Intuition, following emotions and feelings and no-rush-attitude—that’s the creative process according to ANNĒ. This approach has not only brought her many highly acclaimed releases (including those on Mutual Rytm, Hardgroove, Soma, Symbolism, BPitch, and TECHNO), but has also led to the founding of her own label. Blind Harmonies marks a completely new chapter in her artistic career—but seeing by how cohesive, well-thought-out, and quality-driven the label’s vision is, we’re about to experience lots of beautiful, timeless music to be released.
Just before the third edition of Muse Festival, we had the opportunity to ask her a few questions. This interview will leave you with a lot of inspiration—both musical and personal—and encourage you to experience electronic music through intuition.
Agata Omelańska: Hello, ANNĒ! It’s a pleasure to have you here at U. and let’s start the interview with a simple one. How did you get into music? And was the electronic genre your very first choice, or you explored some others as well?
ANNĒ: Music has always been part of my life. Some of my earliest memories are connected to it, so in many ways, I didn’t choose music—it was always there. As I grew older, that connection became stronger, and eventually it led me to discover DJing and music production.
Electronic music wasn’t my first musical experience. Like most people, I grew up listening to many different genres, and I think that variety has shaped the way I hear and create music today. Every style has something to teach you, whether it’s rhythm, emotion, melody or storytelling.
But when I discovered techno, something just clicked. I was fascinated by its ability to create emotion through repetition, groove and subtle evolution. It wasn’t just about individual tracks—it was about building a journey and creating a space where people could completely lose themselves in the music.
From that moment on, I knew this was the language I wanted to express myself through. Over the years my sound has evolved, but the feeling that first drew me to techno has never changed. It still inspires me every time I step into the studio or behind the decks.
Can you please name some favorite tracks from the early beginnings of your DJ career, or those that had the biggest influence on you as an artist? And have you ever played them?
That’s a difficult question because there are so many tracks that have marked different stages of my journey. I don’t think there was one defining record—it was more a collection of artists and releases that gradually shaped my musical identity.
I could mention some iconic tracks like Subzero from Ben Klock, The Bells from Jeff Mills, Vapour from Slam, Knights of the Jaguar from Rolando, etc.
I still enjoy going back and rediscovering older records. They remind me where my inspiration came from, and they keep me connected to the roots of the music while continuing to look forward.
Artists like Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann, Jeff Mills, Ben Sims, The Advent, James Ruskin, Planetary Assault Systems, Underground Resistance and more had a significant influence on how I understood groove in techno.
And now: the perspective change – as today it’s you that inspires others, reaches the biggest and most important labels with your music, plays at amazing festivals and events… Big congratulations, and please tell us: when did you realize that your music career started to bloom at the fullest?
Thank you, that really means a lot. To be honest, I don’t think there was a single moment when I felt, “Now I’ve made it.” Looking back, I see my career as a series of small milestones rather than one big breakthrough.
Every release, every new city, every festival and every opportunity to share my music with more people has been another step forward. Of course, there have been moments that made me stop and reflect, playing festivals I used to dream about, signing music to labels I admired, or seeing artists I respect playing my tracks. Those are very special moments, because they remind you that your work is reaching people.
But at the same time, I try not to think of them as an arrival point. I still feel curious, motivated and eager to learn. That’s what keeps me moving forward.
If there was one realization, it was probably when I understood that people weren’t only connecting with individual tracks, they were connecting with my artistic identity. When audiences start recognizing your sound and trusting your musical vision, that’s incredibly meaningful. It tells you that you’ve built something authentic, and I think that’s far more valuable than any single achievement.
In the end, I don’t measure success by the size of the stage or the name of the label. I measure it by the fact that I still wake up excited to make music and share it with people. As long as that feeling is there, I know I’m on the right path.
You released your music on labels such as Mutual Rytm, Hardgroove, Symbolism, Soma, BPitch, TECHNO Records. Which of your records made you most proud of yourself and why?
Every release represents a different chapter of my journey, so it’s very difficult to choose just one. Each record reflects where I was creatively and personally at that particular moment.
