Nuit Oceān has returned with his first release in three years – a haunting new single titled ‘TILL THE DAWN’, released February 20th, 2026 via Fevrier Records, marking a striking new chapter for the Bordeaux-based electro-modern soul project. Having built a loyal international audience with 13.7 million streams across platforms and earning praise from tastemaker outlets including Vogue France, Rolling Stone France, Tsugi, Aficia, and NOCTIS Magazine, Nuit Oceān has steadily emerged as one of the most compelling voices in France’s independent scene. From immersive performances at NRMAL Fest alongside Swans, Future Islands, and Phantogram, to appearances at Paris venues Supersonic and Silencio, and support slots for Cat Power and The Acid, his artistic world has continued to expand. Drawing early inspiration from Sade, Tracy Chapman, and the emotional intensity of Nirvana, and later shaped by time spent in London, his sound now inhabits a cinematic space between dream pop, electronica, and modern soul – territory that will resonate with listeners of James Blake, Burial, and Mount Kimbie.
We caught up with Nuit Oceān to discuss his creative process and what drives his artistry – read the exclusive interview and listen to ‘TILL THE DAWN’ below:
Paint us a picture: what sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
An artist mother who questioned everything, deeply punk.
Naturally, this set me very early on a somewhat countercultural path. I have never been comfortable with hierarchy, and I have always been drawn to the atypical … what one might call wabi-sabi today.
My path therefore had to emerge from this chaos. I did not experience a single defining moment; I simply followed what felt right, guided by my intuition in the face of a strange world.
Perhaps it was, above all, a way of trying to feel alive.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
When I start composing, I try above all to empty my mind, to process everything I’ve absorbed. I listen to a lot of music and watch many films; at some point, all of it needs to come out in one way or another, through music, painting, or writing. I simply try to let it emerge in my own way, so that it resembles no one but myself.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
I always start by strumming my guitar to lay down a foundation. It may be removed later, but it’s my first anchor. Then I keep things simple: I work with Logic Pro and a few slightly hacked-together machines. I try to strip everything back as much as possible. In the end, it looks more like a skeleton than an orchestral composition.
What’s the one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
My Fender Cabronita Surf Green.
How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
It’s a hybrid, experimental blend of blues, electronic music, and modern soul, with a distinctly contemplative quality. I always compose with the idea that the music could serve as a film soundtrack. There is, I believe, an inherently immersive aspect to my compositions.
Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
I would love to produce a track for Sade. Something very simple, yet profoundly elegant, worthy of this queen.
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
Lately, I’ve been listening almost exclusively to ’90s music. I really need to catch up on more recent stuff. But I recently came across Gerald Wicks’ track ‘Stranger’. His world really resonates with me.
What’s the strangest or most surprising song currently on your playlist?
Sometimes I listen to Jennifer Paige’s ‘Crush’ on repeat. I don’t find it strange or surprising, but I’m completely addicted to this song. I go through phases of bingeing on it, stop for a while, and inevitably come back.
Which song, album or playlist do you never get sick of no matter how many times you listen to it?
Nirvana — NEVERMIND
Are there any unexpected hobbies or projects you’re exploring outside of your main work?
I paint and do a lot of photography. Visual imagery speaks to me deeply. Working behind the camera on a meaningful project is something I’m interested in pursuing in the near to medium term.
Famous last words?
We’re just passing through…don’t forget to enjoy life and tell the people you love that you love them!
Watch the lyric video and visualiser for ‘TILL THE DAWN’:
Follow Nuit Oceān:
Instagram – Soundcloud – Youtube – Spotify
