Contemplative downtempo recorded in Berlin.
Hey Diana. How are you today?
Hey hey. I’m holding up quite well, thanks. I’ve been traveling since late November, and I’m spending the winter holidays with my beloved ones in Berlin. Not gonna lie I miss the sun here but also love immersing myself in this gloomy darkness and creating some light within. It reminds me of certain episodes from my past life in Saint Petersburg.
What was the last song you listened to?
oze - ‘down to earth’. Been in a loop with this one for a while already.
Where’s your favourite place to listen to music?
Being on the road, but only when I can see the road or the land. Riding a scooter makes it even better…there’s truly nothing like it. The feeling is unmatched and life becomes incredibly cinematic. I had the chance to experience this back in Asia — definitely some of the best listening sessions of my life. But I bet the setting played a big part in making it so special as well.
What was your musical highlight of 2024?
I’ve been to quite a few great events and live shows this year, but I guess the highlight will be my own showcase, Lost In Transition, which I threw in Tbilisi in February 2024. It was my first event that I fully organized on my own, and I put a lot of love and effort into it. For me, it was a huge step toward my dreams and what I want to share with the world.
What’s your favourite music discovery you’ve made recently?
While cooking this mix, I came across a release called Iku by visual artist and musician Johanna Odersky from Frankfurt. It has become the anthem of my December. Every time I listen to it, she takes me on an emotional journey through a hypnagogic realm, full of contrasts and an ambiguous atmosphere. I included one of her tracks in the mix.
Is there an artist or album you listen to a lot we might not expect based on your music and mixes?
Well, I’m not sure if it's obvious or not, but I’m a dedicated fan of memphis, phonk or dungeon rap. Some of my favorite artists are Sista Mas, Apoc Krysis and HPSHAWTY. One day I’ll drop a mix introducing my favs.
Can you tell us a little about your Theory Therapy mix? What were you feeling when you made it? Where did you record it?
I recorded my Theory Therapy mix just before xmas. I borrowed my friend's controller and recorded it in a sublet in Berlin, which reminded me of my room in Saint Petersburg. I felt very special there and every day felt like déjà vu. The flatmates were away for the holidays, so it was just me, the rain outside, some candles, raspberry tea, marzipan stollen, and my favorite tunes. December was a bit tough, both physically and mentally, as it was mostly about moving around between friend’s places, making closures, and saying farewell to some people and the city. While recording the mix, I found myself bidding goodbye to old beliefs and patterns with a gentle touch of gratitude. Music has always been my best therapy.
Where would you recommend listening to it?
The perfect setting for the mix would be a long night drive, though I understand that might be quite specific. Any place could actually work, but it has to be in the dark hours.
Theory Therapy mixes are about sharing the music that you personally find therapeutic, cathartic or restorative. What does that mean for you?
I’ve always been an emotional person for as long as I can remember... In childhood, I’d say I was even fragile. My deep connection with music has always guided me, helping me relieve and truly feel my emotions. For me, such music acts as a channel through which intense feelings can be expressed, leading to a sense of emotional cleansing or purification. It also helps me see things more clearly or even give some insights.
Is there a particular album or piece of music that you find yourself returning to for similar reasons?
There are definitely several of them, but one stands out for sure: Genesis P-Orridge & Astrid Monroe – When I Was Young (2001). I'm very keen on trip-hop music, especially the kind with eerie, seductive post-industrial beats that evoke a dark but dreamy world. This particular album had me in a total loop at one point, and I still find it incredibly trippy and classy. Music like this feels as if it’s coded into my DNA.
Tell us something exciting that's coming up in your life, music or otherwise.
I'm moving to Brussels this spring, and it was a tough decision between Bxl and Berlin, but I'm happy to have some certainty in my life now. I also have some exciting plans with my girls — Kalione and Sharkeisha, with whom I run the label Beatriz, as well as with my own project, Lost In Transition. I can't share much just yet, but fingers crossed! Stay tuned <3