“Music has always been my escape from reality. When I’m feeling down, moody, tired, or whatever it may be, I turn to making music, listening, or searching… Life without music wouldn’t be possible,” shares Berlin-based DJ and producer Yulia Niko, reflecting on the deep role of music in her life as we delve into her eagerly awaited debut album, ‘TWINSOUL.’ Scheduled for release today, perfectly timed for today’s International Women’s Day, this album holds a intensely personal significance as it pays homage to her late father. Blended with beautiful melodies and captivating rhythms, you can sense all the dedication and precision Yulia has poured into each song. Ultimately, the album is a wonderfully diverse and vibrant journey that invites you to dance and dream.
Yulia wasn’t afraid to take a leap. As a young artist, the city lights of New York called to her, and she set off to chase her dream of studying music production. It wasn’t always easy, but through the ups and downs, she built the foundation for the music she creates today. Back then, minimal techno was her jam, but a chance encounter with Damian Lazarus, a true visionary from Crosstown Rebels, sparked a new fire in her. His influence pushed her to explore the world of intricate melodies, adding a whole new dimension to her sound. Fast forward to 2020: Yulia’s “Manifesto EP” dropped on Watergate Records, a huge accomplishment, and she landed a residency at one of Berlin’s coolest clubs. Talk about coming full circle! Today, Yulia tours worldwide, inspiring dancers and party-goers from the stages of numerous prestigious clubs and festivals around the globe.
During our conversation, we delved into various facets of Yulia’s journey, including how a tumultuous phase in her teens steered her towards music, her methods for unwinding and transitioning back to reality after Eephoric performances, and the lessons she gleaned from her experiences in both New York and Berlin.
Photography: press courtesy
Yulia, your journey is truly remarkable. After enduring a car accident at the age of 15, you spent two months hospitalized. During that challenging period, you found solace in the rhythms of old Ibiza discs, trance and progressive tracks, Ministry of Sound CDs, and classic house records, eventually leading to your debut gig a year later. What emotions and reflections did this music evoke for you during those trying times?
Hey guys, thanks for having me and actually checking my bio haha. Super excited about this interview! Luckily at such a young age I already found myself and decided to dedicate time to music, which has now become my main job and lifestyle. When I was hanging out at the hospital and listening to music, I was kinda enlightened and felt that I wanted to heal; go back home and start to create, and become someone. It was unclear right away what exactly this was, but definitely it was inspirational. Since those days I never stopped loving music and have used it as a tool in my life to stay motivated and positive. There is a reason why people love to go to house and techno parties; it makes us dance, feel good and forget about reality.
You mentioned that ‘House to me is intelligent music.’ Could you elaborate on what you mean by that or why you hold that belief?
Hard to explain, probably the same reason why we like iPhones (smiles). It’s cool, it has a different quality. I guess because when you go to hear some of the unknown underground DJs, you don’t know what to expect. Obviously there is some particular identity of the sound you expect but most of the time you hear it live, and only once, maybe after a recording on SoundCloud. You need to be open and intelligent enough to digest new, fresh improvisation from the artists. It’s the opposite to commercial music, where you go and you hear exactly, song-by-song, the tracks you’ve heard already on the radio at least 10 times, and your brain gets used to it. It would be interesting to make a study and check how much our brain is active in both situations and compare. For now it is just my own assumptions. (smiles) But to be serious, working in this industry I have met the most amazing, smart and talented people from all around the world, and music has connected us. Especially at community events like Burning Man, which bring the most interesting friends into life.
“You need to be open and intelligent enough to digest new, fresh improvisation from the artists.”
Reflecting on your early twenties, when you resided in New York City to pursue music production, what are some of your most cherished memories from that period?
Haha, those were hard days, but definitely a great foundation for who I am now. I was barely speaking English, and hustling to survive and begin my career. Like any other student, I had unbelievably long nights and days of fun. When I arrived in New York, I felt the happiest because it was my biggest dream, oh after Ibiza of course. I made a lot of connections, and went to too many after parties. It was really cool. My favorite was Black Membership Parties, Output club and their Rooftop. Actually now it’s called “Superior Ingredients” and I am playing there on 21st of April for my albums party. Mondays parties at PlayRoom, in Manhattan…that’s where I met my production teacher and he invited me to the school. Too much fun. But now, if you ask me to go to the after party, if I’m not playing I would be too tired even to show up for an hour haha.
How does the lifestyle and creative environment in Berlin compare to your experiences in New York City? Furthermore, in what ways has Berlin’s atmosphere influenced your artistic style?
New York was for me more of a school of life. New York is a great city but it’s very expensive. So I decided to move forward and try something new, especially because I got some advice that Berlin is the place to be. In Berlin, I found a lot of labels, record shops and local clubs that performed only the best underground artists. The scene is spectacular and its not only entertainment over there, it’s a culture. My first single was released on Get Physical Music (Berlin label) and it definitely changed my sound so much since I moved to Germany. I guess my main style and identity was born in Berlin.
