Max HeyraudFresh off her Dublin debut last weekend, we sat down with Greek techno artist Annē to chat about her selective approach to working with labels, the philosophy behind her music production, the influence of social media on club culture, and much more.
Thessaloniki-born artist Annē has built a career grounded in tradition, hard work, and a commitment to longevity. Beginning her journey in 2012, she has spent the last 12 years honing her craft, drawing inspiration from the foundational sounds of Chicago and Detroit while incorporating the rich textures and attitudes of Naples and Stockholm. Despite these influences, her sound is uniquely hers: a hard-edged, soulful, and dynamic expression of modern techno.
Annē’s productions have found homes on both legendary imprints like Soma and Hardgroove and contemporary powerhouse labels such as Mutual Rytm and CROWD, the sub-label of FJAAK’s Spandau20. Her music reflects her artistic vision, and her DJ sets complement her focused studio work. Annē’s raw, driving energy shines through, bringing her to iconic venues like Berghain, Fold and RSO, to name a few.
Her multifaceted approach to DJing features a wealth of unreleased material, seamlessly blending three to four tracks at a time and layering a multitude of textures and soundscapes to create a powerful, wall-of-sound experience. One of her most recent performances at Wigwam in Dublin left a lasting impression on both the club and the crowd, with one attendee describing it as “relentlessly euphoric.”
We spoke with Annē shortly after her Dublin debut to learn more about her journey and artistry.
Let’s start with Berghain, you recently played for the third time. Many DJs adapt their sound for the venue, tailoring their sets to the system. Was that the case for you, or was it business as usual?
Playing at Berghain is about embracing the opportunity to bring my style to such an iconic venue. I didn’t change my sound, but I definitely allowed the energy of the space to inspire me. Berghain’s sound system and unique atmosphere challenge you to elevate your performance, so while I stayed true to my core identity, I let the moment push me to refine and enhance my set. It’s not about adapting to fit the space; it’s about letting the space inspire you to be the best version of yourself as an artist.
In your True Talk conversation with Nastia, you spoke about being “selective” in approaching your music and “specific” with your labels. Could you elaborate on what this means for your artistry?
Being selective with labels is essential for me because there’s an overwhelming amount of music being released every day. It’s easy for tracks to get lost in the noise if they’re not presented in the right way or through the right platform. When I choose a label, I consider how well it aligns with my artistic vision and whether it can give my music the attention it deserves. It’s not just about getting a release out—it’s about ensuring that each track finds the right audience and contributes meaningfully to my journey as an artist. This approach allows me to stay true to my sound and maintain the quality and impact I strive for.
You’ve already built an impressive back catalogue of music. Of all your projects so far, which are you most proud of, and why?
It’s hard to pick just one because I’m truly proud of all my projects. Each track and release represents a specific moment in my journey as an artist, capturing the emotions, experiences, and inspiration I had at that time. Every piece has its own story and significance, and together they form the bigger picture of who I am musically. I see my back catalogue as a reflection of my evolution, and I’m grateful for the creative process behind each project.
You’ve described your multi-deck approach to DJing as being almost like producing live. Could you tell us more about this concept and how it shapes your sets?
My multi-deck approach allows me to go beyond simply playing tracks—it’s about creating a dynamic, live experience in real time. By layering elements from different tracks, looping, adding effects, and seamlessly blending, I can build something unique that evolves throughout the set. It feels almost like producing live because I’m constantly shaping the sound, responding to the energy of the crowd, and weaving different moods together to tell a story. This method keeps my sets unpredictable and exciting, both for me and the audience. It’s a way of staying fully present and pushing creative boundaries in the moment.
Congratulations on your recent EP with Spandau20/CROWD! I’ve always admired your work. Can you tell us about the production process and the inspirations behind this EP?
Thank you so much for the kind words! The EP on Spandau20/CROWD was a special project for me. For the track “Chicago 1980,” I drew inspiration from the legacy of House music, paying homage to its groove and timeless energy while infusing it with my own modern twist. For the other tracks, I wanted to explore a more organic sound design, focusing on textures and layers that feel alive and evolving. The production process was about finding the balance between these elements, allowing each track to stand on its own while also complementing the other. It was a journey of connecting the past, present, and future of electronic music in a way that felt authentic to my sound.
