Nick Stoynoff has never approached electronic music as a purely functional medium. As both the collaborator behind Panama Red and the driving force behind NOFF!, his vision leans toward something far more immersive, emotionally charged, cinematic, and rooted in storytelling rather than formula. With the release of the Panama Red Remix EP, Stoynoff invites a carefully selected group of artists to reinterpret the original track through entirely different sonic perspectives, transforming a hypnotic progressive journey into a collection of alternate realities shaped by some of underground electronic music’s most respected names.
Featuring remixes from legendary artists including Legowelt, Pole Folder, Tigerhook and Raica, the project moves fluidly between cosmic psychedelia, deep progressive tension, ambient textures, and melodic introspection, all while maintaining the emotional core of the original composition. More than just a remix package, the release reflects the broader philosophy behind NOFF!: creating worlds, championing individuality, and allowing music the space to evolve organically.
In this interview, Nick Stoynoff discusses the creative vision behind the project, the importance of emotional storytelling in progressive music, the artists who shaped his musical identity, and why patience, atmosphere, and authenticity still matter in modern electronic music.
Panama Red already had such a hypnotic and cinematic atmosphere in its original form. What made you want to expand it into a full remix EP?
Randall Jones and I both agreed there was potential to refresh the original, especially since the track performed very well on its own. I also believe there’s something fascinating about the relationship between originals and remixes — it allows artists to completely reimagine the landscape of a piece. Collectively, it elevates everything involved.
You’ve described the remix package as “multiple alternate realities of the same story.” What did you mean by that?
Each remixer is highly accomplished and carries a distinct identity and perspective. Within the context of Panama Red, the story is able to evolve into different alternate realities through those individual reinterpretations.
One thing that stands out is how emotionally different each interpretation feels. How important was it that the remixers brought completely unique perspectives rather than straightforward club edits?
Extremely important. The idea behind the label is to offer creative latitude and highlight artists with strong sonic identities — artists who have truly dedicated their lives to their craft. It’s great to connect with the dancefloor, but it’s equally important that an artist’s core belief system is expressed through the music as well.
Randall Jones’ Tigerhook project brought a completely different dimension to “Panama Red.” His “New Strain Mix” leans into a deeper psychedelic space — hypnotic, atmospheric, and emotionally immersive, while still maintaining the groove-driven energy of the original. Randall has always had a unique ability to blur the lines between progressive house, psychedelic textures, and cinematic storytelling, and this remix really captures that balance. It feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking at the same time, which made it a perfect fit for the overall vision of the EP.
Legowelt’s remix pushes the track into this raw, cosmic, psychedelic space. What made him such a natural fit for the project?
Having Legowelt on the project is an immense privilege. I’m a huge fan of his work, DIY approach, artistry, and overall career. He’s been incredibly inspirational to so many people. Sometimes these things happen naturally — you start piecing together a larger puzzle, and if you’re lucky, everything aligns.
Pole Folder has such a strong connection to melodic and progressive storytelling. What influence has his approach had on your own musical identity?
He’s an incredible talent who has been instrumental in shaping progressive house and its roots, as well as my own development as an artist. Having him remix the track was a huge honor. His version is a perfect example of someone taking full control and pushing things to another level.
The Chloe Harris and Raica remix brings a darker, more hypnotic tension to the EP. What did their interpretation reveal about the track for you?
Chloe is extraordinary. Her range and musicality extend far beyond progressive house into ambient and electronica through her Raica alias. She also runs a fantastic record shop in Seattle called Further Records. I’ve been a longtime fan of hers and have known her for close to 20 years.
Her sensibilities as both a DJ and producer really shine in this interpretation. It’s a proper journey — an emotional landscape that reveals an entirely different side of the track’s character. She did an amazing job, and I’m truly grateful to have her involved.
Across the whole release there’s a real sense of patience, space, and emotional progression. Do you feel those qualities are becoming rare in modern dance music?
Yeah, just a bit. You really have to dig to find the true gems these days. You have to look beyond the surface level — beyond what’s simply on the “landing page,” so to speak. It’s all out there, but sometimes you have to go a little deeper to find it.
You’ve said that NOFF! is about “creating a world rather than just releasing tracks.” How does that philosophy shape the artists and music you choose to work with?
It’s the label’s core philosophy: not to conform, but to pursue its own path — a road less traveled, but often the one that leads to the greatest long-term rewards.
I see labels releasing music every few weeks, and it can sometimes become excessive or dilutive. I don’t plan too far ahead. Instead, I take each release as it comes before fully committing and moving on to the next project. Every artist is carefully considered and thoughtfully partnered with.
Progressive house can sometimes get reduced to formulas, but your music feels much more psychological and cinematic. What does progressive music mean to you at its best?
It has become a bit formulaic today, perhaps evidenced by the large number of similar-sounding promos being circulated. I’ve always viewed progressive music through a more traditional lens: many different ideas woven together. Truly progressive music should constantly evolve and never feel confined to a single formula.
There’s a strong balance throughout the EP between analog warmth, atmosphere, and modern production clarity. From a technical standpoint, what were you most focused on achieving sonically?
Emotional connection — that’s really it.
Support from artists like Anthony Pappa must have been meaningful given their connection to progressive storytelling culture. What has that reaction been like for you?
Extremely meaningful. He’s a pioneer and someone I’ve always looked up to. That level of support feels incredibly validating and truly means everything to me.
The project feels closely aligned with deeper melodic and progressive communities like Balance Croatia. Do you think there’s a growing appetite again for emotionally driven and genre-blurring electronic music?
Absolutely — and I’m excited to be part of such an amazing lineup as well. Balance represents exactly that: emotionally driven, genre-blurring music that spans multiple territories and influences. It’s not only one of the most important mix series in electronic music, but something that has greatly shaped my life and career as an artist.
Looking ahead, where do you see both your sound and NOFF! evolving from here?
The only predictable thing is that it will continue to be unpredictable.
What do you hope listeners take away after experiencing the Panama Red Remix EP from beginning to end?
An emotional connection.
Buy Panama Red remixes here – https://www.beatport.com/release/panama-red-remixes/6766432