Kultura / Culture
ond in the Let’s Mix It DJ compe- tition when she was just 14, con- tinuing her rise to the top of world music within the scope of this year’s unique all-female concept at the Ex- it mts Dance Arena, where she per- formed as an equal peer alongside the most powerful women on the world’s electronic music scene - Nina Kraviz, Indira Paganotto and Amelie Lens! Where did it all begin; how did a little girl end up in DJing waters? “It all began five years ago, when I went to a local DJ school, com- pletely by accident, and saw a cou- ple of record players… It was love at first sight.” It was four years ago that you were the youngest DJ at Exit. How do you recall that performance? “It was actually as a trainee at the aforementioned DJ school that I re- ceived the opportunity to perform at Exit. Back then, I still hadn’t ful- ly grasped what that meant. Many people congratulated me afterwards, and it was only then that I realised how big a festival Exit actually is, how important a step that is and all the great stars from the world of music that perform there.” Given that you’re only 17, I presume you’re not really able to follow the late-night electronic music scene? “I mostly follow electronic mu- sic from home, by watching and lis- tening to the sets of various artists. When I have the chance to see a great performer in our area, my mother goes with me.”
Your mum is also with you at all of your performances? “Whenever I go somewhere, whether abroad or in Serbia, my mother goes with me. She is my biggest pillar of support.” You returned to Exit this year and performed with the world’s greatest stars. Were you nervous; how did Nina Kraviz and the others approach you? “This year’s performance was my third at Exit, where I stood shoul- der-to-shoulder with the most pow- erful women on the world’s elec- tronic music scene, and did so at the mts Dance Arena, which I’d on- ly dreamt of until yesterday. I had positive stage fright that didn’t last very long – just until I saw the audi- ence enjoying the music I’d prepared. Standing before so many people in front of the Dance Arena is hard to describe with words. I try to use the music I play to connect with the au- dience and to transfer only positive energy to them. I’m happiest when I see the audience enjoying itself as much as I am. To look from the stage and see smiling and cheerful faces is priceless! Of course, I felt a lot of support from Nina, Amelie and In- dira, with whom I exchanged advice and impressions.” What is it that you like about house and techno; why that kind of music spe- cifically? “That’s simple – I consider that electronic music says more than words.” You fell in love with vi- nyl records, a sound carri-
er that originated during a time that’s like ancient his- tory for you. How does your generation of today consid- er records? “To be frank, working with vinyl holds a special place when it comes to my love of electronic music, even though it’s mostly unknown and strange to my generation.” Do you find time for everything – school, social- ising, love? “Although I spend a lot of time researching and making music, my school obligations are always my first concern. Given that I’m in my fi- nal year of high school, I’ve start- ed thinking about university enrol- ment. Alongside all my obligations over school and music, I always try to find time for training, socialising and resting.” What are your plans; any desired stage or interna- tional guest appearance? “At the start of my music ca- reer, my goal was to be the young- est producer on the Beatport Top Chart, and I achieved that goal last year, when I made my first EP, White Shadows, in collaboration with fa- mous British-based music produc- er Sebastian Haas. After that, my goal was to perform at the Dance Arena, and I also achieved that this year. My new goal is to present my- self, in cooperation with the EXIT team, on the global electronic mu- sic scene. I believe that, with their support, I will perform on Ibiza, at Burning Man and Tomorrowland, where I would be the first DJ from our country.”
I felt a lot of support from Nina Kraviz, Indira Paganotto and Amelie Lens
58 | Muzika » Music
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