IN CONVERSATION WITH TONI BA
interview by MAGDALENA ROE
In the world of electronic music, few cities carry as much weight as Berlin—a city where Hamburg-born TONI BA left her mark. Her transition to the dancefloor has been a journey of exploring sound, emotion, and artistic growth. The fiery energy ball with striking bleached brows and red hair recently hosted her first New Faces Night at Tresor and is gearing up for a tour in Brazil and her debut EP early next year.
Ahead of her release, we caught up with TONI BA to dive into her creative process, upcoming projects, and the sounds she brings to the booth.
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Intertwined with the narrative of 'Breath'—her upcoming EP reflects on the influences that have shaped her craft and the challenges of stepping into music production, focussing on a blend between deep driving bass lines, and hypnotic rhythms of classic techno layered with modern sound textures. The 4 track EP is a bliss of dancefloor adrenaline reflecting on her process of creating and finding herself in the spheres of electronic music setting the tone for listeners who strive for a deeper understanding of underground culture and sounds.
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What drew you to electronic music and a career as a DJ?
Before I started DJing, I worked in the fashion industry and studied business psychology. During my time at the university, I spent countless nights in clubs, diving deep into the music and the energy of the dancefloor. That connection to the scene shaped my understanding of sound and inspired me to explore DJing after my degree. It was the first time I felt completely aligned with what I wanted to do, and since then, I’ve been focused on creating music that captures that same energy and emotion I first felt as a raver.
Can you describe your sound in a few words?
I would describe my sound as layered and dynamic, focused heavily on loops and tools that create a hypnotic flow. I like mixing classic techno elements with modern sound design to craft high-energy, driving tracks perfect for peak-time club moments. My style is fast-paced and dance-orientated, centered around the goal of keeping the crowd moving.
What has Berlin's electronic underground culture taught you about your understanding of sound and the development of your own?
Berlin’s scene has taught me to embrace depth in music while remaining true to myself as an artist. In such a vibrant scene, it's easy to lose focus, but my experiences have shown the importance of setting personal goals and developing a sound that feels authentic. Berlin's unique relationship with music—beyond just partying—has shaped my understanding of sound.I play music for people because I want them to have a great time and, for that moment, forget everything around them. For me, going out was always about dancing; I often went out alone because it was about feeling the music. I know many people look forward to such moments, especially after a tough week. That’s what I aspire to create: a space where everyone can let go, enjoy the moment, and simply have fun together.
As you cook up your next project for early next year, can you share insights into your creative process and how it all came to life?
Working on my debut EP, set for release early next year, has been an incredibly personal and challenging journey. Transitioning from DJing to production wasn’t easy—I had to take lessons and focus on transforming the ideas in my head into reality. The EP revolves around the theme of breathing, with both tracks incorporating elements of breath as reminders to stay focused, present, and grounded. It reflects my growth as an artist, and I’m truly excited to finally share it with you.
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Are there any collaborations planned?
My upcoming EP will feature two remixes: one by Franco Rossi from Argentina and another by Caniche from Berlin. I’ve been a huge fan of Franco Rossi for years—his tracks are a key part of my sets—so I’m thrilled he agreed to collaborate. Caniche, on the other hand, brings a funky, old-school tribal sound with groovy percussion that adds a unique depth and energy to the EP. Her contribution perfectly balances the project and is an excellent way to close it.
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How has the transition been like from being a DJ to stepping into music production?
Transitioning from DJing to production has definitely been more challenging than I initially expected, especially because I want to create a sound that truly represents me. I spent countless hours in lessons and coaching sessions just to get comfortable with the tools and techniques. My advice to anyone starting out would be: take your time, because great things take time. It’s a process that unfolds over the years. After two years of focusing on production, I’m finally at a place where I feel happy with my progress—but I know there’s always more to learn and evolve.
What does your current setup look like?
I currently work exclusively with Ableton. What I love about it is that you don’t need a huge studio setup—just a laptop and the software are enough to get started. When I began, I used a mini-keyboard to experiment with sounds, and later, I got the APC40 MKII controller, which has been great for hands-on looping and control. My advice: don’t get caught up in the idea that you need expensive gear or a fancy studio. Start simple, explore, and let your creativity guide you.
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Favorite closing track?
Ryan James Ford - Intro To Life Drawing (2004 Mix)
You recently hosted new faces at Tresor - what’s important to you when curating a line-up and what other sounds resonate with your vision?
Hosting New Faces at Tresor was such an exciting milestone for me. Tresor is an institution and an integral part of our club culture, and being able to give emerging artists a platform through this concept is something I’m incredibly passionate about. I love the process of researching new talent and supporting fresh sounds that align with my vision. It’s not just about creating a lineup—it’s about fostering a space where new artists can grow and where innovative music can thrive. For me it's also an amazing way to explore new sounds that inspire my own journey.
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Describe your vision of club culture in a few words..
Meaningful connections, collaboration, and authentic expression.
What other projects do you have lined up for 2025?
I’m excited to kick off the year with a small tour in Brazil, which I’m really looking forward to. The energy and passion for music there are just incredible. It's also an amazing opportunity to connect with a different new kind of crowd and share my sound globally. This is just the beginning; I have so many ideas that I can’t wait to explore in the future.
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TEAM CREDITS
photography MICHAEL ANTHONY BAUMANN
styling & interview MAGDALENA ROE
makeup PERI RANA HUECK
hair TATJANA SHERBYNA
photography assistant SOPHIE NAWOVA MEYER