French
Hi everyone & welcome back to another one of my blogs.
This one in particular is highly special to me for two simple reasons: my love for music and my admiration for women.
When I first arrived in Montreal five years ago, I had no clue what techno was. Little did I know that raving would turn into my own kind of meditation. There’s something incredibly liberating about dancing, jumping, and moving freely on the dance floor at a techno event. While I love dancing in general, dancing to the pulsating beats of techno is an experience & sensation like no other.
& for those of you who don’t know what techno is; Techno is a beat that keeps you moving, a sound that feels straight out of a science fiction movie. It started in Detroit in the 1980s, where pioneers like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson mixed funky grooves with futuristic vibes.
Nowadays, techno in Montreal has a big European influence; Germany, France, Belgium The Netherlands & Brussels are one of its biggest contributors. They produce a vibe as if you were the main character, it's really all about creating an irresistible urge to dance and get lost in the music.
I really want to highlight the fact that its community is absolutely amazing. Safe inclusive space where everyone can be themselves, everyone respects each other, their space and each other’s vibe. In fact, dancing & vibin with the crowd it's such a fun experience. I’ve personally met incredible people through these events who love music dancing and as much as I do, so now every time I go out I see my dancing people and we vibe together. It’s an actual community!
In terms of talent, Montreal truly stands out. After living in this vibrant city for five years now, I can proudly say we are incredibly fortunate to have women from all over the world sharing their unique music skills. The diversity here is extraordinary.
Women in techno bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to music production and DJing. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences often lead to unique soundscapes and experimental techniques that push the boundaries of the genre. They aren’t just following trends; they’re setting them.
Today I want to highlight some of the most incredible female DJ’s i've had the pleasure of seeing perform. Many of them are international students or immigrants, just like me, which is a huge part of why they inspire me so much. Each one of them brings a piece of their homeland to the stage every time they mix. They are awesome!
Isabel Soto is a Venezuelan-born artist who spent over a decade living in Montreal, where she started her journey as a DJ and producer.
Her style represents hypnotic and deep sonic journeys characterized by pulsating rhythms and percussive beats, creating an atmospheric experience.
Her career rapidly took off after her very first releases, leading to incredible opportunities.
Within just two years, she was performing at iconic venues in Montreal such as StereoBar, Stereo After Hours, Igloofest, and Piknic. She also held a nearly two-year residency with the Arder collective, where she played at numerous events, giving her the space and support to grow.
In September 2023, Isabel made her European debut with her first tour, playing in 10 cities across 8 countries, including a standout performance at the legendary Tresor. Following this experience, she decided to move to Europe to further her growth as an artist. She now performs across the continent, including regular bookings at the world’s most exclusive nightclub, Berghain.
I know Isabel through our Venezuelan friends in common. She’s a sparkle of energy and happiness yet her music is so deep and hypnotic, a perfect combination if you ask me. Her sets are TRULY out of space. I could not stop saying “WOOW” during and after her set the first time I saw her live. She’s Incredible. Pure Venezuelan talent!
Here’s a lil preview what Isabel does: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiH3-TgmZrw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__isabelsoto/
With a solid background in classical music, having studied piano at the conservatory in Paris, she fell in love with techno upon her arrival in Montreal in 2014.
As a professional raver and events organizer, she had the chance to broaden her musical horizons before stepping behind the decks at the end of 2018.
Her style is best described as groovy and energetic, mixing trance atmospheres with raw energies.
She is already well-established in the Montreal local scene with extensive experience performing at Piknic Electronik, Stereo NightClub, the Society of Arts and Technology [SAT], OCTOV and Exposé Noir collectives.
She has shared staged with big DJ’s like Anetha, Nur Jaber, François X, Parallx, Laure Croft, among others.
Since 2020 until today, she’s been managing her own project called MFC Records, a label and event series initiated as a way to support newcomers & established artists from all over the world who would like to support the cause.
At the end of summer 2022 she made her European debut, playing in Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Berlin, Copenhagen & London. She then expanded her European tour the following year & late in 2023 she debuted for Boiler Room In Montreal.
She is currently preparing a new European tour for autum 2024.” BitterCaress is one of the first female DJ’s I ever saw in Montreal, it was back on December 4th 2021 for OCTOV, a well established techno collective in Montreal. 2021 was an intense year for the entire world, but this event in particular was a massive deal, since back in October of that same year Quebec was still under big covid measurements. Ravers and collectives created the movement #OPENTHEDANCEFLOORS, where people literally fought for their right to dance! Eventually, the law was approved and everything went officially back to normal on October 15th 2021.
