A.N.I. Interview: Exploring Classical Influences, Keytar Highlights, and Her Journey Beyond Boundaries

A.N.I.: The Berlin-Born Innovator on the Hard Techno Scene

Berlin is a city that resonates with the throbbing beats of electronic music, and amidst its vibrant scene, one name that stands out is DJ and producer A.N.I. With a background steeped in classical piano training and an educational foundation in Audio Engineering, A.N.I. has crafted a distinctive identity in the world of hard techno and hard trance, defying genre boundaries and defying expectations.

A Summer of Unforgettable Experiences

Reflecting on her recent summer tour, A.N.I. describes it as nothing short of exhilarating. “This summer could not have been better,” she exclaims, highlighting performances at renowned events such as Hive Festival, Tomorrowland, and Verknipt Croatia. The energy, the crowds, and the thrill of live performance created a series of unforgettable moments. “I am incredibly grateful for every single one of them,” she says, capturing the essence of her passion for connecting with audiences.

Bridging Classical Training with Digital Beats

A.N.I.’s musical journey intertwines her classical roots with the high-energy world of hard techno. “The connection is mostly in precision, timing, and musical structure,” she explains. Her classical piano training taught her to focus on rhythm and dynamics, skills that seamlessly carry over to her DJ sets. Even in the fast-paced, high-energy environment of dance music, the principles of building tension and understanding dynamics remain integral to her craft. “Those two worlds don’t necessarily collide in the sound itself, but in the way I approach and perform music,” she elaborates.

Imagining a Sonic Space

If A.N.I.’s sound were a physical location, she imagines it as a rollercoaster: fast, intense, and filled with unexpected twists and turns. “There are ups and downs, unexpected turns, and moments where you barely have time to catch your breath,” she shares. This analogy perfectly encapsulates her sonic experience—chaotic yet controlled, a thrilling ride for those on the dancefloor.

The Birth of “Transition Tuesday”

One of A.N.I.’s standout innovations is her “Transition Tuesday” series, which began as a technical exercise to share her mixing skills. What started as a simple experiment quickly morphed into a platform that showcases her technical prowess and engages her audience. “I never expected that this technical side of my DJing would become something people associate so strongly with me,” she admits. The project not only highlights the intricacies of her craft but also reflects a genuine interest from her fanbase in understanding the artistry behind the decks.

The Audiophile’s Insight

With her background in Audio Engineering, A.N.I. has a unique perspective on sound. “A good track is about how everything works together,” she asserts, noting that she quickly notices the balance and clarity of a mix. In the world of fast and energetic music, the interplay between various elements becomes crucial. She emphasizes that while she is sensitive to technical details, the ultimate test of a great track is its ability to evoke emotion. “It still needs to make me feel something,” she stresses.

Creating Tension in High Energy Sets

In the realm of hard techno and hard trance, A.N.I. navigates the delicate balance of tension and release. She is acutely aware of the dynamics within her tracks—how to maintain energy without losing coherence. “I pay attention to things like frequency balance and transients because they impact how powerful and energetic a track feels,” she explains. This meticulous attention to detail allows her to craft sets that engage listeners and keep them on their toes.

Intimate Clubs vs. Huge Festivals: Connecting with the Crowd

Whether performing in front of an intimate crowd of 500 or a festival audience of 50,000, A.N.I. adapts her approach while staying true to her sound. “In a smaller club, the connection is direct and intimate,” she explains, noting how she can read individual responses and pivot her set accordingly. In contrast, larger festival settings require a broader perspective, focusing on creating memorable moments that resonate with the collective energy of the crowd.

Dreaming of a Live Show

If given unfettered creative freedom, A.N.I. envisions a groundbreaking live performance that melds DJing with live elements. “The keytar has already given me a taste of what that could feel like,” she shares. Her aspirations include finding novel ways to integrate her classical influences and enhance the live experience. “I want it to develop naturally rather than forcing a concept,” she adds, emphasizing her desire for authenticity in her performances.

Embracing Trends with Authenticity

In today’s rapidly evolving music landscape, A.N.I. navigates the pressure artists face to conform to fleeting trends. “I think it is almost impossible not to be influenced by what’s happening around you,” she acknowledges. Rather than shying away from popular tracks, she incorporates them into her unique soundscape, ensuring each element feels authentic to her identity.

Exploring New Musical Terrain

Adaptability is a cornerstone of A.N.I.’s artistry. “I am open to almost everything,” she states, reflecting her commitment to musical exploration. Even genres that she previously overlooked, like drum and bass, have sparked her curiosity as she delves into new sounds. “Who knows, maybe even that will find its way into the A.N.I. blender at some point,” she muses, underscoring her openness to creative evolution.

Unexpected Influences

A.N.I.’s sets regularly include unexpected musical surprises, which adds to her performance allure. She shares a memorable moment when she mixed a hard techno track with Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud,” illustrating her knack for unexpected pairings. “Those moments break expectations,” she enthuses, reinforcing her philosophy that anything can belong in a set if it contributes to the overall experience.

The Berlin Influence

A.N.I.’s upbringing in Berlin profoundly shapes her artistic identity. “Growing up around electronic music, it feels normal,” she notes, highlighting how the city’s diverse musical culture fostered her boundless approach to genre. This environment nurtured her creative freedom, enabling her to develop a sound that transcends traditional boundaries.

The Future of Harder Techno

Looking ahead, A.N.I. observes a mixed landscape in the techno scene. While hard sounds dominate, there’s a growing openness to genre-blending. “You hear Hard Techno combined with Trance, Hardstyle, Acid, Gabber, Psytrance, and so many other sounds now,” she remarks, expressing her excitement about this evolution.

Moments of Awe

Reflecting on her journey, A.N.I. recalls the electrifying experience of performing at Hive Festival, standing on a table with her keytar in front of a massive crowd. “I was absolutely dying inside from nervousness,” she recalls, capturing the emotional intensity of that moment and the bittersweet realization of how far she has come since her bedroom rehearsals.

Future Expectations

With a clear vision for her musical journey, A.N.I. looks forward to the development of her “Sorry Neighbours” project, teasing an exploration of playful and unexpected aspects of her artistry. “You will definitely be hearing a lot more about Sorry Neighbours soon,” she assures, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next.

As A.N.I. continues to redefine her sound and navigate the pulsating heart of electronic music, she remains committed to her journey of experimentation and growth, embracing creativity without limits, and always seeking to inspire through the power of music.