As a rare new signing to Marcel Fengler’s IMF label, our ears were perked. It’s time to find out who is rising techno star STEYA.
Since breaking through in 2022 as a regular at RSO Berlin and Grelle Forelle in Vienna, STEYA has also played Tomorrowland, Exhale, Rex Club, and Basement in NYC.
Her first forays into production were ‘Neon Reecho’ on RAW’s Third Eye compilation in 2021, followed by the release of ‘Elysian’ on BCCO’s second V/A. This soon led to ’Prototype X’ on the ‘10 Years of IMF’ that dropped in 2022, followed by a standout contribution to the label’s new HARDPROOF V/A series in 2023 with ‘Trigger Me.’
It wasn’t long before her productions caught the attention of Marcel Fengler and his revered label IMF. “After experiencing many of her stunning DJ sets, it’s wonderful to see her thriving also as a producer. What really excites me is witnessing her continuous growth, always fuelled by her deep passion for music. So, I’m thrilled to release STEYA’s debut EP on IMF, featuring three original dancefloor anthems and two stellar remixes by Rolando and Hertz” said Fengler.
High praise and so early on in her career would always get our attention. We, therefore, decided to ask STEYA to introduce herself.
Who are you?
Hey, I’m STEYA, a DJ and producer.
Where are you from?
I was raised in Belgium, and now I’m based in Berlin.
What do you sound like?
Groovy, sexy & with the right amount of punchiness.
Why should we follow what you’re doing?
Follow for relentless techno rollers that mesmerize and energize instantly.
Which of your tracks sums you up? Why?
For now, I would say, ‘Dopamine’. It best represents my style, with its dynamic energy.
What have you got coming out in the near future?
Look out for a new collab track with OGUZ on the upcoming HARDPROOF VA06 on IMF, out at the end of August.
Also, I did a remix collab with Marcel Fengler, on DLV’s new imprint
What or who is your biggest influence and why?
One of my biggest influences is Jeff Mills, for his pioneering role in techno music, especially his productions as “The Purpose Maker.” They still sound so fresh to me.
What have you released so far?
After contributing tracks to several VAs, I’m more than happy to finally release my debut EP, ‘Dopamine,’ on IMF, which includes very meaningful remixes by Hertz and DJ Rolando. Collaborating with these influential figures, who have profoundly shaped my musical journey, is a dream come true.
How did you get into DJing/producing to begin with?
My first club experiences in Antwerp as a teenager in the 2000s inspired me. Listening there to the likes of Luke Slater or Sven Väth, and watching their mixing skills, motivated me to start DJing and producing.
What are three things on your studio shopping list?
I’m looking to add an Elektron Octatrack, a high-end analogue synthesizer like the Moog Sub 37, and the AKAI Force to my studio setup.
Who or what have you sacrificed for your art
I’ve sacrificed a lot of personal time. Friends and family have often taken a backseat as I’ve dedicated myself entirely to honing my skills and pursuing my passion.
What’s been your favourite place to play so far?
Definitely, Basement in New York! It’s such a great venue and a lovely crew behind it!
What one song would feature on the soundtrack to your life?
It would be ‘Knights of the Jaguar’ by DJ Rolando. The track’s timeless quality perfectly captures the essence of my journey.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by the thrill of learning new things and the joy of overcoming challenges. The chance to innovate, grow, and make a difference in both small and big ways keeps me inspired and focused.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I have a brown belt in Karate. However, I stopped being active ages ago. 🥋
Complete this sentence: At heart I’m just a…
…raver.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received?
Chase passion, not perfection, and never compromise on the quality of my music.
Find STEYA on Instagram. Listen to STEYA on Spotify.
‘Dopamine’ by STEYA is out now.
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