Name: Ana Rs
Nationality: Montenegrin
Occupation: Music producer and DJ
Current release: Ana Rs's Take Me There EP is out via Ben Sims’ Symbolism.
Recommendations: Burial – Come Down To Us; Format – Solid Session

If you enjoyed this Ana Rs interview and would like to stay up to date with her music and DJ dates, visit her on Instagram, Facebook, and Soundcloud.



When I listen to music, I see shapes, objects and colours. What happens in your body when you're listening? Do you listen with your eyes open or closed?

When I listen to music, my brain processes the sound waves in its own way and creates different shapes from it.

For example: Drums are divided into separate lines that are moving in circles or in lines, the melody acts as though it were playing with them and following the other parts of the “system”. When I close my eyes I can better see these shapes and experience the music.

With eyes opened, especially with people around me, I focus more on their expressions and reactions rather then visualizing it in my own way. This kind of listening is  more important for me to follow when I am the one who is “creating” in the moment.

What were your very first steps in music like - and how do you rate gains made through experience versus the naiveté of those first steps?

When I look back to when I was younger, I can say that music has always been the answer for me ... I had an interest in a lot genres such as: House, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Rap, Hip Hop, Classical music etc. – to listen them, to analyse them and to understand them.

For me, listening to music is the biggest opportunity to recognize myself and find my true self. I believe that it is not good to have prejudice about genres.

It’s like when you look at the moon. Does it make you wonder with curiosity if  the other side is the dark one - or you are simply conviced it is? That’s the way how we should give a chance to a new music. In doing so, we open ourselves up to learning through listening.

According to scientific studies, we make our deepest and most incisive musical experiences between the ages of 13-16. What did music meant to you at that age and what’s changed since then?

At this age, many people begin to explore their identity and express themselves creatively. I believe that expanding one’s musical knowledge can be achieved thtough active listening and the experiences of life.

Aditionally, one’s environment can have an influence on one's musical taste. For me, music serves as a form of escape, providing a temporary respite from life’s challenges.

The emotional impact of music remains a constant throughout life and I have continued to find solace and inspiration in it from my early ages up until the present day.

Over the course of your development, what have been your most important instruments and tools and how have they shaped your perspective on music?

Drums have always fascinated me as an element of music. They are an essential component of many genres - from jazz and rock to hip-hop and almost all electronic music. In particular, drums play a major role in techno music as they establish the rhythm and drive of a track.

When making music, I enjoy using drums to create textures by processing them with various effects. For example, adding reverb to a drum loop can create a sense of space and depth, while adding distortion or saturation can add warmth to the overall atmosphere of the track.

Additionally, experimenting with different effects on drums can lead to the creation of interesting sounds for me.

What, would you say, are the key ideas behind your approach to music and what motivates you to create?

There is no special receipe for ideas, but I can prompt some sources that helps me to be more motivated.

I find that listening to different kinds of music helps me expand my vision and keep my creative ideas fresh. Traveling also motivates me to create by exposing me to new cultures and other people’s lives. Listening to the work of other artists and tracks can provide valuable insights and ideas for my own process of making music.

Sometimes, rain inspires me for a short time and gives me a more patient mind, which is very important in the creative process.

Paul Simon said “the way that I listen to my own records is not for the chords or the lyrics - my first impression is of the overall sound.” What's your own take on that and how would you define your personal sound?

I don’t classify  my music into just one direction, as I like to play around with the sound. My tracks can be dark, hypnotic, experimental or dub, depending on the moment.

I don’t have a limitation according to which everything must be “as it should be”.

Sound, song, and rhythm are all around us, from animal noises to the waves of the ocean. What, if any, are some of the most moving experiences you've had with these non-human-made sounds? In how far would you describe them as “musical”?

Ah, that’s an interesting question.

I remember this one moment when I was by the sea, and the waves were crashing against the shore. The wind was blowing through the trees, and the birds were singing in perfect harmony, creating this beautiful symphony of sounds that was so calming and inspiring at the same time.

I believe that nature has its own rhythm, tonality and overall composition. These sounds can evoke emotions and feelings in me just like any piece of music, and can even serve as a source of inspiration for me.

From very deep/high/loud/quiet sounds to very long/short/simple/complex compositions - are there extremes in music you feel drawn to and what response do they elicit?

As an example, I am fascinated by both very deep, sub-bass frequencies as well as extremely high-pitched sounds because they can create different feelings in the listener, like power or lightness. When I make music, I enjoy creating short, simple pieces that pack a punch, but I also like making longer, more complex works that let me explore different themes and ideas.

I believe that extreme sounds in music can be really powerful and create a unique experience for listeners. I'm always looking for new ways to make my music more creative and exciting by experimenting with different sounds and techniques.

From symphonies and traditional verse/chorus-songs to linear techno tracks and free jazz, there are myriads ways to structure a piece of music. Which approaches work best for you – and why?

For me, both approaches allow me to push boundaries, break rules, and create something unique and authentic to me.

I find that I can focus on the small details and variations in sound when working with the minimal and repetitive structures found in techno music. This allows me to experiment more and more.

Could you describe your creative process on the basis of one of your pieces, live performances or albums that's particularly dear to you, please?

Of course. I will tell you about my EP on Symbolism that was released this month.

When starting a new track, I usually begin with a drum pattern to create a solid foundation and then build up the atmosphere by experimenting with multiple channels of possible percussions or rumbles to find the best sounds that fit the track's vibe. In addition, I enjoy playing with samples to come up with new ideas and techniques. For instance, I used a processed sample to form the main synth melody throughout "The Shadow Between Us”.

For each of the tracks on this release, I used sequencing and processing with multiple chains of effects to create sounds that match the mood of each track. It's always a challenge to know when a track is finished. So I rely on my intuition and sometimes listen to the track in different environments or get feedback from others to ensure that it's ready for release.

Sometimes, science and art converge in unexpected ways. Do you conduct “experiments” or make use of scientific insights when you're making music?

I often find myself at the intersection between science and art, especially when I experiment with different techniques to create the sounds that I want.

Sometimes take a more methodical approach, using scientific insights or principles to guide my decision-making when it comes to things like mixing. At Other times, however, inspiration strikes and I usually translate the musical ideas I have in my head directly into Ableton.

To me, being open-minded, taking risks, and trying new things are essential to any successful and creative process. It's about pushing the limits and exploring the sound.

How does the way you make music reflect the way you live your life? Can we learn lessons about life by understanding music on a deeper level?

The way I make music reflects how I live my life in many ways. For me, music is a way to express myself, so I always try to be authentic both in my music and my life. When I create music, I draw inspiration from my personal experiences and emotions, and my goal is to create something that has a deeper meaning and connection with others. in my life, I try to live true to myself and my values.

To me, music reflects life and offers lessons about ourselves and the world we live in. It has the ability to mix emotions and bring people together, regardless of their background. By listening to and understanding music, we can expand our perspectives and empathy for others.

Do you feel as though writing or performing a piece of music is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn't or wouldn't in more 'mundane' tasks?

Through music, we can express ourselves in ways that may not be possible in more mundane tasks. We can tap into our deepest emotions and experiences, and convey them to others through the sound. Music has the power to connect people on a deep level and create a shared experience that transcends language and cultural barriers.

Of course, there is also a creativity that goes into making a great cup of coffee as well. Whether it's through music or coffee-making, it's important to do it with passion and heart as that’s what gives our work that special energy and makes it significant.

Every time I listen to "Albedo 0.39" by Vangelis, I choke up. But the lyrics are made up of nothing but numbers and values. Do you, too, have a song or piece of music that affects you in a way that you can't explain?

Ah, I have a few but first on my mind is “Aphex Twin – polynomial C.”



Every time I hear it, it makes me imagine memories, emotions and all the things that make up life. It’s hard to explain but it creates a sense of mystery in me and seems to transport me to a different space and time.

If you could make a wish for the future – what are developments in music you would like to see and hear?

I would like to see music continue to value quality and uniqueness and not just  follow current trends.

I also hope that it will continue to be a source of emotional connection and inspiration for all people.ect, or simply are interested in, to answer these questions.