EDHID SHORTCUT: Julianna (CO)

We recall how the border policeman, an occupational group that is not always the kindest, said ‘Welcome to Colombia’ when we arrived at this beautifully diverse country. It’s even more astonishing to find like-minded people that share the same passion for underground dance music, as we do, thousands of kilometres away. It’s time for our Medellín-bound with Julianna. Enjoy!

Where do you feel home?
I feel home at the mountains. I live in a small city in Colombia which is surrounded by mountains. I always miss them when I’m traveling.

Which was your first record bought?
I think it was a record from Lords of Acid from 1992 (I Must Increase My Bust), nothing related with the name of the track of course (smiling).

Who is your idol?
I don’t have idols. I prefer to call them mentor guides, and I don’t have one but I have many! From any kind of genre (even not in music)… but if I have to say one, I think, it would be Björk.

Do you collect vinyl? If yes, which is your favourite record store?
Yes, I started to collect vinyl two years ago. Unfortunately in South America you can’t find good record shops (if you have the luck to find one with electronic music). In South America there is no culture for vinyl (at least talking about DJs). Digital and illegal music are the daily bread in this land. That is one of the main reasons why, in association with Merino (Woods N Bass label owner) and Jula (WNB artist) we started DOCE. A tiny record store specialized in electronic music records (house, techno and experimental). By now, Doce is my favorite, but I want to visit Spacehall.

What brought you to do DJing?
I remember a sentence that says ‘Listening is an act of love’. I think music is a language, so I think it was need to communicate. I don’t know what I want to communicate yet, love could be one of those needs. I’m looking to find that.

When and what was your first mix?
Was in 2007, I recorded it in a nice bar in Medellín at that time called Horeb. I remember, I started the mix with Kollektiv Turmstrasse’s ‘Grillen Im Park’. In the mix I played, kind of, Border Community music, which was the kind of music I used to play by that time. It’s a shame I lost that mix with my old hard drive.

How does a good warm-up stand out?
Less ego. I don’t understand those warm-ups that tend to call the attention with a lot of white noise and hard stuff at 10 o’clock. You have to be very sensitive, letting people get into the mood, create an environment and of course, know who is playing after you. A warm up (for me) is an art and also the hardest part of being a DJ. If a DJ can do a good warm up, so yes, he/she is a good DJ.

How would you describe your style?
Soul – Deep – Techno.

Which medium do you use to play?
Vinyl + CD’s.

What are your favourite spots to play?
Small and open-minded crowds.

Which record is your secret weapon?
A secret weapon is secret… (smiling). But Eddie Flashin’ Fowlkes – Planet Claire is one of those.

What is the best and worst thing about DJing?
The best: let the people live the present.
The worst: that stupid difference between ‘male DJs’ and ‘female DJs’. We are just DJs no matter of the gender.

What is your personal hangover killer?
Do not drink (smiling).

Which art comes second after music for you?
Illustration and painting.

What comes in your mind when thinking of Istanbul?
A ‘Must Visit’ in my life.

What is your message to Istanbul’s dancers?
Sweat your problems on the dance floor and enjoy the moment.

Any releases planned?
Not at the moment. I’m currently working in a personal sound. I think music production is something about soul, patience and security. I’m still not ready.

Julianna on Soundcloud