Viscerale
DJ | Producer
‘When something is visceral, you feel it in your guts’ according to Google’s definition of the term ‘visceral’. In the case of the Hamburg-born, Berlin-based artist Viscerale, the same can be said for the fast-paced, thrilling and sometimes bizarre curation of her DJ sets.
Viserale’s intent to challenge her audience and scare them at just the right moment shines through the track selections and kinetic energy she radiates from behind the booth. You can go from being blanketed in the thump of 4/4 techno by the likes of Sedvs, Peel and Hadone to being inwardly ripped apart by Aphex Twin, Perc and Rave Creator in a matter of minutes, all of which Nadja aka Viscerale pulls off with precise technical skill and an abundance of confidence.
Having previously played several celebrated spots including Berghain’s Säule, Tresor’s Herrensauna, FOLD’s early morning UNFOLD party and gained a residency at Copenhagen’s Ved Siden Af club, Viscerale was truly in her stride before the pandemic hit.
As Berlin eases some lockdown restrictions, there’s still no sign of clubs opening any time soon. Taking this into account, Nadja is now making decisions which she probably would not have to come to if Covid-19 remained in the belly of a bat (?). She also shares a memory of a raucous party in Copenhagen which she recalls in more detail below…
Photo: Viscerale
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it?
The photo was taken exactly 2 years ago after I closed the unforgettable DIY ‘Endurance’ rave in an old hangar in Copenhagen.
I chose it because I still believe that it was one of the best parties I have ever played. It was the start of very special friendships, which also changed my musical taste and focus. Copenhagen became my second favourite place to be and it felt like home to me. The music vibe during the night was very ecstatic and uplifting. The community felt really strong and positive and I met lots of new people, who were super caring.
Since I already had lots of favourite Danish producers at that time, it was the greatest feeling to play their tunes and see them on the dancefloor at the same time. I guess it came as a surprise that an ‘outsider’ played all their hits and I ended my closing set with some funny hardcore gabber tunes. It was the perfect end for a very fun night and I jumped on to the dancefloor for the final track and danced with everyone! I enjoyed the party so much that I returned for another edition as a raver.
How have you found the last couple of weeks?
It was quite challenging and I went through dark and bright times overall. My life became decelerated and I was basically pushed to evolve a more healthy lifestyle and also explore new hobbies over time. I eventually felt more connected with myself and friends after the Coronavirus lockdown.
Have you recently discovered any artists who might not have come under your radar since the first day of lockdown? Or maybe you have spent time going through a collection of older tracks which you may have forgotten about?
Difficult to say, since I am always curious about old and new sounds. I’m constantly discovering music which can excite me! But I could tell that I was diving into more different genres and felt less interested in peak time techno.
Did the lockdown in Berlin ever affect your motivation as an artist?
There have been phases were I felt unsure how to proceed in the future, if there is a future at all for me as a DJ like before. But it never took my motivation to work on more mixtapes or music since I enjoy the output a lot. I don’t think this will ever change, since I feel the need to express myself over music.
Moving forward as times evolve, what are your plans?
I’m looking forward to establish some new skills in tattooing and coding. Two new hobbies I discovered in the past weeks! And of course I am also waiting to re-schedule all the gigs, but I am still waiting for a more Corona-save time to come. I also pushed my plan to start a music label to next year!
What's been a surprisingly positive moment for you throughout all of this?
The incredible feeling to be closer to friends again after the lockdown solitude.
Listen to Viscerale’s latest mix on HÖR here and follow her below: