Solar Flare is a new series of events that stems directly from the need to build something unique within the local scene. The project is led by dogheadsurigeri – an artist currently based in London but deeply rooted in Warsaw. In this interview, she discusses the impetus behind the event and the influence of her international experiences on her approach to music.
What was the impetus for creating the Solar Flare event? Where did the idea to combine this aesthetic and sound with the Jasna 1 space come from?
The impetus stemmed entirely from a live experience. In June 2025, I played at Jasna 1 for the closing main event, the season finale before the renovations. The set was very trance-inspired, from old to new, very energetic and euphoric. I honestly felt like the energy was coming through the roof.
The reception was so positive that the idea arose to offer Jasna 1 a permanent event series. ‘Solar Flare’ is a natural return to promoting for me, but also a very conscious decision; I want to stay connected to the local scene and do things that really resonate with this space.
It’s impossible to be bored in London. Everything blends and intertwines, breakbeats with UK happy hardcore, trance with hard house, techno with jungle. No one asks “if it’s appropriate,” but whether it works on the dance floor.
You’ve spoken about returning to promoting and wanting to maintain contact with the local scene—at the same time, you’re currently operating primarily in London. Warsaw is your hometown, but you’re returning as an artist operating in a completely different location. How does this influence your approach to curating events in Warsaw?
It’s impossible to get bored in London. Everything blends and intertwines—breakbeats with UK happy hardcore, trance with hard house, techno with jungle. No one asks “if it’s appropriate,” but whether it works on the dance floor. I absolutely love it. This diversity really suits my ever-indulgent, somewhat impatient nature, and it definitely influences how I build lineups and concepts in Warsaw—more freedom, less categorization, more surprise.
Do you feel like the reception of your music in Poland is changing with your success in London and beyond?
Yes, I definitely feel it. The last few years have been really intense and important for me, from the release of my debut EP on the KI/KI label to many very solid international bookings. All of this naturally changes the perspective and the way people perceive my music.
At the same time, I feel like the “you praise what’s foreign, you don’t know your own” mentality still holds strong in Poland. Paradoxically, I only started receiving much more support from the local scene after I moved abroad. But I see it without bitterness, more as part of the process.
You mention that support from the Polish scene came a bit later, but you also notice positive changes. Looking at it more broadly, do you see the European scene starting to look at artists from Eastern Europe differently? What do you think is really changing?
I think this change is already happening and is becoming increasingly visible. More and more artists from Eastern Europe are developing their careers. I’m incredibly happy, however, that more and more Polish clubs are opting for permanent residents who not only play but also truly contribute to the scene and give it their own character. This is a very healthy trend and something that truly builds local identity.
There are several people and collectives I would love to collaborate with in the future, but I also leave myself room for spontaneity and development.
Returning to Solar Flare, you say you’re committed to creating things that truly resonate with people and the space. What emotions did you feel after the last edition, and do you feel like you achieved what you set out to achieve?
During the event, a lot of people approached me and said the energy was super euphoric, that it made you want to dance—something fresh, less hypnotic, more emotional, and open. It was exactly what I wanted to achieve.
And the moment that really touched me? A compliment from the bar manager. Seriously, when the bar manager says “nice set,” it means something happened on the dance floor.
What you’re describing—a more euphoric, emotional approach—also strongly connects with how you talk about trance as a very broad spectrum. Do you already have a direction in mind in which you want to develop your sound and projects like Solar Flare?
There are several people and collectives I’d love to collaborate with in the future, but I’m also leaving myself room for spontaneity and growth.
What excites me most is the fact that trance as a genre has an incredible number of facets, from old classics à la Tiësto, through acid, to UK trance and moments where trance naturally intertwines with techno. And since I naturally like to mix styles and not stick to one box, ‘Solar Flare’ will definitely explore the trance tradition from different perspectives. More like an open field for experimentation than a single, predetermined sound.
Since you treat Solar Flare as a space for exploration and development, the question naturally arises about the future—can we expect further editions, either at Jasna or elsewhere?
We’re back in the spring, and in a strong style, with my top UK artist. There will be high-energy trance, rave energy, and everything that ‘Solar Flare’ loves most.
See you on the dance floor on April 25!
