Besides mixing you also have a live act side. Tell us more about how you see these two sides?
While there are similarities between the two, such as spending lots of time at the studio, producing music, writing the lyrics, looking for labels or releasing it on our own label, promoting the releases, managing social media, getting booked to play at different places, traveling, performing in front of crowds and so on, there are also differences. One thing that stood out to us is the response from the crowd. Our band project, Dina Summer, has only been around for a short while, but we’ve already received a heartwarming response from fans who know the lyrics, buy merchandise and records, and ask for autographs and pictures.
This happens at our DJ sets as well, but not to the same extent, despite Local Suicide, our DJ/producer project, being much older. We have observed that live performances tend to be more appreciated by people compared to DJ sets. However, live performances require more time and effort as they entail rehearsing beforehand, arriving earlier for a sound check, possibly bringing your own sound engineer and lighting technician, and being prepared for potential issues that may arise.
We enjoy both DJing and performing live equally, and also appreciate the unique opportunities and growth that live shows provide, despite the new challenges they present.
How would you describe your sound?
We call it technodisco and cobra wave, though nowadays it’s often referred to as dark disco. Our style encompasses elements from various genres, including dark wave, new beat, slow and melodic techno, Italo disco, acid house, EBM, indie dance, and oriental influences, among others. Our music has a BPM range of 80 to 135 (although it mostly stays around 125), and it exudes a dark yet uplifting vibe that draws people to the dance floor.
How did both of you start DJing?
We both began hosting radio shows on local stations in our respective hometowns while being teenagers. Later on, Brax Moody started DJing in Munich during his late teen years, focusing on hip-hop and indie clubs. Meanwhile, Vamparela was studying in a small Greek city and performed at student parties organized by the University’s radio team.