Let’s get a bit technical. You’ve cultivated a distinctly warm sound. Do you have any go-to compressors or saturators you love to use?
For me, achieving that warmth is all about using the right tools to add character and depth to the tracks. When it comes to saturation, I often reach for something that brings a bit of colour and richness. The Kush Audio – Omega TWK is a favourite of mine for lows and mids. And from Kush Audio again, the model Omega 458A for percussions and highs. It’s a classic for a reason. It gives the sound that organic, full-bodied feel without feeling too harsh. In general, I prefer tools that help enhance the natural tone of the sound rather than drastically changing it. That’s key for maintaining that organic warmth I’m going for.
Your partner, Sera J, is a significant source of inspiration both musically and personally. How does the dynamic of creating music together and separately work for you?
Sera J is an incredible source of inspiration for me, both as an artist and as a person. He is the one who helped me a lot with my first steps of production as he was my teacher. Sometimes now we are jamming together in the studio, but we prefer to keep it separate because it’s healthier! Working separately is just as important—it gives us space to grow and express our personal artistic visions. We support each other unconditionally, whether it’s bouncing ideas off one another, giving feedback, or just being each other’s biggest fans. This balance of togetherness and individuality not only strengthens our music but also deepens our connection as partners.
How have you enjoyed travelling together while DJing? It sounds like an exciting aspect of your career!
Although we are not travelling all the time together, it’s exciting to share the journey, from discovering new cities and cultures to playing in amazing venues around the world. Being able to experience these moments with someone who understands the energy and challenges of the job makes it even more special and funny!
Shifting gears a bit, what are your thoughts on social media’s impact on club culture?
Social media has undoubtedly transformed club culture, and it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a powerful tool for connecting artists, promoters, and fans globally. It gives people access to music, events, and communities that might otherwise be out of reach, and it’s helped the scene grow more inclusive and diverse.
On the other hand, it can sometimes shift the focus away from the music itself. The pressure to constantly post or stay “relevant” can create anxiety for artists, making it feel like you’re competing in a space that values trends over authenticity. It can also dilute the sense of mystery and intimacy that club culture originally thrived on.
For me, the key is balance. Social media is a tool, but it shouldn’t define the experience. At its heart, club culture is about music, connection, and being in the moment—and that’s something you can’t replicate online.
How would you sum up your 2024 so far, both personally and professionally?
2024 has been an incredible year so far, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, I’ve grown a lot, embracing new experiences and challenges that have shaped me in meaningful ways. Having the support and inspiration of people close to me has been invaluable.
Professionally, it’s been a year of milestones and creativity. I’ve had the chance to play at some amazing venues, release music I’m truly proud of, and connect with audiences around the world. It’s also been a year of refining my sound and vision as an artist, staying true to my roots while continuing to evolve.
Overall, it’s been a journey of gratitude, growth, and excitement for what’s to come. 2024 isn’t over yet, and I’m looking forward to closing it out on a high note.
How was your experience playing your debut in Dublin?
Playing in Dublin was an incredible experience! The energy of the crowd was unmatched—they were so engaged, passionate, and truly there for the music. There’s something special about the connection you feel with a crowd that’s fully present and ready to go on a journey with you.
The city itself also has such a rich cultural vibe, and you can sense that in the way people embrace music and nightlife. It’s inspiring to play in a place where the crowd’s enthusiasm feeds directly into your performance. Dublin definitely left a lasting impression on me, and I’m looking forward to coming back!
Lastly, do you have any final advice for people trying to break into the techno scene?
My advice for anyone trying to break into the techno scene is to stay true to your unique sound and vision. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or the pressure to fit in, but the most impactful artists are the ones who carve their own paths. Don’t be afraid to experiment, take risks, and learn from every experience, whether it’s performing, producing, or just being part of the scene.
Networking is also key, but remember it’s about building genuine connections—not just using people for your own gain. And always keep an open mind. The techno community is diverse, and there’s a lot to learn from different styles and approaches. Stay patient, keep pushing yourself creatively, and trust that the right opportunities will come when you remain authentic to your craft.
Photo Credits: Areta Peristeri