But if I had to choose a release that means the most to me, it would probably be Metallic Tapes. Not only because I’m proud of the music itself, but because it became the first release on Blind Harmonies, my brand new label.
That EP represents years of experience, growth and the confidence to create something that fully reflects my artistic vision. It wasn’t just about releasing four tracks, it was about defining the identity of the label and setting the tone for everything that will follow.
More than anything, I’m proud that each release has felt honest. I’ve never wanted to make music simply to fit a trend or meet expectations. I want every record to represent where I am creatively at that moment, and I think that’s something listeners can genuinely feel.
I will make another shift here, again – as the next question is, actually, dedicated to Blind Harmonies. How do you feel as a label owner? And when did you decide that it’s your time to share your vision with the world?
Starting Blind Harmonies has been one of the most meaningful steps in my career. I don’t really think of myself as a label owner, I think of myself as someone who has the opportunity to create a platform for music that I truly believe in.
The idea had been growing in my mind for years. Throughout my journey, I learned so much from the labels I had the privilege of releasing on, and I’m incredibly grateful for those experiences. But over time, I felt the need to build something that could fully reflect my own artistic vision, without limitations.
I didn’t want to launch a label just because it felt like the next career step. I waited until I felt I had something meaningful to say. For me, timing was important. I wanted Blind Harmonies to begin with a clear identity and a strong sense of purpose, rather than simply becoming another outlet for releasing music.
My vision is to build something that lasts. I believe in quality over quantity, and I want every release to have a reason for existing. I hope that, over time, Blind Harmonies becomes a place people trust, a label known for timeless music, artistic integrity, and genuine emotion rather than chasing trends.
In many ways, Blind Harmonies reflects who I am today, but I also hope it grows beyond me. I’d love for it to become a platform where artists can express themselves freely and where listeners discover music because it moves them, not because of names or expectations. If the label can contribute even a small part to keeping the focus on the music itself, then I’ll feel it has fulfilled its purpose.
I feel strongly inspired by the concept that Blind Harmonies is built on. The moment I started to follow my intuition – truly, madly, deeply, unapologetically – life started to feel natural and light like never before. You underline that “Harmony is something you sense before you understand”, and I believe that your vision can be related not to music only.
Thank you, that’s actually one of the most beautiful interpretations someone could have of Blind Harmonies.
Although the label was born through music, the idea behind it has always been much broader. For me, “Harmony is something you sense before you understand” isn’t just about listening, it’s about life.
So many of the most important decisions we make aren’t purely logical. Sometimes we feel that something is right before we can explain why. Whether it’s choosing a path, meeting certain people, creating music, or following an intuition, there’s often an invisible sense of alignment that comes before understanding.
That’s what Blind Harmonies represents to me: trusting that inner connection. In a world that’s constantly asking us to analyze, compare and seek validation, I think there’s something powerful about allowing yourself to simply feel. Music reminds us of that. It reaches us emotionally before it reaches us intellectually.
I hope the label encourages people to approach music in the same way—to listen with an open mind, free from expectations or preconceptions. But if that idea also inspires people beyond music, then that’s even more meaningful to me.
I believe harmony isn’t something we create, it’s something we discover when we’re honest with ourselves. The more we trust who we are, the more naturally everything else begins to fall into place.
„Self-taught, intuitive, patient. No formal training. Just listening, experimentation, and trust in instinct”. What a beautiful attitude towards music production! I wonder how and where you discover music? And what does your workflow look like?
Thank you. I’ve always believed that curiosity is one of the most valuable qualities an artist can have.
I discover music in many different ways. Of course, I spend a lot of time digging through new releases and listening to other artists, but I also enjoy going back to older records. Sometimes I’ll revisit music from years ago and hear something completely different because I’ve changed as a listener. Inspiration doesn’t always come from what’s new—it often comes from rediscovering something with fresh ears.
Beyond electronic music, I try to stay open to different genres, cultures and sounds. Inspiration can come from a rhythm, a texture, an atmosphere or even from something completely unrelated to music. Traveling, conversations, architecture, nature… all of these experiences influence the way I create.
