IN CONVERSATION WITH TWIENA

Interview by Samo Šajn

Photography by Matthee van der Plas

TWIENA is a fast-rising DJ known for her high-energy sets and unique blend of techno, trance, and global club sounds. With roots in both Western and Asian cultures, she brings a fresh perspective to the scene. This summer, she’s making her debut at Awakenings Festival, a big moment in her journey.

You just started a new radio show on Echobox Radio. What made you want to start it, and what can listeners expect from the series?

This radio show is called “XXX TWIENA” where I explore and search for the core characteristics of my sound. As an artist, I’m not tied to one genre. From the start, my main goal has been to find something unique and recognizable and to build something that feels personal. By diving deeper into one genre, style, or mood each episode, I define and better understand how it fits into the bigger picture of TWIENA.

This radio show isn't just about mixing tracks. It's about discovering what really speaks to me and sharing that with a wider audience. I want to explore how tracks contribute to the feeling of my sound, whether that’s through rhythm, texture, drums, or energy.

You have a track coming out on a V/A compilation this October. Can you tell us a bit about it and how it came together?

The V/A compilation is a vinyl LP featuring emerging queer Vietnamese artists, released by my friends at No One Magazine, a platform that connects global underground queer nightlife. My track, “Phải đi chùa [Have to Go to the Temple],” is an original and extremely personal piece. I sampled vocals from a monk during a very emotional time in my life, which is why the title feels so meaningful.

When they reached out to me for this project, it felt like the perfect opportunity to include a sound that’s deeply connected to my heart and my culture.

Your sets mix everything from Techno and Trance to Latin Club and global sounds. How do you decide what to play?

I often play on diverse lineups, so I always do some research beforehand. Depending on the event and who else is playing, I usually have a good idea of what direction I’ll take, whether that means leaning into a more playful Latin Club sound or going deeper with a rolling techno vibe.

But no matter how varied my sets are, I always try to keep them within a certain framework, so it still feels like me. A lot of people know I’m not allergic to mainstream or commercial sounds. I want my music to reach a wider audience and be recognized on a bigger scale. The key is to do it without compromising who I am. I’m still figuring out that sweet spot for the bigger gigs, how to define what “underground” versus “big room” means to me, and how to move through that space while staying true to my identity.

How has your background, growing up between Western and Asian cultures, shaped your journey as a DJ?

My background doesn’t necessarily show up directly in my sound, but it’s definitely influenced how I move through my journey. It’s more visible in the way I approach goals and growth. That mix of cultures taught me to stay disciplined, be humble, and think long term, all things that play a big role in how I evolve as a DJ and artist.

You’re playing at Awakenings Festival soon. What does it mean to you to be part of this iconic festival, and can you tell us what we can expect from your set?

Awakenings was one of the first festivals I ever went to. It’s where I really started to understand techno and how broad the genre can be. It also helped me discover what I personally connect with, which has evolved a lot over time.

Being on the lineup now feels like a full circle moment. The stage I’m playing leans more toward hard house, trance, and hard groove, so I’ll definitely be bringing out the more playful side of my sound. I might even sneak in some older tracks from my catalogue. Who knows? One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be sexy.

With such an incredible lineup at Awakenings Festival, are there any other artists you’re especially excited to see?

Honestly, AREA X on Sunday has such a stacked lineup. There are a few artists playing there that I really admire. On Saturday, I’d love to catch Yanamaste. I haven’t seen him live yet, but his productions have been a huge inspiration for me, especially when it comes to rhythm and groove in my own tracks.

Also, I have to admit, hard techno is a bit of a guilty pleasure. I’d love to see Azyr on Saturday. Back in the day, when I used to hit the gym, I’d blast his sets to keep going. It would be fun to finally see him live.

What’s your favourite part of Awakenings? Do you have any special memories or experiences from the festival?

This festival is legendary. I started going as a teenager with a big group of friends, totally clueless about techno, just drawn to the idea of a festival. Over the years, as I developed my own sound and taste, Awakenings kept growing too.

They’ve always managed to strike the perfect balance between big commercial headliners and fresh underground acts. That diversity shows in the crowd as well. You see veteran techno lovers mixing with the younger generation. That blend of energy and experience creates a really special atmosphere, and I think that’s what makes Awakenings stand out.