IN CONVERSATION WITH BRINA KNAUSS
interview SAMO SAJN
Brina Knauss is an international DJ renowned for her eclectic and planing sound. Her classical training makes her a unique figure in the electronic scene, touring the world to bring grooves and moves. Numéro Netherlands sat down with her to discuss music and summer festival.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a DJ?
The massive love for music I’ve had since forever and constant need to dig in to new sounds and search for the best tracks. As a natural empath, I also wanted to find a way to connect with people in a deeper emotional way and playing music is the best
tool for that. It started with my boyfriend, who worked in the electronic music industry. He always saw me searching for tracks that I like in my free time and asked me why I don’t try DJ-Ing. He taught me the base, how to put two tracks together
and the basics.
As a classically trained artist, how do you incorporate your musical background into your electronic music sets?
It’s definitely the ears. I have to recognize quickly if I like the track or not. After years behind the DJ booth, you learn and recognize the crowd, and know immediatelywhat to play. I would call my style groovy techno, but I always try to follow what the audience likes.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs who want to make a meaningful impact in the electronic music scene?Everything you do should come from the heart, because if you don’t like what you’re doing, it won’t work in the long term. Try to connect to the crowd and make connections with other artists for collaborations.
The vinyl compilation for the Cercle Festival includes your track “Drowning”. Could you share the inspiration behind it and what it means to you that your track is included in the compilation.
I wanted to create a track that feels like an emotional journey. I am an emotional person, but I always try to leave the emotions to the fans. When they listen to the track, they will immediately know this is Brina. Every time I played it lately, I really felt the audience liked it received a great response. If I describe the track in 3 words, it’s captivating, emotional and soulful.
How exciting was it for you to perform at the Cercle festival once again and have the honour of closing the Concorde stage?
It really feels great. I was really excited about it. Lately, playing in France the audience was amazing. I love when they come for the music and you can play whatever you want. That is great because I never prepare my set before, I always go with the flow, so I’m very curious.