For 20 years, NØ FØRMAT! has carved a unique path in the independent music scene, consistently resisting the industrial forces that often overshadow artistry. In this conversation, founder Laurent Bizot, speaks with IQOQO about the label’s journey, the evolving music industry, and the importance of collaboration in shaping meaningful, authentic artistry.
**Responses edited for length and clarity.**
NØ FØRMAT! has a reputation for fostering collaborations. Why is collaboration so important in the creative industries, and how central is it to the label’s identity?
Laurent Bizot: “Collaboration has always been central to NØ FØRMAT!. Looking at our catalogue of 64 albums, I realized that two-thirds emerged from collaborations. What makes collaboration so powerful is that it’s not just about bringing together different artists — it’s about merging different worlds. When artists from diverse backgrounds meet, something unexpected happens, like two planets colliding, creating something new.Take Msaki and Tubatsi, for example. When we were working on Urban Village’s album, Msaki came in on the final day and recorded a track with Tubatsi called Umhlaba Wonke. The chemistry between them was immediate, and I knew instantly that they needed to make an album together. Both love string arrangements, so I brought in a brilliant cellist from France. There was no rehearsal, no tests — just pure intuition. When you listen to the final result, it’s something neither Msaki nor Tubatsi could have created on their own. That’s the magic of collaboration.”
Artists often have personal visions for their projects. How do you ensure that all creative voices are respected in a collaboration?
Laurent Bizot: “It’s my job to sense when there’s a real connection between artists. You can’t force collaboration — it has to come from mutual respect and a shared excitement to create something together. When Msaki and Tubatsi met, there was an immediate admiration for each other and a shared desire to create. That’s the foundation for any collaboration — it’s not about contracts or money, but the genuine desire to make music together.
As a producer, I also have to make sure that the environment is right. If the artists feel comfortable and supported, they will create something amazing. If they don’t feel safe, the work will not be as powerful. So, you have to trust your intuition. Create the right environment where the artists can express themselves freely and thrive. That’s when the magic happens.”
Given the personal nature of music, how do you manage to keep the process collaborative and ensure that all voices are heard?
Laurent Bizot: “Trust is everything. When you put two artists together, the key is creating a space where they can be vulnerable. You can’t push them into something they’re not comfortable with. I’ve seen collaborations fail when there isn’t that trust. But when there’s a mutual understanding and a shared vision, it can lead to something truly extraordinary.
Trust isn’t just between the artists — it’s also about creating a safe environment where everyone feels supported. As a producer, you need to know when to step back and when to encourage new ideas. You have to follow your intuition and let the artists lead the way. That’s what makes NØ FØRMAT!’s collaborations so successful.”
AI is becoming a larger part of the conversation in music. What are your thoughts on its potential impact on the creative industry?
Laurent Bizot: “AI-generated music concerns me a lot. In the next two years, research suggests that AI-generated content could make up 20% of the music on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. If that happens, what will it look like in ten years? AI is advancing quickly, and while some people think it’s low quality, it’s improving rapidly.
The real issue is that the industry seems to be embracing AI without fully considering its impact on real, human-made music. AI-generated music could take over functional music — like background tracks for workouts, cooking, or relaxation. But there will always be a space for real music from human connection and emotion. If we let it take over, we risk losing that human element. The industry seems too eager to adopt AI, and it worries me that few are resisting it.”
To celebrate NØ FØRMAT!’s 20th anniversary, you’re releasing a remix album. How does this reflect the label’s ongoing commitment to collaboration?
Laurent Bizot: “The remix album is a way to honour the legacy of NØ FØRMAT! and look forward to the future. We wanted to reimagine our past work through the lens of new artists who embody the spirit of NØ FØRMAT! The selection process was organic — artists who could reinterpret our past in fresh, exciting ways. It’s a tribute to the artists we’ve worked with and a statement of where we’re headed.
This remix album represents the evolving nature of NØ FØRMAT! It’s not just about revisiting old songs, it’s about looking at them through a new, collaborative lens. It’s about showing that music is alive and constantly changing.”
The commitment to collaboration has shaped the identity of the label for 20 years. As the music industry continues to evolve, and with AI increasingly encroaching on the creative space, the role of true, human-made music remains vital. Independent labels like this continue to serve as important spaces for artists to connect, collaborate, and create without the pressures of commercial compromise.
At the core of its philosophy is the belief that collaboration brings out the best in artistry — creating something that is greater than the sum of its parts. Whether it’s between musicians, producers, or even genres, collaboration remains a powerful force in the creative industries.
