DISSECTING AN ICONYC FLORILEGIA

Comprised of ten original cuts, ICONYC’s Florilegia VA series returns with a striking new visual look and signals the brand’s first foray into the physical market as it makes its way to crates worldwide with its second installment.

With this new entry, ICONYC showcases a refined search for something that lasts beyond the confines of the traditional dancefloor, exploring the borderlines between house and techno, uncovering its endless shores, featuring music by Vomee, Yost Koen & Enes Çakır, Odeon, Gorgin, Jepe & Baime, Etri, Auggië, Mironas, OLING & Harald Björk, and Nuage.

Join Type/01 as we sit down with some of Florilegia’s new stars to dissect the mysteries behind ICONYC’s alluring aural compendium.

OLING & Harald Björk - “Jade“

Hey guys! Thank you for being here today. Congratulations on your contribution to ICONYC’s Florilegia VA Series. What inspired the creation of your single for the compilation, and how does it reflect your artistic vision?

OLING: Thanks for having us, guys—the pleasure is all ours! We've done a few sessions together before this track, and I really enjoy working with Harald in the studio. He always brings a load of analog gear in his backpack to my studio, which naturally opens up a whole bunch of new possibilities when producing fresh music.

We discovered a vocal sample on Splice just as we were bidding farewell to the Swedish summer—after a whirlwind of shows, late nights with friends, and more. I was feeling a bit exhausted and full of emotion from those months. We were both in a fall mood that day and started talking about how much we missed heading back indoors into a dark, intimate club. Harald then played an old Caribou track with a rhythm that instantly caught my attention.

The vision was to merge our signature sounds into a track with a rhythm that would ignite a club dancefloor and a dynamic melody that stands on its own.

So, what story or emotion were you aiming to convey with your contribution to the compilation?

Harald: I’d say something melancholic—haha! We’re two Swedes, after all. It’s in our DNA. As Oliver mentioned, we both love experimenting with melodies in our music. For me, melodies are everything, and working on this one was pure joy. I set up some gear on Olly’s desk, and we started playing around with sounds until we locked eyes and smiled.

That moment sums up what we wanted to capture with “Jade”—a melancholic yet warm, ever-evolving feeling. The beauty of a dynamic melody like this is that everyone connects with it differently. Some might love the softer moments, while others are drawn to the big, in-your-face peaks.

How does this track differ from or build upon your previous work?

OLING: For me, it's a lot—but in the best way. I usually don't work with much analog gear at all, but I absolutely love it. It gives you that hands-on feeling that only physical instruments can provide. Plus, being in the studio with someone who has their own ideas and perspectives on things I might not even consider adds so much value.

Harald: I totally agree. As a solo artist, you develop your own workflow, and after a while, it becomes second nature—you just go with what feels instinctive. That can be both a strength and a limitation. Collaborating with someone else brings a fresh perspective, which I think is really valuable.

With “Jade”, the process was all about having fun. We didn’t lock in any decisions early on. Instead, we experimented with different tempos, chords, and variations of the lead melody, just dancing around and feeling it out. When I’m working alone, I usually move things forward much faster, but this approach made the track what it is.

Can you share any specific techniques, instruments, or sounds you used that you feel are central to this track's identity?

Harald: The studio was a mess of tangled cables, modules, and gear everywhere—like a jungle of sound. We kept passing the signal through different machines, experimenting as we went. At one point, I remember hooking up the Roland SH01A, Elektron Analog Rytm, Octatrack, and my newly bought swEnigiser all at once. It was pure chaos, but in the best way. Every element added something special to the vibe, and now here we are, holding “Jade” in our hands.

What do you hope listeners take away from your track when they experience it for the first time?

OLING: It’s all about the playfulness and energy. I hope people connect with this track, listen to it, and dance to it in every corner of the globe. For me, those first five seconds are enough to make me keep listening and get my body moving.

Finally, what does it mean to you to have this single featured on vinyl, marking a first for the series?

OLING: Vinyl is always the best. The feeling of holding something physical in your hands is unparalleled. I can’t wait to drop the needle on my own copy as soon as it arrives—I’m so excited!

When you listen to vinyl, you truly listen. It’s a completely different experience than just shuffling through years’ worth of tracks on a playlist. With vinyl, you get to appreciate the cover art, feel the wax against your skin, and carefully set the needle onto the record. You lean back and listen as the song blends perfectly with those subtle crackles and pops. Trust me, it’s pure joy.

Grab your own copy before it’s too late, friends—you won’t experience the real magic of “Jade” until you press play on your record player!

Etri - “Did It Again”

Hi Etri! Congratulations on your contribution to ICONYC’s Florilegia VA Series. What inspired the creation of your single for the compilation, and how does it reflect your artistic vision?

Thank you! My single for ICONYC’s Florilegia VA Series reflects my musical style, blending acoustic drums, deep melodic elements, and an organic, evolving groove. The live-played bassline adds warmth and a natural flow, while house vocals bring a soulful and hypnotic touch. I wanted to create a track that feels immersive and emotional, striking a balance between energy and depth something that works both on the dancefloor and in a more intimate setting.

So, what story or emotion were you aiming to convey with your contribution to the compilation?

