ANNĒ: “In music the only thing that matters is the emotions”

Born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece, ANNĒ began her musical journey in 2012. With unwavering dedication and a distinct approach to her craft, she quickly rose to stardom in the techno scene.

Photo Credit: ANNĒ – Official

ANNĒ’s sets showcase her artistic prowess, characterized by dynamic energy and a deep connection with the crowd. Her productions feature a refined, sophisticated sound that draws inspiration from Detroit techno rhythms while infusing her own emotional depth and artistic vision.

EG had the pleasure of sitting down with this promising artist for an in-depth conversation. In this exclusive interview, we delved into ANNĒ’s rising career, discussing her latest dance floor hits, impactful global tours, and upcoming projects that are set to cement her position in the electronic music scene.

EG: Hi, ANNĒ! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?

ANNĒ: Hello there, thank you so much for having me guys. It’s a pleasure! I am really good! I am in my city Thessaloniki, in Greece, preparing a lot of new projects and ready for my next travels!

EG: First of all, congratulations on your recent US & South America tour! You must be exhausted from this recent run! What has the experience been like? Was this your first time visiting some of these places?

ANNĒ: Thank you so much! This tour was an incredible experience. It was indeed exhausting, but the energy and enthusiasm from the crowds & both of me and Sera J, with whom I was traveling together, made it all worthwhile.

In some places was not my first time but in some others, yes! But traveling to some of these places for the first time or not is always truly eye-opening. The diverse cultures and the warm reception from the fans were amazing. Each city had its unique vibe, and it was fascinating to see how music connects us all, no matter where we are in the world.

Overall, it was a memorable journey filled with unforgettable moments and new inspirations. I’m looking forward to doing it all again!

EG: And what did you think of the clubbing culture over there when compared to Europe? Is it very different?

ANNĒ: The clubbing culture in the US and South America is both unique and vibrant, and there are definitely some differences when compared to Europe. In the US and South America, there’s an incredible energy and enthusiasm from the crowds especially in SA. The fans are very expressive and passionate, which creates an electric atmosphere in the clubs. It’s always amazing to see how deeply people connect with the music.

In comparison, Europe has a more established clubbing culture with a long history of electronic music. The crowds in Europe can be more diverse in terms of musical tastes and the clubs are known for their cutting-edge production and innovative setups, which create a distinct experience.

Both regions have their own charm and bring something special to the table. The diversity in clubbing culture around the world is what makes performing in different places so exciting and fulfilling.

EG: And now you’re set to be a part of the 2024 edition of the BEONIX Music Festival. Congratulations, again! How are you feeling about this opportunity? What can partygoers expect from your performances?

ANNĒ: Thank you so much! I’m excited to be part of the 2024 edition of the BEONIX Music Festival. It’s an honor to be included in such an event alongside so many talented artists. I’m feeling super energized about this opportunity. I believe it will be an amazing festival experience, and I can’t wait to contribute to that atmosphere.

Partygoers can expect a high-energy performance filled with dynamic tracks and seamless transitions. I’ll be bringing a mix of my favorite old-school bangers and some fresh, new deep music and a lot of unreleased of mine to keep the dancefloor moving.  So get ready for some electrifying vibes and a lot of fun!

“The essence of techno, like many genres, lies in the unique, human-driven creativity and emotional expression”

EG: Are you a big festival person? Do you tend to make time to catch other acts? Are there any names on  BEONIX’s lineup that you’re looking forward to?

ANNĒ: To be honest I am more club person but I strongly believe that festivals are not only a great opportunity to perform but also to immerse myself in the vibrant energy and creativity that other artists bring to the stage. Whenever I have the chance, I make it a point to catch other acts and experience the diverse range of music and performances on offer.

As for the BEONIX lineup, there are definitely some names I’m excited to see. I’m particularly looking forward to catching Estella Boersma, as I haven’t listened to any of her live sets yet and I think that she always brings something unique and inspiring. It’s always a fantastic experience to see fellow artists in action and draw inspiration from their performances. The sense of community and shared passion for music at festivals is something I deeply cherish.

