Faces of AFEM: Hannah Sylvie Buening

Exploring the Rhythms of HannahLuyah: Bridging Artistry and Advocacy in Electronic Music

A Dynamic Force in Electronic Music

Hannah Sylvie Buening, known in the vibrant electronic music scene as HannahLuyah, is marking her territory as both an artist and a leader in the industry. Currently serving as the Communications Manager at the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM), Hannah plays a crucial role in advocating for artists and shaping the future of the global electronic music landscape. Not only is she dedicated to ensuring that the voices of artists are heard, but she is also a compelling DJ who energizes dance floors with her bass-driven sound.

Based in Barcelona but originally hailing from New York, Hannah’s diverse background informs her artistry. Excitingly, she is also a co-founder of the Funk It! collective, which promotes creativity and community within the local music scene. Her sets, characterized by bass-heavy rhythms and catchy melodies, are a reflection of her adaptability, adjusting to the crowd’s energy in real-time. Having played across the globe, including in the U.S., U.K., Spain, and Japan, Hannah brings a rich tapestry of influences to her performances.

Uniting Voices at AFEM

In her role at AFEM, Hannah places great importance on unifying various stakeholders within the electronic music ecosystem. “AFEM represents so many organizations, and my mission is to bring those voices together,” she says. This involves listening, identifying common ground, and crafting narratives that foster industry change and cultural evolution. Hannah emphasizes that through this unification, the organization can amplify critical conversations that are vital to the future of the music industry.

Navigating a Sustainable Music Landscape

For emerging artists like Hannah, entering the music industry can feel daunting. However, her experiences at AFEM have equipped her with vital resources. “I felt like a small fish in a big pond at first. But AFEM has offered advocacy and tools that help me navigate these changes with confidence,” she explains. The organization’s initiatives, like Get Played, Get Paid, aim to ensure fair rights for artists, while addressing significant contemporary issues, such as the growing role of AI in music.

Hannah highlights the need for ongoing conversations around gender equity, diverse representation, and support for live events—elements that are crucial for nurturing a more inclusive environment. As a queer woman in the electronic scene, she has firsthand experience of the challenges faced, from discrimination to feeling unsafe in nightlife settings. AFEM helps amplify these voices and issues, leading noteworthy conversations around movements like #MeToo and supporting less-represented groups.

The Impact of Cultural Shifts

Hannah’s transition from New York to Barcelona has been influential in shaping her musical journey. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, she was exposed to diverse genres ranging from samba and hip hop to punk and electronic. “New York fed my musical appetite,” she reminisces.

In Barcelona, she dove deeper into European electronic culture, exploring genres like acid house and techno while being influenced by the vibrant Mediterranean rhythms. This blend of experiences has allowed her to create sets that are not only diverse in style but also cohesive in narrative, guiding the audience on a journey through sound.

A Unique Approach to DJing

One of the distinguishing aspects of Hannah’s sets is her focus on mood rather than strict genre adherence. “I follow the energy of the crowd and let the music inform me,” she asserts. This improvisational style allows her to keep the performance dynamic and responsive to the audience’s energy, turning each set into a unique experience. While she prepares a curated playlist for comfort, her ability to adapt on the fly keeps her performances fresh and engaging.

Hannah’s organizational strategy also plays a key role; she sorts her music collection by moods and feelings, categories that inspire her in the moment. “I even have a folder for tracks that remind me of sharks,” she laughs, highlighting the playful side of her creativity.

The Intersection of Artistry and Creative Direction

Beyond her DJing, Hannah contributes to the broader music community through her role as a creative director. This dual perspective allows her to appreciate the full spectrum of what an event or artist embodies—from their message and values to their audience engagement. “Understanding these elements enhances my appreciation and connection to the music,” she notes, illustrating how creativity and communication are intertwined in the modern music industry.

The Funk It! Collective: A Space for Freedom

Hannah co-runs the Funk It! collective, which emerged organically during the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Situated at a mesmerizing beach bar outside Barcelona, the initiative promotes a philosophy of freedom and authenticity. She emphasizes that Funk It! aims to create a welcoming space that transcends the segmented nature of Barcelona’s music scene. “We wanted it to feel like an old-school house party where solo attendees can easily connect with others,” she explains.

Dancefloor Energies Across the Globe

Having performed in various countries, Hannah has observed distinct energies on the dancefloor that reflect cultural nuances. In the U.K., she notes the excitement and enthusiasm, while in Japan, the party culture provides an avenue for personal expression beyond day-to-day restrictions. In the U.S., she finds that audiences are open to exploring diverse musical styles, and in Spain, the late-night revelry fosters deep social interactions both on and off the dancefloor.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Advocacy

As she looks to the future, Hannah envisions a path enriched by international gigs and the exploration of her sound through music production. Her intention to create original tracks speaks to a deeper artistic desire within her. “I have something inside me that I want to express,” she reflects, revealing her commitment to evolving as an artist.

With a strong foundation in both creative endeavors and industry advocacy through her work at AFEM, Hannah aims to merge her passions further. “I want to connect my past experience in policy with the art of music-making to drive larger structural changes in the industry,” she asserts, embodying the spirit of a true advocate for artists and their rights.

In the contemporary electronic music scene, HannahLuyah represents a compelling blend of artistry and leadership, shaping the narratives that matter most while energizing dance floors across the globe.