Terminal V Podcast 077 || Volvox

Volvox is a powerful force in the musical underground, not just as a DJ who can tell stories with her visceral techno selections, but as an advocate fighting for equal opportunities for marginalised communities. The Brazil-born artist has played around the world but has always retained a key focus on helping to shape the techno underground in and around New York. 

As well as being part of all-female DJ crew Discwoman, Volvox is riding high after a successful second party in her newly launched FLINTA NYC series which is all about providing a unique safe space in the city and helping to foster community at a grassroots level. Read on for details about that, who she liked up to coming up, and lock into the accompanying mix which is a wild ride through some signature emotional ups and downs.

 

 

Not everyone is happy to take on the responsibility of representation of female, queer, trans and nonbinary identities in the techno industry, but you are. Why is it important to you, why do you like the extra layer it adds to your role as a DJ and producer?

I represent this group because it’s where I belong. The further ahead I get in the techno industry, the more and more I am surrounded by men who don’t seem to understand the unique challenges that other identities face, especially at higher levels. I don’t see this as an extra layer in any way, but a very necessary aspect of my mission to serve those who need uplifting.

Who did you look up to when you were getting into music, was there anyone you could identify with? How did that affect how you saw your chances of getting into the sort of position you have earned today?

Truth is when I was young looked up to DJ Hell. I was very interested in his stylish and chic take on persona and music. I think since then I have always combined music with a sense of art and fashion. When I was 17, I told myself someday that I would go to Berlin and meet DJ hell. And when I was 24 I found myself sitting in the Gigolo Records office and remembered this dream. That was the moment that I realized that absolutely anything was possible!

It has had its fair share of ups and downs over the decades due to various factors, so what state is the New York scene in right now? Is it a good place to be a DJ, dancer, or artist?

New york is currently exploding with vitality in the dance scene. There are loads of quality parties every weekend, you can go out every night of the week and there are many different places to choose from. All sorts of groups are catered to so even if you are looking for something hyper specific it can be found! I feel very proud to call New York my home and to be part of pushing dance culture forward in this city.

What can and should dance music still be better at?

I would say the greater dance music community still needs a lot of help with regards to inclusivity in lineups, especially at the higher levels. I think that dance music needs to return to a grassroots sense of community and that smaller events and clubs need to be supported so that the pipeline of DJ development continues to produce thoughtful, educated and expressive artists.

Tell us about your mix, the aim you had with it, and what you wanted it to say.

This mix is definitely a ride through emotions, starting in an energetic and playful way, but settling into deep deeper, more reflective themes. My mixes always tell a story without words, those with the keys are capable of unlocking the narrative.

What’s next for you? What do you have coming up/what are you working on?

Today I am celebrating the success of the second edition of my new event series FLINTA NYC. This initiative is pushing NYC nightlife into a new era by uplifting artists from this community and creating a safe space that has not been seen in New York so far. The reaction from the community has been very positive and the vibes at the event were immaculate. Looking forward to continue developing as it is a major undertaking to invent a world from scratch in this way!

For the rest of the year I will be touring in the US and Europe with shows coming up such as Obsidian Festival in Phoenix Arizona, Dalma Festival in Malta, a b2b with Amanda Mussi in Tallin Estonia, and a return to RSO in Berlin. I will spend New Years with my New York fam playing Paragon alongside Miami’s Ultrathem.

Interview by Kristan Caryl