DJ Gigola
DJ | Producer
DJ Gigola is a multidisciplinary artist who stands out in the world of electronic music like a Thierry Noir mural on the Berlin wall. Having grown up in the German capital, Paulina aka DJ Gigola soaked up the cultural shifts in Berlin since her first trip to Love Parade as a child in the 90s, planting the seed that grew and inspired her to explore the endless possibilities that Berlin would offer her several years later.
Art, fashion and music blend into Gigola’s process. Looking at her label, collective and agency Live From Earth, you’re immediately enticed by the vibrant tones weaved across the platform. It’s clear that colour and a palpable sense of fun are the foundations of Live From Earth and listening to Gigola’s collaborations with Kev Koko on the imprint, Gigola’s vision shines bright. This same vision emanates from LFE’s eye-popping clothing collection.
Over the last twelve months, Gigola has remained connected to her art and music with podcasts for Possession, Radio 80000, Rinse FM, Keinemusik Radio Show and many more, as well as hosting Live From Earth streams at HÖR Radio. Listening to her sets on these platforms, her affection for spirited sound bursts through and gets right into the soul to instantly uplift any mood; something that’s much-need during these Lockdown days.
Below, Gigola goes back to a moment from last summer in Berlin with her good friend Marie Montexier. Berlin was one of the fortunate cities that was allowed to host outdoor events in 2020, and for Gigola, these gigs were essential on a professional and personal level. As Lockdown 3.0 continues in Germany, she shares her routine for remaining physically and mentally strong at the moment, what’s coming up next on Live From Earth and more…
Dusk at Warning 💥 Photo: Marie Montexier
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it? What was the music vibe at the time?
This photo was taken by my friend and colleague Marie (Montexier) at a Warning gig we both played last year.
It captures a special moment for me because this was one of the few times I had the opportunity to perform with actual people during the pandemic—it was an open-air, I was playing the sunset set; a nice and warm late summer/early autumn Saturday and everything was loaded with joy and dance fury.
How have you been over the last while and what is life currently like in Berlin?
The past year (yes—it has been a year already!) has been one of the worst and best challenges of my life so far. I remember coming back home from my world tour (I played Australia, West Coast USA and Mexico) earlier due to COVID-19 and arrived at a time in Berlin where supermarkets were emptied and toilet paper was rare. Thank god, people have adapted throughout the past year but culture has been buried here and it has become a rough time for people working in the creative fields. Berlin has never looked so innocent and empty as during this winter—honestly, hard to bear. I tried to define new challenges for myself and worked on my unfinished business aside form my work as a DJ that I had postponed for years because of touring etc., and of course, because it was not the most pleasant stuff to do. Now, I have finished all that and I am happy to be able to work on music again—also having in mind that with the vaccination and the past 12 months actual club life has become a realistic perspective again.
As your creativity lies in dance and body movement, as well as music, are you practising specific movement at home during lockdown?
Honestly, I have always used running as a tool to calm my mind and to listen to new music and mixes—2020 has been an intense running year for me—both to stay sane and to move to music. Also I started doing little home workouts on the internet with my best friend in the beginning of the lockdown—a funny idea that turned into a weekly habit—often her 6 year old daughter joins and the three of us are more dancing than working out—it is hilarious and I love love love it. Also, I never listen to the actual music on the video, I rather put on a HÖR stream or something I find on Soundcloud.
Live From Earth is a beautiful platform with an array of vibrant merch and diverse music on offer. What are you currently working on with the collective?
Right now I am preparing a mix of vinyls that I bought throughout the lockdown and I wanted to compile and upload via LFE Youtube channel. I feel after a lot of guest mixes/appearances it feels good to "come back home" with a mix.
Apart from that we are in constant exchange about all internal projects—from fashion over podcast to the club imprint and future event ideas—it feels good to have this creative community around me—especially since we all share the same struggles and doubts during COVID-19.
As an artist, how are you feeling about the future?
I have decided to stay optimistic—if not, I guess I would have to stop pursuing a life as an artist.
I can only hope, that we will find a new “normal“: a more eco-conscious, locally supportive and synergistic creative environment. Furthermore, I wish that we find back to the reality of being in touch with people—direct or indirect via music and art—I can’t wait!
Back to the present moment. Tell us how the photo below is something that brings you happiness or comfort in your day-to-day life right now?
This is a picture taken last weekend at Schlachtensee Berlin. It is a lake not too far from where I live and has become a constant sanctuary during covid times.
Whenever I can make it, I go there for a run and either a long swim after during summer or a quick ice bath in winter. The beautiful nature, the crystal clear water and the silence always calm me down and bring me inner piece—if you ever make it to Berlin you should try to visit Schlachtensee—it‘s worth it.
Schlachtensee ✨ Photo: Gigola