Issue 21 – In Conversation with .. 10!

A LABEL
MEANT TO PUSH
BOUNDARIES
Embargo is your new born label - what is
it all about?
It’s all about pushing the boundaries and doing
something different. Quality over quantity whilst
majorly representing the FLINTA and queer
community. I want a home for artists to be
themselves.
No need or restraints to conform to one niche
genre by opening up the spectrum of sound and
welcoming the primarily raw techno sound to
be heavily inspired by the likes of other genres
and sounds too! Championing artistic freedom
and authenticity above all else.
Impactful and it sounds like a very
clear direction. You also mentioned
the importance of the visual language?
Absolutely! The artwork and music will both
be as important as each other as they are
meant to complement one another, and be part
of a bigger story. The artistic vision and visual
identity of Embargo serve as a direct extension
of my own creative ethos and values.
With a background in creative direction and
design, I personally oversee every aspect of
the label's visual representation, ensuring that it
all aligns seamlessly with the music and overall
ethos of the label. The idea is that each release
on Embargo is paired with a unique piece of
digital art, which is an integral part to what
makes the label so unique.
So how does this come to life in the
first release, “Artificial Malfunction”?
Tell us a bit about the first track. and
the concept you came up with to connect
the music with the visual language.
This collaboration with KiNK, titled “Artificial
Malfunction” explores the correlation between
humanity and technology, or more in particular,
AI. I’m actually very passionate about it all myself,
also thinking a lot about how technology has been
exponentially changing our existence for decades.
AI will be the biggest shift we’ve ever seen.
Arguably even bigger than the introduction of the
internet and computers.
And how did you come up with the concept
for the art work?
KiNK and I jammed in my studio in Berlin and
made this track, all synths and drums are pretty
much programmed using a MIDI mapping tool in
Ableton so it again leans back into the collaboration
between humanity and AI, which I wanted to
reflect in the visual language, too. It features a 3D
bug nestled on a computer chip and then cleverly
transforms into a representation of a software
glitch or you could say, a malfunction. It humanises
technology and ties it to our physical world but also
explores the theme between nature and technology
- which I find extremely enticing.
With you being a queer DJ & producer
yourself, how will Embargo reflect the bigger
topics of diversity and inclusivity?
As a queer woman in the industry, I am a minority
and there have definitely been more challenging
experiences because of this through my time. In my
personal case I’m especially going to place
a major focus on the queer & FLINTA community.
I’ve been on my own personal journey when it
comes to being fully outspoken about my sexuality.
I’m bisexual, and had my first girlfriend at the age
of 19. However it’s only until around two years ago
I started to speak out openly about my sexuality and
challenges that arise because of it. Being bisexual
comes with so many stigmas and taboos. It’s always
questioned – a lot of the time people don’t accept
it as a genuine sexuality. I’d like my new label to
really be a home and platform for queer artists
to be able to be part of a like-minded community
and be able to share their art, self expression and
thoughts to the world in a supported way.
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