Name: lisa tba
Occupation: producer, DJ
Nationality: German
Recent release: lisa tba is one of the artists featured on the new compilation BLVSH VA003: Illusion(s), available via BLVSH Berlin.

If you enjoyed this lisa tba interview and would like to know more about her music, visit her on Instagram, and Soundcloud.

Many musicians I am talking to at the moment feel somewhat disillusioned about the impact, meaning, and value of their work. Feel free to vent some of your own frustrations and/or disappointments – as well, if possible, something that you recently experienced (or a thought that you had) that might give hope to other creatives.

I wish social media would be less of a skill and area that you have to be able to understand and manage when it’s about being a producer/ DJ/ artist.

I also feel sometimes a lot pressure in networking, talking to the right people, getting liked from certain people in order to get gigs and such – it’s not always like that but the scene does sometimes have these tendencies.

If, for a moment, we forget about streaming numbers, target audiences, social media followers, and sales - why are you drawn to sound and music as a creator and listener? What is it that you give and receive through it?

Either when exploring producing sound, playing a DJ set or listening to music - whether it’s a deep bassline, a delicate synth melody, or an evolving percussive texture - it can mean an escape, joy, or a space to connect on the dancefloor and feel understood for me.

In how far can music be considered "essential" for humans?

I guess music can be considered "essential" for humans in several ways, depending on how we define "essential." While it may not be a biological necessity like food or water, its deep connection to human emotions, culture, and cognition makes it fundamental to us.

First of all I think, that it has psychological impact on our wellbeing. Listening to and creating music calms me down, motivates me and it provides stress relief, and emotional expression.

Secondly, music is a universal form of communication, present in every known human society. To me, shared musical experiences like dancing or creating music together, foster a sense of belonging and community.

What artists, albums, performances, or even aesthetics and philosophies are inspiring to your life in and beyond music right now and in which way? Have there been songs, albums, performances, and artists that changed / influenced your life?

This is such a big question. But SOPHIE, the music performer, songwriter and DJ who died way too early definitely keeps inspiring me – no matter if it’s their music, dance style, experimental sound design … I love it!

Tell me about some of the feedback you've received from listeners about how your work has impacted them.

They have a good time, the music shakes off a lot of stress and makes them smile!

What are some of the goals and ambitions you have for your music?

Playing a vinyl only set in a club.

Releasing an EP on Mutual Rhythm – so many artists whose music I play have released with them. I love that label!

What are some of the non-musical topics and causes you feel strongly about? Do you keep them separate from or try to connect them to your creative work?

I am actively involved in social movements and connected to the left activist scene in Berlin, supporting causes such as migrant solidarity and feminist struggles.

I integrate these commitments into my creative work by organizing solidarity parties to raise funds for these causes. Additionally, I often perform at fundraiser events, where I either receive no fee or only a small one, using my music as a tool for activism and community support.