People were desperate to dance and believe me when I say this was the best and most insane techno event I've ever been to, also it was my first rave ever! What a welcome I had for real. It was a complete Revolution.The line up was INSANE as well! Jacidorex, Nur Jaber, Korvn, BitterCaress & Inside Blur, (Amazing dj! I’ll talk about her later on)
This is one of my favorite sets she’s made and of course it is for HÖR Berlin. Go all the way to minute 13:00 so you can understand more the type of music she does. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58LgBl_Pb2Q
She’s intense, I know!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bittercaress/
“Anastasiia Hordiienko, better known under her DJ name Nastya Nvrslp, was born and raised in Ukraine.
She used to sing and play guitar in a band, music was always close to her heart. Growing up, she was drawn to the rhythms of the techno. However, her world would soon be shaken as unfortunatly, war took over her homeland. Anastasiia made the courageous decision to leave Ukraine behind and embark on a new chapter in Canada. Montreal became their haven, offering not only safety but also a rich blend of musical influences.
Embracing her passion for music and seeking an outlet for her emotions, Anastasiia adopted the persona of DJ Nastya Nvrslp. The name, a testament of her unstoppable spirit became a shining example of her determination to never let adversity conquer her dreams.
With her electrifying sets and unique blend of raw, groove, acid, and old 90s techno beats, she brought her experience from the Ukrainian underground scene to the vibrant crowd of Montreal. Her journey from war-torn Ukraine to the pulsating heart of Montreal represents a powerful narrative of resilience and the ability of music to heal and inspire. Today, Nastya Nvrslp is well established in Montreal & continues to craft sonic narratives that weave together the threads of her past, present, and future, reminding us all that from hardship can emerge the most beautiful melodies”
I’ver personally seen Nastya DJing several times and let me tell you, she’s pure energy. She truly transmits power from her music through the crowd. She’s also a co-founder of a new techno collective; Mutualité. They’re hosting their first event this Friday August the 2nd.
Check out their event here: https://ra.co/events/1965657 & support your favorite Ukrainian girl!
Go to the minute 2:16 for my favorite Nastya: ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-fNnwHCbiE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nastyaneversleeps/
Lina, better known by her DJ name Casa Kobrae, was born and raised in the vibrant city of Casablanca, Morocco. From a young age, she was immersed in the world of music, starting her journey as a DJ and producer at just 15 years old. Lina also nurtured a passion for playing the electric guitar during her teen years, adding further richness to her musical expertise.
In 2021, she relocated to Montreal on her own to pursue studies in Architecture and Interior Design, the city’s been treating her great after it. Her extensive musical background allowed her to smoothly integrate into Montreal’s vibrant music scene. Driven by a passion for cultural fusion and fast tempos, Lina's sets transport audiences on a rhythmic journey that transcends borders. She has carved out a unique niche with a distinctive blend of ghetto techno, hypnotic beats, and hardgroove rhythms.
Emerging from the underground scene where music speaks louder than words, each of her performances is an immersive experience. She often DJ’s at Nouvelle Etablissement, Systeme Montreal & Barbossa Bar. As well, she features in collaboration with amazing techno collectives like Techno Kisses, Habibi Boom, After Rave, among many others. Lina is currently working on her “Official” EP named: The eldest daughter experience.
I had the chance to be a security volunteer with her for the first event of T.I.T.S Techno Collective and let me tell you, she’s such a cool down to heart girl that loves music as much as I do. When she performs, she makes the whole crowd dance to her middle-eastern vibes. Insane.
Listen to one of my my new favorite sets of her from the beginning: https://soundcloud.com/tikchbilatiwliwla/lkhhherrrrr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casakobrae/
Inside Blur is a dj, producer and sound designer from Toulouse, who chose Montreal to conduct her operations. Lover of a wide variety of electronic styles, she devotes her productions to dynamic techno infused with acid sounds and very much inspired by trance. Her whole musical world—Techno, Acid, EBM, New-Wave, and Trance— is all about getting people to dance, with a touch of French sass thrown in.
After releasing her first EP on the Parisian label Intervision, she went on to multiply her releases on various labels in North America and Europe. Co-founder of Vertige Records, she released her first vinyl on the label in 2022. More recently, she signed a hard trance infused EP on Berlin-based Pulzar Recordings. In line with her productions, Inside Blur delivers resolutely eclectic, highly energizing sets, drawing the audience into the euphoria of a wild night.
Here is one of my favorite sets! She’s so great! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjZrmgfXm_Y
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blurinside/
This was just a little introduction. There’s so many other women in the industry I love & I want to talk about. I will definitely do a part 2 of this blog.
I really want to highlight how INCREDIBLE all of these women are. Their backgrounds, races and personalities makes their music so original & diverse. Thank you girls for creating art, thank you for making me and the rest of Montreal dance all night. Much love, respect and admiration goes for all of you.
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