archived 13 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine Trndmusik.de, 23. January 2014. Retrieved, 14 January 2015.
17. "Parra For Cuva - Majouré". Discogs.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
18. "Parra for Cuva New Release: Majouré". Pro.beatport.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
19. "Majouré by Parra for Cuva on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. 16 January 2015. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
20. "Casey K. Bio | Casey K. Career". Mtv.com. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
21. "Monsoonsiren". Discogs.com. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
22. Akanksha Chauhan: Review: Upcoming Album Parra For Cuva’s ‘Majoure’ on Lenient Tales Recordings + Album Preview. Archived 13 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine Euphoricmag.com. 26. November 2014. Retrieved, 14 January 2015.
23. "Darwīš, by Parra for Cuva & Senoy". Projectmooncircle.com.
24. ^ "Parra For Cuva & Senoy - Darwīš". Projectmooncircle.com. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
25. "Parra For Cuva - Mood in C". Projectmooncircle.com. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
26. "I HEART MOOSIQ — Berlin producer Parra for Cuva, aka Nicolas". Iheartmoosiq.tumblr.com.
27. "Hear Parra For Cuva & Trashlagoon's uncategorizable "Hotel Moonlight"". Thefader.com. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
28. "Parra for Cuva presents fifth studio album 'Mimose'". 22 April 2024.
29. "Majouré by Parra for Cuva on iTunes". iTunes. 16 January 2015.
30. "Album release Majouré by Parra for Cuva". muzoic.org. muzoic. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
31. "Majouré (album sampler)". soundcloud.com. SoundCloud. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
32. "'Paspatou' by Parra for Cuva (International iTunes Chart Performance)". Itunescharts.net.
33. Bray, Axel (16 July 2021). "Parra for Cuva releases new album 'Juno'". Electronic Groove. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
34. "Fading Nights EP, by Parra for Cuva". Delicieuserecords.basndcamp.com.
35. "Parra for Cuva & Anna Naklab releasen "Something Near" EP". Trndmusik.de. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
36. "Stream Délicieuse Musique | Listen to Parra for Cuva - Luhya EP playlist online for free". SoundCloud.com.
37. "Unique - EP by Aérotique & Parra for Cuva on Apple Music". iTunes. Archived from the original on 16 April 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
38. ""First Chapter - EP" von Parra for Cuva, Jona Mayr & Egokind". iTunes. 21 February 2014.
39. "Veiled in Blue EP from Traum on Beatport". Beatport.
40. "Champa (Remix) [feat. Monsoonsiren] - EP by Parra for Cuva". iTunes. May 2015.
41. "Mood in C - EP by Parra for Cuva". iTunes. 17 February 2017.
42. Trashlagoon, Parra for Cuva – Planet Ujou (2020, Vinyl) (in German), retrieved 7 February 2021
43. "German Chart Position (89)". Offiziellecharts.de. GfK Entertainment.
44. "Australian Chart Position (14)". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien.
45. "Belgium Chart Position (15)". Ultratop.be. ULTRATOP & Hung Medien.
46. "France Chart Position (71)". Lescharts.com. Hung Medien.
47. "Netherlands Chart Position (6)". Dutchcharts.nl. Hung Medien.
48. "Accreditations". Aria.com.au.
49. "Sacred Feathers (Original Mix) by Parra for Cuva, Senoy on Beatport". Beatport.
50. "Pigment (Parra for Cuva Piano Reinterpretation) from Ki Records on Beatport". Beatport.

External links

• Parra for Cuva on Twitter
• Parra for Cuva on Facebook
• Parra for Cuva Official website

• Living people
• 1991 births
• Musicians from Göttingen
• German electronic musicians
• German electronic dance music DJs