IN CONVERSATION WITH THE BLESSED MADONNA
As we’re gearing up for another incredible round of 'DGTL ADE: We Still Believe by The Blessed Madonna' on Saturday, October 19, we sat down with The Blessed Madonna herself for a chat on the road towards the event. From the studio to the dance floor, she shares her excitement, creative process, and the essence behind the concept.
Back to the beat
After spending some time off touring and focusing on studio work, Marea (The Blessed Madonna) is ready to hit the road again. "This is the week I go back to work basically until the end of December. Happy, lucky, scared – every season starts fresh with a new set of things to anticipate and work on," she says, reflecting the mix of emotions that come with returning to live performances.
The Birth of "We Still Believe"
"We Still Believe started almost unintentionally," Marea recalls. "It began with another party where I wrote 'we still believe' on a giant cardboard box with a shoe polish marker. At the time, I was frustrated with the state of music and my personal life. I was going through a tough period, having divorced and moved back to Chicago, living on my dad’s couch. The phrase just came to me, symbolizing a need for faith in dance music's power and resilience."
This spontaneous act became the cornerstone of an event that has grown from an intimate gathering of less than 100 people to a celebrated festival with a dedicated following. "We promoted the first events with a deck of playing cards, knowing we only had 52 invitations," she reminisces. "These were illegal parties, and now here we are talking about it openly. The spirit remains the same – artists willing to take creative risks."
A unique experience
Marea explains how "We Still Believe" is more than just an event; it's a space for testing new music and fostering community. "A lot of records I make live in different corners of the world, but seeing the whole picture come together of what an album might look like has been really thrilling. We Still Believe is a place where I inevitably try records. If a record works there, it will work in other places because it’s for the heads."
Memories from ADE
Reflecting on last year's DGTL ADE event, Marea shares fond memories. "I always try to take it easy during ADE. I’m usually the only person who has slept," she laughs. "Last year, the team surprised me – all the dancers came out on stage dressed as birthday presents. It was so sweet."
Her relationship with ADE is special, not least because it coincides with her birthday. "It’s a nice place to have a birthday, and there's always a celebration. I’m one of the great crying DJs of my time; events can be so emotional, and it doesn’t take much to push me over the edge."
The heart of the dance floor
"We Still Believe is loud, sweaty, chaotic, and ecstatic," Marea describes. The event's core values resonate deeply with the history of dance music. "People have been trying to find freedom, safety, risk, creativity, sex, magic, submission to music for a long time. Our core values are part of a long tradition of dance music."
Creating a safer and more inclusive environment is essential. "Parties happen on earth where all the problems are," she acknowledges. "But we are looking for places to get better and to make it better. DGTL aligns with this, and I’m proud to be part of it."
Showing respect
The Blessed Madonna's vision for "We Still Believe" goes beyond music; it's also about activism and inclusivity. "It's absurd that I’m here talking about this because we’re only here because of Chicago, Detroit, and New York. Those scenes were very mixed and complex," she emphasizes. "We have to honor those who laid the groundwork for the electronic music scene."
She stresses the importance of financial support for pioneering artists. "If you have the ability to write a check or book someone, do your best to lift up the people who made this scene possible. Many of the people who invented house music in Chicago can’t pay their bills, for example. Support them. Open the door a little bit more for the next person and show respect to the people who opened the door for you in the first place."
A diverse and vibrant community
Marea is proud of the diverse community that attends "We Still Believe" events. "We have a really super mixed crowd everywhere this event has happened. It feels rich and textured in terms of the kind of people that show up. Some are young, some older. We’ve had a loyal base around the world since the event started growing."
Her hope for the attendees is profound. "I hope that people who come to 'We Still Believe' will experience freedom, or at least a feeling of it. Maybe they’ll slip out of time and space for a moment and feel who they’re supposed to be. I hope they feel joy, welcomed, seen, and loved. By me and by everybody who’s there. I hope they hear things they weren’t expecting, but also things they really wanted to hear."
An all-star lineup
This year's lineup at 'DGTL ADE: We Still Believe by The Blessed Madonna' is set to be nothing short of spectacular. "We have an all-star lineup this year," Marea enthuses. "Marie Davidson, Patrick Mason, Kenny Dope – it’s going to be an incredible night."
Marie Davidson is known for her innovative blend of electronic music and performance art, creating immersive live experiences that captivate audiences. "Marie Davidson’s live performances are truly transformative," Marea shares. Patrick Mason brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the stage, celebrated for his eclectic sets and powerful presence. "Patrick Mason, although known for his hard techno, is actually a brilliant house DJ. His set is going to surprise people with its depth and energy."
Kenny Dope, a legendary figure in the house music scene, promises to deliver a masterclass in rhythm and groove. "Kenny Dope is a master who has shaped the sound of house music. It’s a lineup with many more incredibly talented artists that reflects the diversity and richness of our community."
Join the celebration
As the conversation wraps up, Marea extends a warm invitation to all: "DGTL audience, you are so welcome. Come as you are, dress to impress, dress to sweat, and be good to each other. Let’s not take this time for granted because it really is so special."
We are counting down the weeks until we unite on the dance floor and we hope to celebrate together with you. If you haven’t yet, secure your tickets to the event here.