EG: In which ways do you prepare differently for a festival set when compared to a club night?

ANNĒ: For sure this involves some distinct approaches due to the differences in scale, atmosphere, and audience expectations. For a festival set, I focus on creating a high-energy performance that can captivate a large and diverse crowd. Festivals typically have bigger stages, larger audiences, and a more open-air environment, so the set needs to have a strong impact. I select tracks that have powerful drops and a wide appeal to keep the energy levels high.

On the other hand, a club night set is more intimate and allows for a deeper exploration of music. In a club, the proximity to the audience provides a unique connection, so I often tailor my set to the vibe of the crowd and the specific atmosphere of the venue. This can involve playing longer, more nuanced tracks, experimenting with different genres, and creating a journey that evolves throughout the night. The focus is on maintaining a groove and building a continuous flow that keeps the dancefloor engaged.

Overall, while both types of sets require careful planning and curation, festival sets are geared towards creating big, memorable moments, whereas club nights offer a more immersive and personal experience.

EG: By the way, congratulations on the recent drop of your latest single, ‘Aphelium’! You must be very excited to have this one out. What has the initial reception been like? What can your fans expect to find on ‘Aphelium’?

ANNĒ: Thank you! ‘Aphelium’ is a track I have released on Warg Records. The initial reception has been overwhelmingly positive, which is incredibly gratifying. Fans and fellow DJs and producers have been reaching out with amazing feedback, and it’s already making waves on the dancefloors, which makes me really happy! It is a massive and dynamic track that encapsulates the energy and excitement I aim to bring to my sets. It’s built around a driving main lead and powerful bassline, with intense drums, leading to an explosive drop that are designed to ignite the crowd.

Fans can expect a blend of intricate sound design and high-octane rhythms, making ‘Aphelium’ a standout in any set. I think that it brings that undeniable urge to dance. I’m really excited to see how it continues to connect with listeners around the world.

EG: And regarding AI, which seems to be such a hot topic these days…What’s your stance on this? Do you see it driving the scene forward? Has any form of AI been used in ‘Aphelium’?

ANNĒ: AI is indeed a hot topic, and it has the potential to significantly impact the techno scene in various ways. On one hand, AI can drive the scene forward by streamlining production processes and by providing valuable insights into audience preferences or helping DJs and producers tailor their sets and releases more effectively. This can lead to innovative music that pushes the boundaries of the genre.

On the other hand, there are concerns about the over-reliance on AI and the potential loss of human touch, creativity, and originality. The essence of techno, like many genres, lies in the unique, human-driven creativity and emotional expression. There’s a worry that AI could homogenize music or overshadow the individual artistry that defines the scene.

Overall, it’s essential to strike a balance, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces the human element that makes the music so special. Because in music the only thing that matters is the emotions and this could never be replaced by any form of AI.

I have never used AI in any of my productions. Everything is organic!

“The diversity in clubbing culture around the world is what makes performing in different places so exciting and fulfilling”

EG: Finally, what can we expect from ANNĒ in the next months? Where can your fans catch you playing live?

ANNĒ: Absolutely, I have a lot of exciting releases and projects lined up in the near future. I’m really looking forward to sharing new music with everyone soon. I have releases in Renegade Methodz, Emerald, CROWD, Smile Sessions & Mutual Rytm.

In terms of touring, I have several gigs coming up in Europe, which is always a fantastic experience. You can find me in Berlin, Barcelona, Belgrade, Sweden, Amsterdam and more. Additionally, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be playing in Asia for the first time, for a small tour in Mongolia and South Korea which is a major milestone for me. I can’t wait to connect with new audiences there. And on top of that, I’ll be returning to New York & for the first time in Los Angeles.

It’s shaping up to be a very busy and exciting period, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

EG: Thank you so much for your time, ANNĒ! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!

ANNĒ: Thank you for this interesting interview. Wish you all the best too! Take care!

ANNĒ’s ‘Virgin’ is now available via NECHTO Records. Stream and download here.

Follow ANNĒ: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook