Hot outside, isn't it? As it happens, that's exactly how Lithuania-born EMILIJA likes it. The fearless hard house selector deals exclusively in sounds that make you sweat physically and emotionally. Whether dropping deep cuts or high-impact tools, she comes at things from a cheeky, provocative angle, drops in plenty of energetic outbursts and soundtracks a fantasy world free from all inhibitions and introspection. Her sets are invitations to cut loose and celebrate whatever turns her on in the moment.
In mid-July, she joins us at Terminal V Croatia 2026 under another baking summer sun that will add extra heat to her already infernal selections. For a taster before the main course, dive into this week's podcast, which is full of trance-tinged bounce, wildstyle techno and searing acid, then catch up with where her journey started, what she does before stepping into the booth and how she approached this potent mix.
What has been your moment of the year so far, and why?
It’s been a whirlwind. I’m still recovering from the multiple rounds of jet lag. This year has already taken me across the Atlantic a couple of times, but playing in New York for the first time was definitely a pinch-me moment. It’s one of those cities you dream about playing when you first start out, so it feels a bit surreal.
How did you first get into electronic music in Belgium? What labels and parties first influenced your sound?
I actually discovered electronic music while studying in London, going to all the iconic clubs and warehouse parties. Belgium shaped me in a different way- it wasn't about following specific labels or parties, but about finding a community through friends and collectives. We spent a lot of time experimenting with different sounds just for the fun of it, and that openness still influences how I play today.
Does the country have its own niche sound, its own specific take on techno that is different from elsewhere?
Brussels is a melting pot of cultures, and that translates to the music. I think the Belgian techno scene is credible but unpretentious- people like to experiment & have fun, but with taste.
Do you have any pre-set rituals, any processes you follow, anything you do to get you in the right mindset to step up and play a massive festival main stage?
Sleeping with the windows closed the night before and making sure there are no mosquitoes that might leave an unfortunately placed sting on my face… I learned that one the hard way.
Tell us about your mix, the aim you had with it, and what you wanted it to say.
We’re bang in the middle of a heatwave, which felt fitting for my usual penchant for "h0t" sounds. The mix is dripped in sweat (both literally and figuratively) and heaving with blood-boiling, pounding bangers for some necessary a$$-shaking. Sun’s out, buns out or whatever they say
What gear did you use? Is that important to you?
I recorded this on my balcony with the same controller I got years ago when I first started DJing. It felt very DIY, but it also took me right back to where it all began.
What are you working on for the rest of the year?
Throwing more VENERA parties, releasing my own music, and having fun with it all. I have so many ideas, but I’m a curatoin freak- it’s just a matter of putting them out into the world exactly the way I want to.
