AniMe: Having your own musical style is the key to potentially achieving success.
We’re excited to welcome AniMe to Rave Me Hard!

A powerhouse in the hardcore scene, AniMe shares her journey from discovering gabber culture to headlining festivals like Defqon.1 and Tomorrowland. She also teases new music, a remix contest, and more exciting projects on the horizon.

Check out the full interview below!

RMH:
Hey and welcome to Rave Me Hard! Your journey in Hardcore music is legendary, especially as one of the few women in the scene when you started. What initially drew you to this genre, and what inspired you to become a DJ and producer?
AniMe:
Hey guys, I’m excited to chat with you! Everything started because I was fascinated by the world of clubbing. I used to go to techno clubs and afterparties, and later I got into trance because of its emotional melodies. One day, some friends told me about the iconic Italian venue, Number One, which was the first to introduce hardcore in Italy. They described the music as powerful, and the club as a place where people could completely lose themselves in the music without being judged.

Curious, I decided to check it out, and I instantly fell in love with the music, the dancing, and the whole gabber culture.

I started going to as many hardcore parties as I could, and I loved watching DJs play with vinyl. It was so captivating that I decided to learn how to DJ myself. I chose hardcore because I embraced the gabber culture which at that point became my lifestyle and the music was perfectly blending heavy kicks and melodic elements.

Two years later, I began producing my own music while performing at various Italian clubs. For me, music became a way to communicate, a way to express my thoughts and emotions. And it still is today.
RMH:
When you remixed Farrago’s Reclaim Your Future for the Blessed RMX album, how did you maintain the original vibe while adding your signature high-energy Hardcore twist?
AniMe:
When I was asked to remix a track by Farrago, I chose ‘Reclaim Your Future’ because it aligned well with the current musical evolution in the hard techno scene, where hard techno is increasingly blending with hardcore. This track captured that mood perfectly, so I selected it, deconstructed it, and created a hardcore sound that still fits seamlessly within the hard techno vibe. I made sure to keep the original melody intact to preserve the soul of the track while adding my Hardcore signature.
RMH:
Out of your four albums and countless singles, is there a track that holds a particularly special place in your heart? Why?
AniMe:
Difficult to choose one, there are many tracks tied to specific periods of my life and memories. The ones that come to mind right now are: In The End, So Cold, Die For You, Another Galaxy, and So Strong, which represent my emotional side. Then there are tracks that are more about energy, like Go Insane, Oldschool The School, A-Bomb, and Hardcore Machine.
RMH:
You’ve performed at iconic festivals like Tomorrowland, Defqon.1, and Masters of Hardcore. What’s been the most unforgettable moment on stage, and how does performing at such events influence your music?
AniMe:
The most unforgettable moment for me was at Defqon.1 - The Gathering in 2019. I had several tracks from my third album ready, which hadn’t been released yet but would come out just a few months later as ‘Aftermath’, my personal favourite album. I started the set with my collaboration with Broken Minds, ‘Absolute Power’, and people went absolutely wild. As I played the set, I realized how much the crowd was loving it, every kick drove them crazy, they were screaming, and the atmosphere was incredible. The full set is available on YouTube, and I think I watched it on repeat for an entire month because of how emotional it made me feel.
Playing at events of that calibre has pushed me to constantly improve in my work and to always bring fresh music and dynamic sets to my audience.
RMH:
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring DJs and producers who look up to you, what would it be?
AniMe:
I would suggest they do their own thing and not copy other DJs, because it's uniqueness that gets rewarded. Having your own musical style is the key to potentially achieving success. Of course, great performances and knowing how to own the stage are also essential.
RMH:
Imagine a world where Hardcore tracks are used as lullabies. Which one of your tracks do you think could surprisingly work, and why?
AniMe:
Well, this question isn’t as crazy as it sounds! Hardcore actually relaxes me, I used to fall asleep listening to it. Even my cats find it soothing! They’re always in the studio with me when I’m playing or recording sets for my YouTube, and they sleep soundly through it all. 😄
If I had to pick a lullaby today, I’d choose Playing Terror because of its looped vocal and melodic vibe, and Fine Night for its calming sung vocals.
RMH:
What’s next for AniMe? Can fans expect new albums, tours, or ventures that explore different aspects of your artistry?
AniMe:
I have a lot of new music dropping soon on different labels!

First up is RAGE, a downtempo hardcore track releasing on Dogfight Rec. I’m one of the few in the hardcore scene focused on bringing back the slower tempos. While I also enjoy fast tracks, I believe it’s important to maintain diversity in music and in my sets.

In January, I’ll release two tracks: LATE NIGHT VISIONS on Basscon Rec, a Hard Dance track that’s not strictly hardcore, and IT’S ALRIGHT on Masters of Hardcore, a 100% hardcore track with well-known vocals and an emotional melody.

I’ve also recently launched my new store, ABSLT, which will feature several exciting merchandise collections.

In just a few days, I’ll be launching a REMIX CONTEST for my track DETONATE! I’ll share the stems so people can create their own remixes, and I’ll choose the best ones to release officially on an EP as a way to support new producers.

And finally, there’s a project I’m most excited about, but I can’t reveal it yet as I’m still working on the final details.

Stay tuned to my socials, you’ll find out in about a month! 😊

Editor: Olly Kuskova

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