My workflow is quite intuitive. I rarely sit in the studio with a fixed plan. Most of the time, I begin with a groove or a feeling I want to explore, and then I let the track develop naturally. Some ideas come together in a few hours, while others stay unfinished for months until the right moment arrives.
I don’t like forcing creativity. I’ve learned to trust the process and accept that every track has its own pace. Sometimes the best thing you can do is step away for a while and come back with fresh ears.
For me, music isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about capturing a feeling. When a track makes me lose track of time in the studio, I know I’m moving in the right direction.
Another inspiration comes from the motto: „Close your eyes. The sound becomes honest”. I immediately think of these moments on the dancefloor, when you keep your eyes shut and other senses gain more vision, sensitivity. Long before announcing your label, you played the unreleased tracks in many sets – and the 4 from „Metallic Tapes EP” have definitely passed the test!
I really like your interpretation because that’s exactly what I wanted that message to convey.
“Close your eyes. The sound becomes honest” is about removing everything that influences our perception. When we close our eyes, we stop judging what we see and start paying attention to what we truly feel. That’s how I believe music should be experienced—without expectations, without prejudice, just through emotion.
That’s also one of the reasons I test my music for such a long time before releasing it. The dance floor is the most honest place for a track. You can spend months perfecting something in the studio, but it’s only when you play it in front of people that you really understand how it lives and breathes.
Metallic Tapes is a great example of that. Those tracks traveled with me for a long time before they were released. I played them in different countries, at different festivals and clubs, and every time I learned something new. Sometimes it wasn’t even about how people reacted—it was about how the tracks made me feel months later. If I was still excited to play them after all that time, I knew they were ready.
I don’t believe in rushing music. I think every record deserves the time it needs to mature. By the time a release comes out, I want to know that it has already proven itself—not just technically, but emotionally.
In the end, if a track still gives me the same feeling after hearing it hundreds of times, and it continues to create genuine moments on the dance floor, then I know it’s ready to become part of the world.
What’s your plan for the nearest future, in terms of Blind Harmonies? You mentioned that demos submissions will be open from 2027 – so I suppose that you’ll release some of your new music soon, am I right?
Yes, absolutely. The first phase of Blind Harmonies is about building a strong identity. I want people to understand what the label stands for before we begin welcoming other artists. That’s why the first releases are my own and from artists that I feel I can resonate with their music, they’re laying the foundation and defining the musical direction.
From 2027, we’ll start opening demo submissions because I want Blind Harmonies to become a platform for discovering artists whose music genuinely resonates with the label’s philosophy. It’s not about following trends or releasing as much music as possible. It’s about finding artists with a unique voice and creating a space where they can express themselves authentically.
And yes, you’ll definitely hear more music from me. I’ve been working on a lot of new material over the past few years, and I’m really excited to start sharing it. Some of these tracks have already been tested on dance floors around the world, while others are still evolving in the studio.
More than anything, I want every release, whether it’s mine or someone else’s—to feel intentional. I don’t want people to wonder what Blind Harmonies represents. I want them to hear a release and immediately recognize the care, the emotion and the identity behind it.
This is just the beginning. I don’t see Blind Harmonies as a project for the next year or two, I see it as something I want to build over decades. My goal is to create a catalogue that people can return to years from now and still find inspiring. If we can achieve that, then I think we’ll have created something truly meaningful.
You’re based in Thessaloniki. What’s most special, unusual or exciting about the city (and we should definitely know about it)? And how would you describe the local electronic music scene?
Thessaloniki is a city with a very special atmosphere. It’s vibrant and full of character, but at the same time, it has a slower rhythm than many other European cities. It’s a place where history and modern life exist side by side, and I think that creates a unique energy.
What I love most is the people. There’s a strong sense of warmth and hospitality, and life naturally happens outdoors, in cafés, by the sea, in small bars and public spaces. Those everyday moments create a real sense of community, and that’s something I always appreciate whenever I come home. And, of course, the food!
