Hi Ida, how are you? How was your summer?
I'm very good thank you! This summer has been amazing. It only happened way too fast as always. I just got back from a US tour and straight after that two weeks of holiday in Ibiza. Feel full of energy and ready for the fall to start.
Which gig these past months would you say really defines your summer of 2011 for you?
Thats a really hard question, I've had so many fun gigs this summer but some of the most memorable ones might have been Electric Zoo in New York, Old River in Naples and Amnesia in Ibiza.
You must have seen a lot of different countries through your travels as a DJ. Which country do you prefer visiting the most and why?
I'm always excited to go to South America and the States. Mexico, Colombia, Miami, New York, San Fransico, LA, Chicago... I've had some of my best gigs over there and I met so many people that I love to hang out with. I could easily live there for a year or two. Maybe one day.
In what way do you think the nationality influences the type of music people make. For example, how do you think your home country Sweden influences the type of productions you and fellow countrymen make?
I don't think the nationality has anything to do with what style you end up creating. Sweden has a huge platform for music in general, all the way from Indie rock, pop, electro house and techno. I guess that it inspires a lot of people when they see that their best friend made it. It gives hope and inspires people to believe in their talent. So it creates a chain of creativity. Also Sweden is a very cold and dark country the biggest part of the year and that might encourage people to stay in the studio and work harder.
You've recently released two brand new records on of the biggest labels in techno, Drumcode, and last year on Truesoul. What goals do you still have set for yourself and your music?
I don't really have a goal. I'm quite happy where I am for the first time. I hope it's not bad luck to say that. I feel like I've been searching my whole life but that I finally ended up where I belong. Home is where the heart is as they say...
Where do you think techno music is heading in the next couple of years and do you think you can influence that in your production or DJ style?
I feel that it's heading more and more back to the roots and towards the analog sound. Today it's almost too easy to make music, you just need a lap top basically. So to make it more exclusive a lot of techno producers are heading back to creating music with analog synths and drum machines again. And some insist to release it only on vinyl. It's more alive and real again.
Being a woman in a man-dominated world that is the electronic music industry, did you ever encountered any problems or obstacles?
No. I never felt that I wasn't taken seriously just because of my sex. But I get this question a lot so I guess people expect me to feel that way. To be honest, the only time I even reflect over the question is when I get it in interviews, that's how much I think about it. I don't go around and think of myself as a female DJ but as a DJ.
In what way would you say your femininity influences your style of DJ-ing and playing masculine music like techno?
I don't think techno is masculine or feminine. I just play the songs and sound I like just like all other DJs I know.
What are some of your favorite records of the moment? And what type of music are you listening at home, when you're not in DJ mode?
Maetrik is making mad music right now. I'd say I'm playing all of his releases. It's groovy, funky and with wicked bass lines. He has a release that soon Will Come out on Truesoul that is amazing. Really love what he does right now. And Pär Grindvik did a massive track for Drumcode that will come out in November. And Joel Mull too. I could keep on forever haha. At home I'm also mostly listening to electronic music actually. But from deep house, ambient, disco to techno. Imagine that we are two DJs living together. Sometimes it's like a battle here.
Imagining you don't have a lot of time left to check out other artists, but do you have any favorite DJ's or producers that always inspire you?
I meet a lot of DJs on the road and when we play at the same parties and festivals I'm able to listen to a lot of nice sets. But apart from that I don't have time to go out a lot. I'm inspired by everyone I meet and every step I take.
Ida's debuut track 'Disco Volante'
Are there any new exciting, upcoming artists from which you really think everyone should know about?
Nihad Tule and Patrick Siech are two Swedish guys that has great talent both as a DJs and as producers.
What are your experiences with Dutch crowds and parties?
The Dutch scene is just massive. I always love to play in Holland and the Dutch crowd is one of the best.
Je ziet Ida aanstaande vrijdag in AIR met Secret Cinema.