Nocturne Error

For Carmine—known in the music world as Nocturne Error—the elemental and the emotional are deeply intertwined. At the Water Me exhibition, where questions of environment, decay, and possibility take center stage, his sonic world of darkness, uncertainty, and fluidity felt right at home.

We took a moment just before his set to talk about water, live energy, and when it`s okay for things to fall apart.

You mentioned earlier that there are darker themes in your music. How do those ideas connect to the themes of Water Me?

The connection feels natural. I’ve been running a label for six years called A Flooded Need—even the name hints at this submerged, drifting quality. Water plays a significant role in shaping my thoughts. Just this morning, I was reading a manga called Dark Waters by the creator of The Ring. It’s a collection of short stories, all linked by the element of water—this beautiful yet dangerous force. I think water is mysterious. It can nourish or destroy. It’s like the universe in a way—we don’t fully understand it, especially the deep ocean. That uncertainty is where I find the darkness and inspiration.

That sense of uncertainty seems to carry itself into how you perform. How does it affect the way you select or play music live?

It´s everything. When something is unknown, it becomes interesting. It might go wrong, sure—but go wrong also be beautiful. I’ve come to accept both outcomes. I don’t prepare rigidly for live sets; I bring a lot of material and choose based on the moment. It depends on the energy of the room. I’ve worked with breakcore, ambient, bass, and deconstructed club—it can go in many directions. The key is being present with the audience and responding honestly.

Have there been moments where it didn’t go as expected?

Definitely. I’ve played sets that felt completely mismatched—usually when the person who booked me didn’t fully understand my sound and slotted me into a lineup where I didn’t fit. For example, I used to play a lot of techno events, but my music isn’t exactly techno. It’s adjacent, sure, but not straightforwardly danceable. And that can create a disconnect., Expectations can be powerful, but I’ve learned not to panic. You follow the vibe, and if it doesn’t land, that’s okay. You move on.

Is this your first time performing in an exhibition concert?

Yes, and actually my first time in Munich as well. I like the vibe here, even though I haven’t seen much of the city yet. I know more about the visual arts and museum scene, and I follow a few Munich-based labels. I wish I could stay longer to explore.