Anastasia Kristensen doesn’t mind being a techno nerd

Anastasia Kristensen is a stalwart of Europe’s techno scene. Raised in and around Copenhagen, where she’s still based, the DJ/​producer regularly plays pulverising techno sets to crowds of sweaty ravers and headsy crate diggers alike – anyone looking for a good party, basically.

Her latest EP, Moments of Inertia, is very much in keeping with that: industrial techno and scuzzy, stretched out synths, with the odd injection of electro, topped with hushed vocals (“You know I love that,” Ana repeats softly on her track I’d Love to Do It). ​“I’m fond of textures, shifting rhythms and surprises,” she says. ​“That’s definitely been the main idea behind this project.”

Released via the Canadian label Turbo Records, Ana’s come a long way from working as a software engineer – a career she closed the door on in 2018, to dedicate herself to music (her ​“joy and purpose in life”). The gamble paid off. Ana landed hundreds of gigs around the world, and has since established her own label, Absorb Emit – home to her previous club-ready EP, Cordyceps Disco.

“I think over the years, I’ve become more interested in complex and advanced sounds,” says Ana of Moments of Inertia, a ​“dance-oriented avant-garde” project that encapsulates her propensity for making edgy, memorable tunes. ​“It’s so much fun. Texture doesn’t have to be boring. Being a nerd is cool, too!”

What’s been the most exciting moment of your career so far?

There have been so many, but certainly playing CTM Festival live at Berghain and at Bassiani in Tbilisi, Georgia – I’m returning there in a month! All my nights in Copenhagen and, of course, connecting with like-minded people while creating my own label. More on that soon…

What kinds of emotions and experiences influence your music?

I think living life to the fullest influences my music. Life has a full spectrum of emotions, magical experiences and love. There are also frustrations, periods of grief and burnouts, which all contribute to my music. DJing has been my work for a while, and with each new year I refine my sound and evolve. I try not to worry about living up to current trends or BPM standards. The element of surprise and novelty in music is what interests me most.

What’s a piece of advice that changed your life?

In life, you only have yourself. So stay true to yourself, value yourself and stay kind and patient. You can’t go wrong with that.

If you were cooking to impress someone, what would you make?

Beef Stroganoff. Sorry vegan friends, but that dish is a banger!

What’s a bad habit you wish you could kick?

Overthinking, definitely.

You rule the world for a day. What goes down?

Stop killing innocent people across the world.

What can you tell us about your phone screensaver?

It’s a photo of my friend’s artworks – they’re weird, abstract and beautiful.

Love, like, hate?

I love a queer rave with minimal lights. I like Isamaya Beauty. I hate it when my make-up creases.

Favourite song of all time?

Root by RAC. It’s a classy classic.

What can artists do to help save the world?

Make good quality art that engages with the world meaningfully and can change it for the better.