The most powerful, inspiring and magnetic frequency on this planet? That’s authenticity, for sure – being unapologetically yourself is not only an omnipresent slogan, it’s a whole life attitude.
If you’re an electronic music artist living in Berlin, be prepared to be judged not only by your sophisticated appearance or superficiality. It’s, actually, the concept of authenticity you’re bringing into the scene. The way you speak your truth, create your sounds and – most of all – how you move the hearts of the dancing crowd.
“For me, it was never about adjusting — it was about being true to my sound”, says MOIA – a standout Polish DJ, producer, and label owner based in Berlin. Not only did she choose the German capital as her home, but also lives, makes music and happily lives her authentic self there. And as she’s coming to Warsaw to play & celebrate the 25th anniversary of Instytut, we asked her a couple of questions about music, life and inspiration.
Agata Omelańska: Hi MOIA, pleasure to meet you! How is your life going? As the festival season is always full of gigs, travels & crazy schedules, you must have been very busy – but I hope you enjoyed it and found some time to rest or get inspired. How would you describe and sum this summer up?
MOIA: I’m doing really good! I’ve traveled a lot this summer, met incredible people and collected new inspirations along the way. At the same time, I managed to focus on reframing my sound and taking care of my health, so it was both an adventurous and grounding season for me.
Which festival or club stole your heart, and where did you have the biggest fun while playing? And in which country (or city) can you find the best crowd in the whole planet?
That’s always a tough question because every crowd has its own magic, and I’ve played so many amazing shows that it’s really hard to pick just a few. But some highlights in my career so far are Boiler Room in Argentina, Doom in Bogota, Gate13 in Braga, Sala Queen in Pontevedra, Junkyard in Dortmund and Smolna in Warsaw, where I recently played for Schissma. Each of these moments gave me unforgettable memories and energy I’ll never forget.
As an artist, do you have an opportunity to attend some music events or take part in a festival that you’re playing at, or is it impossible with your schedule? Or maybe you prefer to find your inspiration somewhere else, turn into other genres of art, that you’re also a great enthusiast of?
Honestly, most of the time my schedule doesn’t leave much space to just wander around festivals as a guest. But when I do, I love it — it’s inspiring to see how other artists build their sets and energy. At the same time, I take a lot of inspiration from outside of music too: visual arts, fashion, even architecture. I like connecting those worlds with my sound. Inspiration is everywhere if you keep your eyes and heart open.
How did you – and your music, of course – find yourself in Berlin? What is your style based on and was it easy for you to introduce your sound to the German ravers? And was Berlin the very first (and only one) choice, or you considered some different places before finding your home?
Berlin felt like the natural place for me and my music. The city has this unique rhythm, a pulse that resonates with the harder and deeper edges of techno. My style is energetic, raw, and driven by powerful synths combined with emotional melodies — a contrast that creates both intensity and depth. At first, of course, it takes time to introduce your own sound, but Berlin ravers are very open-minded if they feel your authenticity. For me, it was never about adjusting — it was about being true to my sound, and that’s what connected me with the crowds here.
“A masterfully crafted odyssey through the heart of industrial hard techno” – that’s a perfect description of your latest EP, a self-release called “The Purpose”. What’s the story behind it, as well as your label, AIOM? Would you like to release only your own music or you’re thinking about it in a wider perspective?
During working on this EP I was going through a challenging time — both destruction and renewal. I treat music production as a form of therapy, almost like writing a diary but in sounds. “The Purpose” is a reflection of that process. Together with the EP, I also released three remixes of my tracks made by artists I personally chose. Starting my own label, AIOM, gave me full freedom to express that vision without limits. Of course, I’ll keep releasing my own music, but I also want AIOM to grow into a platform for other artists who share this energy. It’s about building a community, not just a catalog.
Hope to hear some of your signature sounds at Instytut, as you’re performing at this festival in September. How do you feel about it – especially about the venue, as for the 25th anniversary edition the event is coming back to its roots, to High Voltage Hall (Hala Najwyższych Napięć) itself – or maybe do you have your own unique story with Instytut?
My journey with Instytut started in 2019, when I won their contest for the best DJ mix. Back then, I attended High Voltage Hall as a guest to see the show — and now I’m completely thrilled to stand on the other side, behind the decks. Playing at the anniversary edition in such an iconic space feels incredibly special, and I can’t wait to share this experience with everyone.
POV: you’re entering the Hall on 19th September and MOIA’s behind the decks. What is going to happen there and whose music you will choose for this set?
I’ve prepared a special set for this occasion — full of energy, intensity, and my unreleased tracks. Alongside my own productions, I’ll also play music from artists I truly admire, who share a similar vision and spirit. It will be a unique journey where nothing matters except the music and the shared energy on the dancefloor.
Why is there so much controversy around female DJs becoming successful techno artists? Who is responsible for this particular perception of women in the electronic music industry and how to break with these harmful opinions?
The controversy unfortunately comes from outdated stereotypes and the fact that electronic music, like many other industries, has been male-dominated for a long time. Some people still struggle to accept that women can be just as powerful and respected behind the decks as men. Who is responsible? Society as a whole, and the gatekeepers who failed to challenge those perceptions earlier. The way to break it is by continuing to prove, through our work and our passion, that talent has no gender. By standing strong, supporting each other, and never letting those opinions define us.
On the other hand, how do women in the electronic music scene support each other? Is it easy to ask another woman for help, mentoring, support or sincere opinion about your work? Or the competition between females is way too strong and makes real communication impossible?
I believe we’re living in a time where women in the scene are becoming more supportive than ever. Of course, competition exists, but that’s natural in any creative field. The key is shifting from competition to collaboration, because there is space for everyone. Personally, I’ve experienced a lot of encouragement and genuine support from other women — from sharing advice to simply being there for each other. Real communication is possible if we stay open and remember that we’re stronger together.
Thank you so much for the interview and time dedicated, MOIA! See you at Instytut soon & wishing you all the best!
Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to share my sounds at Instytut and celebrate this special edition with everyone. See you on the dancefloor!