IN CONVERSATION WITH ELLI ACULA

interview by JANA LETONJA

Elli Acula is a dynamic force in electronic music, known for her electrifying DJ sets and versatile productions blending Techno, Rave, Hardgroove, and Acid. From her early days as a vinyl collector to performing at iconic venues like Berghain and Fabric, Elli opens up about her journey, creative process, and the vision behind her Euphoria Sessions event series.

Your sets and productions often fuse Techno, Rave, Hardgroove, Acid, and more. How do you approach blending these genres to create such an electric and cohesive sound?

I don’t see genres as boundaries but elements that amplify each other. I follow the energy in the moment, embracing shifts and taking risks. I choose tracks with depth and a narrative that matches my vision. In the studio, I chase the same flow—whether it’s the euphoric rush of a summer day or the hypnotic pull of a dark warehouse. Music ignites the space and connects us beyond the dancefloor.

Your releases, like “Pleasure” and “BFF,” have received acclaim for their energy and versatility. What’s your creative process when crafting music?

Creating starts with an emotion or feeling, which I turn into sound. I test ideas on the road, playing them in clubs and seeing how they evolve. Hearing new tracks in the club is thrilling. My own voice, whether through lyrics or sound, adds personality to the music, making each track come alive.

You started as a vinyl collector and hosted illegal raves in your teenage years. How do those early experiences shape your approach to music and DJing today?

Those years were pure “euphoria.” Collecting vinyl taught me to respect music’s craft and history, beyond trends. Throwing my first raves felt like total freedom—just sound, energy, and people coming together. I soaked in every moment, from working at a Berlin club door to setting up gear in the woods.

You’ve played iconic venues like Berghain, Fabric, and Printworks. Is there a particular venue or event that stands out as a defining moment in your career?

Every venue has its magic, but playing Berghain for the first time was unforgettable. Seeing my mom on the dancefloor from the booth was surreal. Curating for Fabric and playing at Fusion Festival, Awakenings, and RSO Berlin are also highlights I’ll never forget. The magic happens with the crews and dancers who shape the scene globally. This year, you are starting to curate your own event series, Euphoria Sessions.

How has stepping into the role of a curator shaped your vision, and what do you want these nights to represent?

Curating Euphoria Sessions is a new chapter. The first event at Fabric was amazing, with more planned for Berlin and other locations. I’m also curating streams from unique locations. The goal is clear: to create cutting-edge experiences with top artists in exceptional spaces.

Your remix of KiNK’s “For The People” has been highly acclaimed. How do you approach remixes differently compared to creating original tracks?

When remixing, I step into someone else’s world and bring my own energy. If something resonates with me—whether a groove, melody, or sound—I build around that.

With new releases planned for 2025, can you give us a glimpse into what we can expect from your music in the coming year?

The year kicks off with tracks on the first SPANDAU20 album, celebrating our 10th release. I’ve been testing unreleased music in my sets, and there’s plenty more to come soon!

SPANDAU20 has been a pivotal platform in your career. What role does collaboration play in the label’s success, and how do you balance your work as an artist with your role as a creative director?

SPANDAU20 is built on collaboration and trust. It started as a group of friends making music with a passion for real techno. I help shape the vision and work behind the scenes. It never feels like work because we constantly push each other. The balance between creativity and collective growth makes SPANDAU20 special.

You’ve performed globally, from South America to Korea and beyond. How does performing for such diverse audiences influence your music and your energy behind the decks?

Every city has its rhythm. Experiencing different energies shapes how I think about music, how tracks combine, tension builds, and moments unfold. It makes me sharper as I adapt while staying true to what I love.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent ELLI ACULA
photography RONJA-ELINA KAPPL
styling MAYA LU
styling assistance WERONIKA GNIEWOWSKA and PHILIP KAZNOWSKI
hair and makeup ANA BUVINIC