As for the electronic music scene, I think there’s a lot of talent and passion. There are artists and music lovers who genuinely care about the culture and are working hard to make it grow. Like many local scenes, it has its challenges, but I also think it has a lot of potential. The scene is quite small and we need to improve the infrastructure a bit more! We need more spaces and clubs in order to create a wider and healthier community!
What excites me most is seeing a new generation becoming involved with fresh ideas and a real love for music. I hope the scene continues to grow through collaboration, openness and mutual support, because that’s how strong communities are built.
No matter where my career takes me, Thessaloniki will always be home. It’s where everything started, and it will always be an important part of who I am, both as a person and as an artist.
And while touring, what’s your favorite city, club or festival you’ve played at? Do you have a dream place for a gig, or maybe you’ve already played there?
That’s always one of the hardest questions, because every place leaves something different with you. I’ve been lucky enough to play in incredible clubs, festivals and cities around the world, and each one has its own personality.
What stays with me isn’t necessarily the venue itself, it’s the feeling. The nights I remember most are the ones where there was a real connection between the music, the crowd and the atmosphere. Those moments are impossible to recreate, and that’s what makes them so special.
Of course, there have been some unforgettable milestones. Playing festivals and clubs that I used to admire from a distance has been incredibly rewarding. Those are moments where you pause for a second and realize that years of hard work have brought you somewhere you once only imagined. Clubs like Berghain, RSO, Bassiani, Basement, Fuse, Fold and many many more
I still feel like there are many chapters ahead. That’s one of the beautiful things about this career, there’s always another city to discover, another crowd to connect with and another story to create through music. I would mention the Open Ground & Wire festival as the places I would really like to play!
Hope you’ll enjoy Muse Festival in July too – the event will take place in Balzaq Palace in Kawęczyn, Poland, and we just can’t wait to see you there. How do you feel about it? The venue is very unusual for a techno event, but historical places are, actually, the core of the festival!
Thank you! I’m really looking forward to it.
What excites me most about Muse Festival is exactly what you mentioned, the fact that it takes place in such a unique historical setting. I think the environment plays a huge role in how we experience music. Every venue has its own atmosphere, and when you combine electronic music with a place that already carries so much history and character, it creates something very special.
I always enjoy playing in locations that have their own identity, because they become part of the story of the night.
Music has this beautiful ability to transform a space, while at the same time the space influences how the music is perceived. It’s a dialogue between the two.
I love the Polish crowd as well. Every time I’ve played in Poland, I’ve felt a genuine passion for music and an incredible openness on the dance floor. That kind of energy is always inspiring as a DJ.
I’m looking forward to experiencing Balzaq Palace for the first time, sharing music with everyone there, and creating a memorable journey together.
The last question will be dedicated to Muses – and it’s important to notice that the word comes from Greek and refers to goddesses of art and science! What, who or which place, idea, activity is your Muse? Where do you find inspiration besides music?
I love that connection, especially because the idea of the Muses is so deeply rooted in Greek culture. They’ve always represented creativity, curiosity and the pursuit of something greater than ourselves, and I think those ideas are still very relevant today.
Inspiration, for me, rarely comes from one single place. Of course, music is a constant source of inspiration, but some of my best ideas actually come when I’m away from the studio.
Traveling is a big one. Every city has its own rhythm, architecture, culture and way of life, and simply observing those differences can completely change the way I think and create. I also find inspiration in nature, art, design and photography, anything that evokes an emotion or offers a different perspective.
But more than anything, I’m inspired by people. Conversations, shared experiences and the emotions we exchange often stay with me much longer than any technical idea. Those human moments find their way into my music in ways that aren’t always obvious, but they’re there.
I think inspiration is something you have to remain open to. It doesn’t always arrive when you’re looking for it. Sometimes it appears in a quiet moment, during a walk, while watching a sunset, or in a conversation that changes the way you see something.
At the end of the day, my greatest muse is curiosity.
As long as I stay curious about the world, about people and about myself, I know I’ll never stop creating.
Thank you so much for the interview and inspiration, ANNĒ! Good luck with your music and may the good energy fill your life every day!