Dedication To The Dancefloor With Berlin's DJ AYA
Berlin’s nightlife has no shortage of energy, but for Swiss-born DJ AYA, something more laid-back was lacking for the lesbian community. “Queer culture is a key part of Berlin’s identity,” she explains. “Yet when it comes to events primarily for the dyke* community, [the city] still falls short.” Such was the founding motivation behind the DJ’s new event series (lip)service—co-founded with fellow DJ, Gabriella, as a music-centric bar night “primarily for lesbians, trans and NB to meet, mingle, and make-out.”
AYA’s passion for music runs deep, ignited at the tender age of three when she began playing the piano, and evolving into an infatuation with DJs and dancefloors when she began partying in her teens. "Me and music always had a thing for each other," she says. And as the one behind the decks herself, what drives DJ AYA remains unchanged: "It’s the love for music and what music can do to a crowd."
Now, her energetic bass-driven sets are electrifying dancefloors from Berlin to Tokyo, and bedrooms too, via her recently-released Boiler Room stream. In a scene that thrives in both physical spaces and in online culture, personal identity, and public persona can often blur, but AYA attempts to stay grounded. “I think that I am, or try to be, as authentic as I can regardless of whether I am performing or not,” she says. Harnessing the bold confidence of the Dr. Martens boot she wore to her first Pride, AYA embodies the energy of the brand’s bold new campaign. To celebrate the 1460 boot, we spoke to the Berlin DJ about dancing, dykes, and life on both sides of the decks.
How does your music reflect the conversations you want to have with your audience?
This is a funny question! To be blunt, the only conversation I have with my audience is to make their booties shake :)
When was the spark behind (lip)service first ignited?
Alongside Gabriella, my co-founder, we launched (lip) service with the aim of working against the tides to provide our community with the much needed regular bar night that it deserves. Our friendship began as we entered the London lesbian scene simultaneously six years ago. Ever since, we’ve wanted to launch our own dyke* night focused on our mutual love: electronic music.
As someone who’s an integral part of Berlin’s queer scene, what’s the most powerful connection you’ve made through your work?
My most powerful connection—sorry for the boring answer—is probably meeting my girlfriend! Getting to know her and being able to work together is such a blessing. I didn’t know how special it is to have a partner who works in the same field and has an understanding of what it means to be a queer POC DJ in the industry. But apart from that, pretty much everyone who is close and dear to me or has a special place in my heart has come into my life through a queer environment. Pretty much every time I play at a queer event, I leave with a new friend. I am incredibly grateful to be able to meet all of these beautiful people around the globe because of what I do.
What gives you joy when you’re not behind the decks?
I really cherish spending time with my friends as I don’t get to see them too often. So I try to spend as much quality time with them as possible when I am back home in Berlin. I am really into food and hospitality so I enjoy trying out new restaurants in different cities.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
Stick to who you are and what you do—and do not compare yourself, your success, or your journey to others. And don’t listen to haters.
How do you balance your personal identity with the public persona of DJ AYA?
I don’t think my personal identity differs too much from my public persona—or at least I don’t want it to. If you walk up to me at an event, you will get to know me for who I am. Of course, I am not always the hype, high-energy girl you get to see online, but it’s also who I am.
You wore Dr. Martens to your first Pride. How did that moment shape how you see yourself within the queer community today?
I remember very vividly how I stepped out to Oxford Street and saw the march with thousands of people celebrating love. Honestly, it made me really emotional as I’ve never seen anything like it. I had only just come out so it was a very beautiful introduction to the queer community which was the most welcoming and supportive way of being together I’ve ever experienced. And I think I still carry that feeling with me and try to incorporate it into all of my projects.
What qualities of the brand align with your personal practice?
When I think of Dr. Martens, I think of quality, durability, and timelessness. I value each one of these qualities, and I can only hope to shape my craft so that it can carry the same attributes.
