Name: Victoria De Angelis
Nationality: Italian
Occupation: Bassist, songwriter, DJ
Current release: Victoria De Angelis's debut solo single “GET UP BITCH! shake ya ass,” featuring Anitta is out via Epic.

If you enjoyed this Victoria De Angelis interview and would like to stay up to date with her music and current live dates, visit her official homepage. She is also on Instagram, tiktok, and twitter.  



What's your personal history with club music and what were some of the transformative tracks and experiences?

I've always had a passion for club music since my teenage years. I used to go to a lot of different parties and listen to different genres, but I think the first time I visited Berlin was when I truly fell in love with club culture.

Not only because of the immersive sounds and incredible DJs, but the freedom, acceptance and sense of community I felt in those spaces, were unlike anything I had experienced before.

That had such a big impact on how I perceived dance music - the way it brings people together in such a profound way, bringing a sense of belonging that extended beyond the dancefloor.

Which DJs impressed you personally – and what impressed you about them?

I think one of the most inspiring sets I've ever heard was from Slim Soledad.

Her sound aligns a lot with what I enjoy playing. I loved how she blends different genres seamlessly, combining bouncy, sexy elements with more aggressive techno grooves, and Brazilian baile funk which I really love.

The way she mixes vocals with unexpected, crazy moments created a dynamic experience that kept the energy high and the crowd engaged. Those bold transitions opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities within electronic music and pushed me more to also explore, and mix, different types of music.

Another set I really loved was from Talismann at The Basement in New York. Even though his style is quite different from my own, his set really had me in a trance.

I was really captivated by how he built the energy through the night, taking everyone on a musical journey and the way he kept building tension and releasing and guiding the audience through so many different sonic landscapes, while keeping them engaged.

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

I agree, that age, especially in music, was such a big and defining part of who I was. I was just more into rock ‘n’ roll at that time, and I was playing bass or guitar in many different little bands.

The part I loved the most was creating something that was mine, writing my own music, and developing a stage persona. It felt like a form of bold self-expression. Especially as a young girl it really allowed me to be myself in a more crazy form.

For me, music has always represented freedom and self expression and growing up I discovered that in other genres as well, particularly electronic music. The thrill of creating something new still resonates, but now it combines the raw energy of rock with the immersive experience of electronics, allowing me to connect with others in different ways.

Many electronic music producers told me that their favourite music during their teen years was Nirvana and Metal. How do you see the relation between rock and dance – what do they have in common, what can you express with one which you can't with the other?

I believe both rock and dance music share a raw and powerful energy, at their core, both genres aim to evoke strong emotions and create an immersive experience. The engagement with the crowd is essential in both styles, whether it’s a rock band connecting with a crowd or a DJ reading the room to keep the energy flowing - that interaction is essential

One way they are similar is through the use of rhythm and dynamics. Rock music is made by guitar riffs and driving drum patterns, and dance music also uses beats and bass lines to build a hypnotic groove that can keep people moving for hours. I think the main difference is that in rock music you can explore different themes also through lyrics and vocal delivery.

Dance music, on the other hand, can transcend narrative and create an experience focused more on rhythm and movement. The physicality of the music can create a sense of unity and freedom bringing people to loose themselves on the dance floor.

In the end, I think it’s the energy and connection to the crowd that unites them.

When did you start getting more serious about DJing and how would you describe the process of working on your skills? What drew you to DJing?

I started getting more serious about DJing after years of experiencing the energy of the nights out at clubs, and listening to insane sets from different DJs, which inspired me a lot. I wanted to be the one creating that vibe and energy, shaping the atmosphere of the venue, and I had a few friends in the DJ community that really taught me a lot.

Since I began, I've been really committed and I've been spending so many hours practicing, diving deep into this new journey. I really wanted to make sure my technical skills were on point. I love finding out new techniques, playing, and discovering new ways to mix.

DJs do have a lot of technology at their disposal, but at the same time, you have nothing but turntables and music. I'd be curious about whether you miss holding the bass in your hands during a DJ gig – and whether DJing feels more “naked” and “exposed” to you in a way than playing live with a band?
 
