IN CONVERSATION WITH VE/RA

Interview by Samo Šajn

Dutch DJ and producer VE/RA is one of techno’s fast emerging talents. Supported by artists such as Amelie Lens and Charlotte de Witte, and with releases on labels including EXHALE, Drumcode and Filth On Acid, her momentum continues to build. We sat down with VE/RA to talk about how it all started, touring, and the motivation behind her music.

How did your journey as VE/RA really begin, what pulled you into making techno in the first place?

My love for techno started around 2018, when I was going to a lot of techno events myself. I loved the music, the people, the vibe, just forgetting about everything and living in the moment. Two years later, after countless raves and finishing my studies in Food Technology, I decided to start my journey as a techno artist. This was during the COVID pandemic, so my first gigs were mostly house parties. I loved it so much that I knew this was what I wanted to do as a full time career.

Amelie Lens chose your track No One Else for EXHALE’s 5th anniversary release. What was your reaction when you first found out?

I was honestly super nervous. I had emailed Amelie with a few tracks, and she asked me to keep No One Else as an option for her. Four days later, she emailed me back saying she wanted to sign the track. I was so happy, you can’t imagine. EXHALE has been one of my dream labels for a long time, so getting a release there after five years of producing still feels completely surreal.

You’ve released music on labels like Drumcode, Filth On Acid and EXHALE. How do you decide where a track belongs?

Most of the time, I start a track by simply creating based on how I feel in that moment. After that, I usually discuss it with my manager. We look at things like BPM, whether it has vocals or melodies, if it’s darker or more atmospheric, and also who we can imagine playing it. From there, we decide which label fits best.

People often call you one of techno’s fastest rising artists. Does that label excite you, or does it add pressure?

I’m really honored that people see me that way. I honestly didn’t expect to be called that. Having a career as a techno artist has always been my biggest dream, so it feels really special when people say that about me. Of course, it also comes with pressure. There are so many amazing artists out there, and you always have to keep pushing yourself, standing out and evolving. Every artist is unique in their own way, and I really enjoy connecting with others and supporting each other. It truly feels like a community.

You had early support from artists like Charlotte de Witte and Adam Beyer. How important was that validation for you?

I definitely didn’t expect that kind of support so early in my career, especially from artists who have been such big inspirations to me. I’ve looked up to them since I first started, and they’ve been successful for such a long time. So yes, that validation really means a lot to me. It gives me the feeling that I’m on the right path.

When you’re in the studio, do you usually start with the idea of a dancefloor in mind, or do you just follow a feeling?

Both, actually, it’s a combination. During festival season, I notice that I naturally produce a different kind of music than during club season. In summer, when you’re playing festivals outdoors with the sun on your skin, I’m more drawn to groovy tracks with more melodies, something a bit more happy, made with those big festival dancefloors in mind. During club season, it shifts. I tend to produce darker, more intense stuff. I guess my mood plays a role in that too, haha.

You’ve played both clubs and big festivals like Tomorrowland and EDC Mexico. What changes for you when you’re playing a huge stage?

First of all, those festivals were incredible, two huge milestones in my career. I gained a lot of new fans, and the crowds were so into the music.

Career wise, it’s hard to point to one specific moment and say that playing those events completely changed everything. But I do think it made a difference. These are leading festivals, and a lot of people in the industry are watching who’s playing there. Around the same time, my track Love & Peace with Rocketman also received a lot of support from the industry, so everything kind of came together during that period.

With touring and releasing so much music, how do you stay creative and motivated without burning out?

To be honest, my biggest challenge is slowing down, I’m not very good at relaxing. However, I’m really into sports, and that helps me clear my mind and come back to the studio feeling refreshed. I’m incredibly driven to keep improving myself. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and growing and getting better gives me a lot of energy. And of course, the love and energy from the fans make a huge difference. That connection is really powerful.

Outside of music, what’s something that inspires you or keeps you motivated?

Everything around touring inspires me and keeps me motivated. I love meeting new people and being surrounded by those who are happy and enjoying life, no judgment, no complaining, just people living their best lives. That kind of positive energy is incredibly inspiring, and honestly, it’s the best environment to be in.

Whenever I get the chance, I try to explore the city I’m playing in. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to discover so much of the world. On top of that, I really value the freedom this life gives me. I get to manage my own time and be my own boss, which is incredibly motivating.

And, as I mentioned before, sports. They help me clear my mind while also allowing me to keep improving myself. For me, that’s the perfect source of motivation outside of music.

For people hearing your music for the first time, what do you hope they take away from it?

My tracks are mainly made for the dancefloor, rather than just listening in the car, for example. Of course, you can do that too, and I’m more than happy if people enjoy them in those settings. But my main goal is for people to really dance to my music and feel something special. I hope they have that “wow” moment, thinking this track is insane, I need to know the ID or who made it, and that I leave them hungry to hear more. And if you’re up for it, I’d definitely recommend checking out one of my live sets or mixtapes in the gym for some extra motivation.

'VE/RA’s track ’No One Else’ appears on VA007 from Amelie Lens’ EXHALE’ - listen here