With “Did It Again”, I wanted to capture a feeling of joy and celebration, something uplifting and full of energy. The combination of acoustic drums, a live-played bassline, and soulful house vocals creates a warm, organic groove that feels both dynamic and emotive. The track is about those moments when everything just clicks, whether on the dancefloor or in life a sense of movement, excitement, and positivity that keeps you coming back for more

And, how does this track differ from or build upon your previous work?

“Did It Again” stands out from my previous work because it has a noticeably happier and more uplifting vibe, with a slight rock and pop influence. While I usually explore deep and atmospheric sounds, this track brings a more energetic and feel-good direction. The live-played bassline and acoustic drums add a raw, dynamic touch, while the house vocals bring warmth and soul. It’s a natural evolution of my sound, keeping my signature groove but with a brighter, more vibrant, and crossover energy.

Can you share any specific techniques, instruments, or sounds you used that you feel are central to this track's identity?

The acoustic bass is a cornerstone of the track, providing a warm, organic groove that really drives the rhythm. A good friend of mine, Edoardo Cipriani, a talented musician, came over to my place, and we spent the whole day experimenting with different basslines until we found the perfect one. I layered that with the rich, analog textures of a Moog synthesizer, which adds depth and character. Additionally, the drums were recorded live in the studio, capturing an authentic energy and dynamic feel that ties everything together. These elements combine to create a unique and vibrant sound that’s central to the identity of “Did It Again”.

So, what do you hope listeners take away from your track when they experience it for the first time?

I hope that when listeners experience “Did It Again” for the first time, they feel a sense of happiness and hope. The track is meant to uplift, bringing a feeling of joy and positivity. I wanted to create something that makes people want to move, smile, and relive the moment, whether on the dancefloor or in their own personal space. It’s about that energy that makes you want to come back and do it all over again.

Finally, what does it mean to you to have this single featured on vinyl, marking a first for the series?

Having “Did It Again” featured on vinyl is an indescribable feeling, it’s my first vinyl release, and I still can't believe it! There's something so special and timeless about having music pressed onto a physical record. Holding it in my hands makes the journey feel even more real, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this milestone for the series.

Odeon - “Used To Say“

Hi, Odeon! First of all, congratulations on your contribution to ICONYC’s Florilegia VA Series. What inspired the creation of your single for the compilation, and how does it reflect your artistic vision?

Thank you so much for the opportunity! This track started from an interesting piano progression I wrote during a break last summer. What really inspired me was the creative freedom I felt — I love exploring different directions, especially in production. I wanted to develop that idea into something that could fit my style, so I reworked it into a full piece, which I had only played during my live performances. Conceptually, both visually and musically, this compilation aligns perfectly with my aesthetic — clean, well-defined, and with a solid artistic vision.

What story or emotion were you aiming to convey with your contribution to the compilation?

The emotion I aimed to convey with my track is nostalgia. The chords always bring back memories of past moments, and I often try to find a way to express those emotions and experiences through music. Music has this powerful ability to bring you back to certain times or feelings, and with this track, I wanted to capture that essence — creating something that evokes memories and untold stories, even without words.

And, how does this track differ from or build upon your previous work?

“Used To Say” feels like a natural evolution of my sound. I’ve always loved experimenting with different styles, but I make sure to use the sounds that really represent me, never trying to blend in. There’s a lot of depth and exploration in my work, and this track is no exception. It draws from my past creations while offering something fresh and personal — something that stands out and feels uniquely mine.

Can you share any specific techniques, instruments, or sounds you used that you feel are central to this track's identity?

For this track, I used very particular, slightly detuned pianos from my personal libraries, which I’ve recorded in different studios around Europe. These instruments were chosen specifically to evoke that nostalgic and emotional feeling. As a sound designer by profession, I incorporated a lot of programmed sequences into my modular synth, using external modules and pedals to create spontaneous movement throughout the track's arrangement. I also recorded various foley and ambient percussion sounds to add character, carefully selecting each sample to fit the mood I wanted to convey. I really pushed myself with the production, especially with the mix, which was entrusted to someone I trust and who I gave a lot of creative freedom. I enjoy working with my team because it fosters a more dynamic and collaborative process, where the result can truly reflect everyone's input.

What do you hope listeners take away from your track when they experience it for the first time?

When listeners experience this track for the first time, I hope they feel a sense of curiosity. I want them to hear something different, something unexpected, that makes them want to explore my previous work as well. There's always something new to discover in each piece, and I love the idea of sparking that desire to dive deeper into the sounds and stories I’ve crafted over time.

Finally, what does it mean to you to have this single featured on vinyl, marking a first for the series?

Having my track featured on vinyl for the first time in this series is a huge honor. Pietro's vision for the project really sparked my curiosity, and I love the sustainable approach that went into making it all happen. Florilegia II has such a diverse sound, with a real depth in the way it blends genres. The careful attention to detail in the sound selection makes the compilation stand out. For me, vinyl is the perfect format to showcase this track — its warmth and tangible quality bring a different life to the music. It's a rewarding feeling to see my work presented this way, making the project feel more meaningful and lasting.

ICONYC’s Florilegia II is out now. Purchase your copy here.