Charting the Rise: No Police on Her Debut EP and Electronic Music’s New Era

The electronic music world just got a serious jolt of innovation with No Police’s debut EP, ‘Transcendence,’ which dropped on August 29, 2024, under the Berlin-based label PARA//E/. Known for her eclectic mixes of techno, trance, acid, and breaks, this Montreal-based artist brings fresh energy to the scene with a deeply personal touch. ‘Transcendence’ isn’t just her first major release—it’s a sonic exploration of her darkest times and the brighter, hopeful periods that followed.

In our exclusive interview, No Police opened up about the origins and aspirations behind each track. From the unexpectedly deep ‘Big Mac Dreamz’ to the liberating vibes of ’12AM’ and ‘Reflections,’ she walks us through the journey of turning personal battles into beats. It’s a raw look at her process and an inside peek at how personal transformation can fuel artistic output.

Already catching the ears of prominent DJs like KI/KI, Hyperaktivist, and Cryptofauna, ’12AM’ stands out as a testament to her growing influence. This track and her candid insights reveal a promising trajectory for No Police, positioning her as not just a newcomer but a noteworthy creator shaping the future sounds of electronic music.

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1 – Can you share the inspiration behind your debut EP Transcendence?

The first track I made for the EP was ‘Big Mac Dreamz’. Although the name is silly, the track is quite the opposite. It was born out of a particularly dark period in my life. Production became my outlet, my way of channeling all the confusion and frustration I was feeling at the time. It’s meant to serve as a release, some sort of catharsis.

With ’12AM’ and ‘Reflections,’ I aimed to capture the sense of renewal I felt after emerging from that dark period. These tracks are brighter and more uplifting, reflecting the relief and clarity that came with that catharsis. They embody the fresh start and the lighter, more hopeful state of mind I found on the other side.

This style of trance represents the first body of work that truly resonates with the music I love creating. It’s taken me a long time to arrive at this point in my journey as a young producer, but with these tracks, I finally feel like I’ve captured the sound that speaks to my artistic identity. It’s a reflection of all the growth, experimentation, and passion that have shaped me along the way.

2 – The track ‘12AM’ has already gained support from prominent DJs like KI/KI, Hyperaktivist, and Cryptofauna. How does it feel to receive recognition from these artists?

While I make music for myself, getting the stamp of recognition from KI/KI was one of the most surreal moments in my production journey. When she played my track at The Lot Radio and then again at her show in Montreal, which I was attending, it felt like a dream come true. I never imagined this kind of validation would come so quickly. It was a powerful moment that made me even more hungry for experiences like this with other artists I look up to.

3 – As a female artist in the electronic music scene, how do you navigate the industry, and what advice would you give to other women pursuing a similar path?

Navigating the electronic music field as a female artist frequently entails facing certain obstacles: you often feel like you have to justify your place on event programming, for example, and that’s something that I was not expecting when I first started. The imposter syndrome is so real. I guess I was naïve and thought that things would be easier. 

Remaining true to my vision of my artistic career and voice in the face of outside pressure is a crucial strategy. I try to keep the noise and negativity out as much as possible. Developing a solid support system is essential; finding artists from all walks of life who appreciate and encourage one another has had a big impact on me. I don’t think anyone can succeed in this industry alone. It’s also critical to have perseverance and resilience; maintaining your focus on your objectives will enable you to succeed.

My advice to fellow female artists or artists from visible and invisible minorities on the same route would be to own your individuality and don’t be afraid to take up space. Create your own opportunities if your city is lacking them: start your own event series, start your own podcast, contact promoters that fit your vision and your sound, and go talk to other artists that might be going through the same thing. Be in the company of positive and motivating individuals, and don’t be afraid to look for mentors who can provide you with advice. Lastly, keep in mind that your contribution to the scene is valued and necessary, so continue pushing the envelope and being fearless in your creations. The people and organizations who truly want to see you succeed are the ones that matter. 

4 – How does your Montreal background influence your music style and creative approach?

Montreal’s music scene is a melting pot of influences, and being part of it has shaped my sound and creative approach in a big way. The city’s local sound is heavily influenced by what’s going on in Europe, especially in the techno scene, which keeps the energy here fresh. Right now, it’s very hard techno-oriented, but I’m noticing a slow shift towards fresher, more forward-thinking sounds, with a growing focus on trance, hard house, and a resurgence of hypnotic techno. But for me, it’s more than just the local scene—my personal influences are so broad, thanks to my family. My parents exposed me to everything from classic rock and punk rock to jazz and disco, while my sister introduced me to electronic music when I was just a young teenager. The first electronic music CD we owned and absolutely rinsed to the point where it was unplayable was 4×4=12 by deadmau5.

This diverse musical upbringing taught me to appreciate and experiment with different genres and styles, which is something I carry into my productions and DJ sets today. I also owe it a lot to my mentor Atroxx, who has been teaching me music production for over 2 years now. He keeps my mind open when it comes to trying out production in other styles than just techno. I even dabbled in drum and bass a few times!

5 – What is the single most important piece of advice you’ve received about gaining success in the music industry? 

The most crucial piece of advice I’ve gotten about succeeding in the music business is to stay true to your own vision. Refrain from succumbing to peer pressure or succumbing to industry negativity. Remembering why you initially began producing music—to enjoy and express yourself, not to gain influence—and not taking things too seriously are vital. Finding genuine, long-lasting success requires remaining loyal to who you are. It’s only the beginning for me, and I have to remind myself of this advice over and over. Remind myself why I’m doing this and where it all started.