I am really happy about my decision and very grateful for the “Watergate” club for adopting me on the first stage. It had a big impact on my developing as an artist and Dj status worldwide. Same with other brands like Roland, who produce the most legendary synthesizers; we were collaborating for several years and it helped me to grow fast in terms of production. In Berlin you can find a flat for decent money, BIO food with the highest quality and no need to spend millions on it. Berlin is a city adopted for artists to live in and collaborate with each other. Also, the city is huge and almost no traffic, super green and most of the neighborhoods are quiet and yes, huge apartments with tall ceilings…mama mia…a place where you can find balance. Sorry New York, I still love you but maybe I am getting older… (smiles).
“I am two different persons while performing, and after. I really use a lot of energy, while playing and dancing.”
TWINSOUL, your inaugural album, serves as a tribute to your late father. Could you share with us the emotional challenges you encountered while crafting such a deeply personal project?
I should admit, I do have a good psychologist and I have been using therapy since many years. Besides meditating I try to develop myself and my mental health by reading some books, or articles, and trying different practices. Music was always my escape from reality. When I feel down, moody, tired or whatever it is, I am making music, listening or searching…Life without music would be not possible. It was a very hard experience. Anybody who has ever lost one of their parents will understand that it changes something inside so much. Somehow all this above works on me so well, and it was extremely hard to heal, but I made it, and even better I let myself enjoy making real music. Besides loopy techno, I made an emotional album with 10 songs. I made something that actually my father also would have enjoyed listening to.
Upon completing TWINSOUL, what were the prevailing sentiments that enveloped you?
I am super relieved that this album has had such great attention and that the numbers are good, with many platforms highlighting the album. It was hard work, starting from producing it and then work on presentation of it, concept, promotion. Most of the songs brought many new connections with artists, people, and friends. I guess it is only the beginning because during the next few months we will release remixes and maybe I will make a live show, but for now this is just an idea. This album is so special, it deserves to keep playing and developing even higher.
You ventured into experimentation with live instruments and original vocals. Did you collaborate with fellow artists for these endeavors, or did you undertake the instrumental and vocal aspects yourself?
I was just like a good chef, I took the right components and mixed them into one thing. Of course, it was a collaboration with musicians and singers. I tried all that was available. Some of the vocals I had from before, and I even tried myself on the track “Satisfaction” and I think it came out pretty good. It felt like all just falling into one thing at the right time but of course, my experience and the right people were helping a lot.
“If I ever decide to quit, I think I would really enjoy working as a yoga instructor… it is also kinda the same concept – you work with people, connect with them spiritually and you make them feel better.”
With your upcoming live tour, what aspects are you most eagerly anticipating? Additionally, what obstacles do you foresee as the most significant during your time on the road?
I always have a fear that people will not come, or they will come but I will forget my USB, which is very important for my performance. I do check my bag at least once a 3 hours, if all is in order. (laughing). On a serious note, I’m super excited to be back to Berlin’s Ritter Butzke on 13th of April, because last time was just insane “best show ever” energy and you can see as confirmation of the full set on YouTube. It’s also my first time in Canada, so I’m super curious and have no idea what to expect. I have two shows at Tomorrowland Winter, and same with the Californian festival “Lighting in a Bottle”. I saw videos and decorations there that looked like another trippy planet. It’s my second time at Extrema Festival in Belgium, but this year I am back to a bigger stage supporting Dixon and Ame. Oh, and also Geneva, in my favorite club “Audio” together with my main inspiration Henrik Schwarz. I am certainly ready for this year, summer seems already like one to remember.
Observing you perform live is a captivating experience. Your profound immersion in the music, coupled with your infectious energy and frequent smiles, truly captivates the audience, rendering the evening quite intense. How do you unwind and transition back to reality after such exhilarating performances?
Wow, that sounds amazing, I appreciate that you noticed it and you could describe me as very flattered! I am two different persons while performing, and after. I really use a lot of energy, while playing and dancing. But interesting, that I don’t even understand it while performing, I only see it on videos. It all happened naturally and I am so addicted to people’s feedback while I play, it drives me crazy. But after the show, somehow I am so exhausted. I just want to eat and sleep. Especially if I have traveled a long time before, it is pretty hard to stay at the event and hear the following act. I try to keep very healthy, and I do sports so I actually push myself as much as possible to stay and meet people and fans. I have realized that if you start to consider yourself as this type of performer, you need to do it every time no matter what. I always watch Patrick Mason and am so amazed how much energy he has, wow.
Looking ahead about a decade from now, where do you envision yourself? Can you envision a future vastly different from your current life as a DJ?
I studied as a yoga teacher a few years ago. If I ever decide to quit, I think I would really enjoy working as a yoga instructor. I think it is also kinda the same concept – you work with people, connect with them spiritually and you make them feel better.
In your view, what does happiness entail?
Your questions are getting harder and harder…I think for everyone it is a different thing, but for me it is definitely when you do what you love and it brings you wealth, you have a relatable parent and you truly love each other, and drink cup of tea in the morning with bread and black caviar, mmm yummy.
Thanks so much for your time and all the best for your album release and tour!
Thank you so much, it was a deep interview but special…
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