For sure, in the beginning, it definitely felt strange stepping on stage without an instrument. I really did feel more exposed and "naked." With the band we are 4 which creates a sense of support, and it's easier to share the pressure and attention.  But while DJing, it's all on me, and that was a bit frightening at first, of course.

But as I gained more experience and confidence through performing more gigs, I started to feel much more comfortable. Now, I really just focus on having fun. I let myself get lost in the music and dance like a raver in the crowd. it’s about connecting with the audience and enjoying the moment.


Victoria De Angelis Interview Image (c) the artist

Some wish for a time when “DJs are just DJs” again. What do you think your background as a bassist and songwriter brings to the table when it comes to producing and DJing club music?

I find it a bit narrow-minded to engage in discussions that pit different roles in music against each other. I think music is beautiful because it’s accessible to everyone, and it allows people to express themselves in countless different ways.

Personally I think my background as a bassist and songwriter enriches my work as a producer and DJ. Not coming only from this background I think I have a very free approach to it, that allows me to explore different soundscapes and mix different genres in a way that doesn’t have to follow any rules or schemes. I think Instead of trying to put others down, we should celebrate the creativity that comes from various backgrounds. If someone doesn’t resonate with a particular style or artist, they can simply choose to avoid that music.

I don’t want to fit into a specific box or seek validation from purists. What excites me is the freedom to experiment and innovate, creating something that’s unique and original.

In the end, for me it all comes back to the joy of making music, having fun and sharing that experience with others. That's what truly matters to me.

When you're playing live with Måneskin, you're playing your own songs. When you're DJing, you're spinning other people's records in a personal way. How do these two experiences compare?

I think that's the biggest difference for me. When I'm DJing, I love the fact that I can discover new records every single day, it keeps things exciting and never repetitive. Each set is completely different and I can improvise based on the energy from the crowd. It's a dynamic experience, you still create your own sound but not only by making your own music but also in the way you mix and select tracks.

With the band, since you almost play the same set every night. I think the majority of the energy comes from the connection and engagement with the crowd, while in DJing, not knowing what you are gonna play, you can even surprise yourself. Digging for new music is one of my favorite parts of the job!

I’m always discovering new producers and genres and that constant exploration is my favorite part. I love when you find a new amazing track and can’t wait to bring it into a live setting and share that excitement with the audience.

Your performance with Partiboi69 is contageous, over the top and hillarious. How did you hook up with him and what was the collaboration like?

I love so much playing with him. I think we really have a special connection! Initially, we were just talking on instagram and the first time we met was when I opened up for his gig in Leeds. The next day we filmed our set for the stingzone and since the first moment, it was so spontaneous and fun. He’s so amazing, talented, and brings such a vibrant energy on stage and behind.

We didn't plan anything in detail, everything was improvised. We really enjoyed the moment and fed off each other's vibes. We had a lot of similar nuances in our sound, so it felt like a perfect match. It’s all about having fun and the excitement of the music for us, and I think the audience can really tell!

Collaboration, as in yours with Partiboi69, is still rare in DJing, but it seems to have been quite natural for you. Tell me about your own views on back-to-back DJing, and turning DJing into a more collective process.

For me there's something really special about collaborating in music in general. I think that sharing such a unique emotional journey really creates a special bond between people. I thrive on learning from others and the energy that comes from creating something cool together.

In b2b sets especially, each DJ has their own sound and style and it’s really inspiring to blend those different influences. It’s all about weaving our sounds into something unique that we could never have created alone. Also you can really hype each other up and have so much fun, it almost feels as you are partying with a friend.

Sometimes you create a connection where it feels like it’s only you two in the room, and it’s so exciting to see the other’s reactions, to surprise each other playing something completely unexpected, or feeling the excitement when a track you didn’t know goes perfectly with the one you are playing.

In my experience, I've really felt the sense of community in DJ culture, everyone I've worked with has been so sweet and open. I think it’s really important  to support each other rather than competing against one another, collaboration transforms the process into a shared experience, making the music even more powerful.