FOLD Invites Neri J + Interview
It was back whilst living in the city of Aalborg that Neri J’s love for music exploded into existence. A chance encounter with the local student radio station - laden with a sprawling expanse of microphones and DJ equipment - piqued her interest, subsequently leading her into her own weekly radio slot with that very same friend who introduced her (“shout out Robert!”). Yet it was upon visiting Berlin for the first time her awareness and ensuing love of tough, heavyweight techno was born, and within just two years, in 2017, she landed her first Berlin gig at that very same club that catapulted her into her passion originally: Tresor. Since those fledgling days, Nerija now resides in Copenhagen, playing a pivotal role in the spectacular rise of the Danish venue Ved Siden Af, which she has been a resident of since its formative days. Following her raging, primal set at UNFOLD alongside the other Ved Siden Af residents, we spoke to her about European music culture, her own event series Vortex, and what makes a great party.
Hi Neri! Thanks for joining us. What led you to landing your residency with Ved Siden Af?
Probably that we had the same passion and vision for the music; I’ve been with Ved Siden Af for most of its existence. Before then, we had Et Andet Sted, the first original DYI club where the whole scene felt at home. It was a legendary place!
How has the Copenhagen techno scene developed since you first became part of it?
I think the scene has developed a lot since I became a part of it. Now it’s known internationally. The Danish techno scene is known as a thing. There’s a lot of attention around it and I’d say that it’s well deserved.
Tell us about your own party series, Vortex. What is the concept behind the brand and who have you enjoyed inviting to the events?
There’s two of us running it – my friend Indre Maria and I have been overseeing Vortex for a few years now. It’s a party where we are not afraid to challenge dancers with harder and faster sounds. Genres are all melted and blended together – it’s a proper hard dance party. We focus on inviting new, fresh and upcoming artists. Recently we have had some really promising names: Araknyl and Omniself from the Bodycount label in Sweden, DJ LOOSER, and Accelerationism from Ute club in Norway.
Do you have any other creative outlets that you like to immerse yourself in?
Gardening! I consider it such a creative, calming activity. It’s always helped me to find peace of mind when I’ve felt uneasy or doubtful about my career. It’s the best therapy I’ve tried.
What parallels have you found between FOLD and Copenhagen venues?
People respect both the venue and each other – FOLD and the Copenhagen crowds know how to behave, respect and assist each other if needed.
How did you approach your evening slot of your UNFOLD appearance? Were there any particular tracks that you really enjoyed playing in the booth?
I couldn’t wait to rave together with the dancers. I really enjoyed the whole playlist but one special moment was playing Nils vs Miss Tracy – Megablast. That’s how I felt during my entire two hour set. It was a megablast! I was super surprised when I arrived and saw the DJ setup in the middle of the room. It was a super positive, intense experience to be surrounded by passionate dancers. It made me feel as though we were one organism, all moving to the same rhythm. Some moments I caught myself just dancing and forgetting about the main mission!
What do you think is the most important thing when putting on a great party?
It’s a combination of various things. The energy you choose via the lineup is key, but other elements that are crucial are the location, promotion, soundsystem and crowd. It’s like a recipe that you need to experiment with a few times in order to bake a perfect party.
Any projects that you’re focusing on in 2020?
I’m really looking forward to releasing new music which is due in the very near future; finishing my EP!