Who are you?
My name is RIET, I studied architecture and worked for a year as an urban planner. This month I stopped working and started looking for work. In February I am moving to Berlin to study the city because it has something special. It deals interestingly with its public space and history, but I especially want to study its transformation to its current state. I made contact with THF Radio, a community radio in Tempelhof. They want to collaborate in my research on the sense of belonging in the city's public space and what role a music scene plays in it. I myself started with music two years ago, through my studies in architecture. While making architectural models, I was constantly listening to music and making playlists. I then started arranging these, as if you were really working on a set. Afterwards, I bought a mini-panel, a DDJ-400 I think, like everyone else, and then started mixing. That's kind of gradually starting to roll out now.     

Was there a certain catalyst that made you start showing your sets to the outside world?
Yes, I had recorded a set and then put it on Soundcloud. My friends who were also playing started sharing that set, so they were really the main catalyst. For me, I didn't immediately intend to do anything with it. And yes, it started so that youth clubs contacted me to come and play, or cafes like café AperO. Through those things it started rolling, even though it was not my original plan. You fall in love with it, and once you get it, you don't stop.

Are there certain influences that have shaped you as an artist? 
It does stay within the trance genre, but I notice it changes a lot within the genre. It all kind of depends on the artists I listen to a lot at the time. My algorithm adapts well. So I do notice that if I listen a lot to a specific person, not only does my algorithm turn strongly to it, but I myself do as well. That said, I still do my own thing, and give my own touch to it.

Being a DJ, is there a particular moment that really stands out for you? A little highlight?
I think settings in intimate circles, like for example for my group of friends or collectives, they listen much more to what you play. The interaction with the audience is much more tangible in those settings and you can get specific feedback afterwards and that is the most fun to experience as a DJ. Also the appreciation afterwards is so satisfying.

Is there a particular venue or organization you would like to play for someday?
Actually, I'm already super satisfied with how far it's come. A "Kioskje" I would like to do one day (laughs), you get to completely do your own thing there and don't have to adapt to the audience or anything. But really, I'm quite happy already.

You studied architecture, so you probably have an eye for scenography and how people interact with the venue, combining it with nightlife. How do you experience that?
Nowadays I experience it in a really positive way. There is thought going into what nightlife is in all its forms and how to bring movement to it. Either in the intense way, like the optimal experience of the dance space, or in the intimate or soft way, like chill zones. I also watched your collective and found that your group also pays good attention to those different atmospheres. Scenography and music should go hand in hand. It's all about feeling good in the atmosphere that's there. It reinforces each other.

If there were an ideal convergence between scenography and music; for you, what can't miss or what must absolutely be avoided?
The best example is Horst's Clubspace. They paid a lot of attention to the 
movement and experience of the dance space but also paid equal attention to 
chill spaces, because that is also part of nightlife and going out. Part of it is being able to catch up with friends or just being able to isolate yourself in a place where it's more comfortable than the stimulating dance floor.

Being a DJ yourself, is there anything you would like to pass along to an aspiring/beginning DJ?
I really don't consider myself that great yet (laughs). Just put a mix on soundcloud, do something with it. If you like it, don't stop, even if you have a bad experience or something, it will get better.

And is there anything that you found out afterwards as a DJ that you'd rather have known beforehand?
Gosh yes, maybe more really the technical side of the extended set. I know the basic tools but I still don't have the extensive know-how, and I would have liked that.

Interview by Tim Borlez