IN CONVERSATION WITH BIIA
Interview by Samo Šajn
BIIA is a Portuguese DJ and producer making waves with her high-energy blend of techno, acid, and electro. After a sold-out Australian tour and a run of international shows, she’s stepped into a new chapter with the release of her debut EP, showcasing her unique sound and artistic vision.
Big congrats on your 2nd EP! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the project?
Thank you! The EP is inspired by the human flesh, which is a symbol of psychological and emotional bonds. The touch of the skin is connected with the touch of the mind, feelings and emotions in its most romantic exponent. This perception has always described my creative process and me as an artist. It's an appeal to the importance of human union that music brings in a world where there is a lack of this physical and mental connection. The first track of my EP is a reflection of this, that talks about the fault of someone not being physically there.
You’ve described your sound as a fusion of techno, acid, and electro. How did those genres come to shape your identity as an artist, and how are they reflected in your upcoming EP?
I like to have fun and listen to my intuition when I'm in the creative process of my music. They can be more acid, trance or incorporate more trippy sounds. I think that defines my sound, whether as a DJ or as a producer. I like to explore and go with the flow because I think it's boring when your creativity is very limited by external factors like market trends or the label where you want to release your music. Also this is the reason why I decided to do a self-release, so I can be completely free in terms of sound and image communication.
Your recent sold-out Australian tour just wrapped up and it was your second time there! How was the energy this time around, and what makes the Aussie crowd unique to you?
In Australia techno is still a market that is in the early stages, so it is fresh and exciting to see this enthusiasm among the public. A lot of them are still discovering the genre and so it is noticeable that there is a very positive and open reception.
From the intimacy of club sets to festival stages like Awakenings UpClose, Neopop, and WeCanDance, how do you adapt your sets to match the vibe and scale of the Venue?
I like to feel the moment and try to understand what makes the most sense to play. I want to feel the energy from the crowd and this leads towards a conversation between me and them by question response. My sets are always influenced by the number of people, timetable and lineup. If it's a big festival, there's room for more breaks, something more dramatic and if it is in a club I always like to keep the energy high, with no room to stop. I also take into account the DJ who plays before and after me, whether they plays more or less hard than me, cause I always try to adjust myself to them so I respect their work and so that it is a better experience for the crowd as well.
You’ve mentioned before that cities like London, Berlin, and Detroit influence your sound. Can you share a story or experience from one of those places that impacted your artistic journey?
When I was younger and started listening to electronic music, I listened to Detroit artists like Jeff Mills, Robert Hood and Carl Craig. I also watched a lot of their interviews. From London Dave Clarke and Fatboy Slim. So their sounds really stuck in my mind and ended up defining me and influencing me as an artist too. When I decided I wanted to be a DJ more professionally, I moved to Berlin for a month to experience, absorb and be inspired by the underground scene. Field work I would say.
What was the creative process like while producing your EP? Did you approach it differently compared to how you prepare a live set?
I have two sides, one more nostalgic, deep and introspective and the other more funny, sarcastic and playful. So, my music is also a reflection of this. I produce tracks with more beautiful and sentimental melodies and others that are more provocative. The EP is made up of these two aspects, one more melodic and dark and the other more groovy and bouncy. However, they are united by similar elements and the global idea of human unity, romance and connection that you can find in my vocals.
You've been on a fast rise! Huge gigs, a growing fanbase, and now your first EP. How do you stay grounded and keep your focus through it all?
During the week I like to be Beatriz and have a healthier life, which balances the weekend. I want to feel at my best so I can give the best to my career, so waking up early, doing gym, eating healthy and working at a more regular schedule. For me it is very important to have this contrast, otherwise it can be a very unhealthy, dark and lonely world.
You use your own vocals in your music, which adds such a raw and personal touch. What role does your voice play in your overall sound design and Storytelling?
I like to add my vocals as details to my music, something extra. My vocals give a feeling and have a meaning behind it, which is my deeper and introspective heteronym talking. It's a brand signature of my tracks I guess. I like them to be a bit proactive, feminine and unobvious. It's also a process of introspection that results in the lyrics about what I feel at the period.
As summer begins to wrap up and you’ve already played huge festivals like Awakenings UpClose, WeCanDance, Kappa, Exit, and Neopop, how has the season been for you?
I love the magic of the summer and festivals. Besides being able to go to bed earlier, there is a mystique surrounding the good weather, music and people's happy faces. I also have a lot of festival premieres and that makes me excited.
Once this EP is out in the world, what’s next for you? Any projects you can share with us?
I'm currently on my tour, which shares the same name as my EP 'Human Skin,' and it's amazing to be able to play my own tracks in my sets. On this tour, I developed a very special show with contemporary dancers and unique visuals for one of my shows in Portugal, my home country and obviously I've been in the studio producing music for after the summer. There will also be some much merch related to this Tour.
Photography: Hugo Palayer
Styling: Nima
Set design: Leo Penven
Light assistant: Thomas Boisson & Josephine Berneau
Location: Studio Zero Paris
