Rhythm & Identity

In conversation with BIIA.

Techno as movement, and identity. For BIIA, music is a direct reflection of her experiences, translating personal moments into dynamic, high-energy productions. With a style that blends introspection with club-driven intensity, she approaches DJing and production with a balance of instinct and innovation. In this conversation, she shares her perspective on crafting immersive sets, the role of vocals in her music, and the balance between staying true to her artistic vision while connecting with her audience.

Your music is often described as a journey of self-expression. How do you translate the more personal, introspective moments of your life into bold, hard-hitting techno tracks?

My productions are a reflection of my life at that moment. As an artist it is inevitable that music does not speak for us, like any art form, once the creative process digs our feelings, memories and experiences. My personal side translates into the melodies, vocals and general vibe of the tracks.

You’ve spoken about techno as a way to pass feelings and build relationships. What emotions or stories do you aim to convey most through your music?

When I play my main goal during my set is to create a feeling of unity through music. A state of nirvana and freedom. As I play, there is a relationship with the audience that is being created, they pass their energy to me, I respond and vice-versa. It’s a game of action, reaction and in the end I want them to feel that we shared a joyful moment. We shared a certain place, in a certain timeline that is stamped in our lives forever.

Your tracks feature provocative and conceptual vocals. How do you approach selecting or collaborating on vocal elements? Are they a key storytelling tool for you, or more of an atmospheric texture in the mix?

I’m not a good singer so I like to add my vocals as details to my music, something extra, however the details make the difference and each vocal has a feeling and meaning behind it. It’s a brand signature of my tracks I guess. I like them to be a bit proactive, feminine and obviously meaningful. It’s also a process of introspection that results in the lyrics about what I feel at the period.

Many artists rely on structure and predictability, but your sets often feel like unpredictable roller coasters. How do you approach the emotional and musical arc of a live performance? Is there a specific direction you aim to take the crowd on?

I love to explore different subgenres within techno because I believe it makes a dj set richer, more fun and more dynamic. For me it’s super boring to play very similar tracks and play them in every gig. They must be selected according to the crowd, lineup, timetable and place. It is also a challenge for me to dig into different subgenres and mix them in a harmonious and fluid way which allows me to discover a lot of different artists. I just want no one to go to the bathroom during my set. I want them to enjoy it to the point where they don’t leave the dance floor, everyone having fun and dancing. I want to deliver high energy, sweet-toned, coherent sets and I hope to direct the crowd on a journey that awakens different feelings.

Given your background and the genres you blend, how do you navigate the tension between staying true to your artistic vision while still engaging with the expectations of the techno community and your audience? 

I like the challenge of understanding what the audience wants and I try to go with it, always staying true to myself, to my style and essence. The goal is to find a balance. I love to take risks and give them something unexpected in the hope that they will like it. If they do, my main goal has been accomplished. I believe it’s really important for every artist to have their own identity, vision and beliefs and stick to that, otherwise what sets us apart? If we’re all the same, what basis will an audience have to like an artist? 

What role does curiosity play in your creative process? Do you have a particular method for exploring new sounds or concepts, or do you prefer to let your intuition lead the way?

Both. I love exploring different subgenres, both as a DJ, as I mentioned, but also in my productions, which involves trying and testing new sounds and listening to music from different artists with different characteristics. I like to explore everything, but in the end I only move forward if my intuition agrees. My criteria is to go ahead if I really really like it, not going against my style obviously, and if it makes me dance.

As a female artist in a still predominantly male-dominated scene, do you feel that your style and fashion choices make a statement, both on and off the stage? How do you navigate this space?

The way we present ourselves is also a way of communication and expression, which reflects our individuality. I dress the way I want and what I identify with, so I don’t think much about it now. When I started as a DJ I wore baggy black t-shirts that weren’t my identity, because I didn’t want anyone to discredit my music and my skills based on the way I dressed. Over time I gained confidence and I realized staying real is the best, cause we will never please everyone and we only live once.

What’s something most people wouldn’t expect about you as a person that might surprise them given the intense energy of your DJ persona?

Well, a lot of people tell me that they are surprised when they meet me in person because they don’t expect me to be a humble and funny person. On social media I have more of an image of an untouchable diva bitch.

Tell us a secret, something you’ve never revealed in an interview before—perhaps a hidden passion or a super power.

Another passion I have is interior design. I love furniture pieces from the 50s and 60s. If something fails as a DJ, maybe you’ll find me digging furniture design pieces.

Rhythm & Identity / BIIA

Credits:

Artist: Biia / @biia__________
Interview: Kenzie Barrena / @kenziebarrena
Editor: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei

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