Max HeyraudBerlin-based STEYA has been making a name for herself on the city’s various hallowed dancefloors with her uncompromising high-octane and funk-laced techno sound. The Antwerp-born artist has gained a reputation for her relentless and dynamic approach to DJing, but she now appears on Marcel Fengler’s IMF label for her debut EP.
STEYA‘s highly anticipated debut EP was released under Berlin techno legend Marcel Fengler‘s IMF imprint. Many legendary artists have released music via the label, including The Advent, Zenker Brothers, Etapp Kyle, FJAAK, and others. STEYA now lifts the veil on her ‘Dopamine’ EP, which features three original tracks by the Belgian-born artist and two remixes by techno luminaries DJ Rolando and Hertz.
Originally residing in Antwerp before moving to Berlin, STEYA has been completely engulfed in techno culture for many years. During this time, she has carved out a high-octane and unforgiving techno sound that is encased within the purist values of the genre’s legacy, interweaving shades of Detroit soul with German innovation and Belgian close-fisted power to create a sound that pays homage to Steya’s desire to stick to her roots while also crafting something that is uniquely her own.
Although STEYA is far from a new name in the techno world, she has taken her time producing music. Since revealing her musical projects in 2021, STEYA has released a number of revered tracks on some of the world’s most sought-after labels, including BCCO, RAW, and IMF. STEYA’s discography focuses on quality rather than quantity, delivering intricately woven techno pieces based on dynamic and dizzying loops as well as uplifting and deep atmospheres. The quality of her output thus far speaks for itself.
STEYA’s fully fledged debut EP, ‘Dopamine’, is a statement of intent, showcasing the work she has been putting in behind the scenes to chisel out her classic-sounding yet contemporary-focused techno sound, as STEYA continues to break the mould with a flawless inaugural EP accompanied by remixes from two living techno legends.
We spoke with STEYA about music creation, inspirations, and living in Berlin, among other topics.
Congratulations on your debut EP on Index Marcel Fengler, how does it feel to release this collection of work finally?
Thank you! Releasing my debut EP on Index Marcel Fengler feels incredibly rewarding and surreal. After dedicating so much time and effort to this project, finally sharing it with the world is a huge milestone in my career. I’m thrilled to see how listeners connect with the tracks and to have the opportunity to contribute to the techno community in a meaningful way. This release represents a significant step in my artistic journey, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come.
There are remixes from two iconic techno producers on the EP, Hertz and DJ Ronaldo; what does it mean to work alongside such influential techno figures?
Having remixes from Hertz and DJ Rolando on the EP is a tremendous honour. It’s a dream come true to collaborate with individuals who have had such a profound impact on my own musical journey.
Releasing your debut EP can be daunting, especially since I’m sure you’ve been working on some of these tracks for a long time. When and how did you decide it was finished?
Releasing my debut EP was indeed quite challenging. Deciding it was finished came down to a combination of feeling a sense of completeness with each track and receiving valuable feedback from trusted peers and mentors.
Throughout the process, I constantly refined and tweaked the tracks, but eventually, I reached a point where I felt they fully captured my vision and the emotions I wanted to convey. Ultimately, it was about trusting my instincts and knowing when to let go and share my work with the world.
What does a normal day in the studio look like for you?
A normal day in the studio for me typically starts with revisiting previous sessions to see if there are any new ideas or improvements that come to mind. Throughout the day, I take short breaks to maintain focus and prevent ear fatigue. Overall it’s a blend of creativity, experimentation, and technical work, all driven by a passion for making music.
What inspires you to make music?
What inspires me to make music is the ability to express emotions and connect with people on a deeper level. The energy and atmosphere of the dancefloor are major sources of inspiration, as they fuel my creativity. Personal experiences on the dancefloor, travel, nature, and interactions with other artists also play a significant role in shaping my musical journey.
Is it important for you to create music that you want to play on the dancefloor, or do you prefer to keep DJing and production separate?
Making music that works on the dancefloor is crucial for me. DJing and producing are closely connected to how I approach my creativity. I really enjoy testing my tracks live to see how the crowd reacts—it’s a great way for me to improve my production skills based on their feedback.
Growing up in Belgium, a country with a rich techno history, was techno always a part of your life?
Techno has always had a prominent presence in my life. Belgium’s music scene led me to a wide spectrum of techno. This exposure ignited my passion for the genre early on and deeply influenced my musical preferences.
How did you find breaking into the scene after moving to Berlin?
Breaking into Berlin’s music scene after moving there was both challenging and exciting as the city is full of competition and has a high bar of talent. However, the city’s techno community is something special and inclusive, offering chances for networking, collaboration, and personal growth.
I dove into the music scene by attending events, connecting with like-minded artists, and exploring clubs and underground parties. This helped me establish myself and build connections within the industry. Through dedication to refining my skills, and staying true to my musical vision, I became a part of Berlin’s techno scene.
Was there ever a moment when you realised you could pursue music as a career?
It was never planned to make a career out of it; for me, it has always been and continues to be about a deep passion for music. My journey began with a love for creating and sharing music that deeply connected with others. Over time, as this passion grew and evolved, it naturally led me down the path of pursuing music as a career.
If you could give up-and-coming DJs one piece of advice what would it be?
It would be to stay true to your unique sound and style. In an industry filled with trends and pressures to conform, authenticity is what will set you apart. Hard work will always pay off and last but not least, never sell your soul.