Alongside her remarkable contribution to the series, we sat down with CARMEN LISA who shared her thoughts about her career, inspirations & aspirations!
- Hi Carmen, we are glad to host you on Paradox. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Born in Friesland, I bring a grounded mentality that’s always a part of me, even now that I live in Amsterdam. I never forget where I come from, and I embrace that heritage as a guiding influence in my music and career. Since starting my journey as a DJ in 2018, I’ve had the privilege of performing at iconic festivals like Awakenings, Tomorrowland, Loveland, 909, and Extrema, as well as renowned clubs including Radion in Amsterdam, Perron in Rotterdam, Tresor in Berlin, and even venues in Mexico.
In 2019, I co-founded RIOT with Celine Moes and Myrthe Wieringa—a collective built to elevate women in electronic music by creating visibility and fostering community within the scene. We’ve connected female artists through events, a tour in China, and stage hostings at festivals like In Retraite, Paradigm in Groningen, and PIP in The Hague.
My style is all about delivering a true techno sound with atmospheric textures, rolling basslines, and an unmistakable sense of storytelling. My sets bring an unavoidable, uplifting yet atmospheric energy, reviving femininity within the techno sound. For me, each performance is a chance to connect with the crowd on an emotional level, making every set a memorable journey for everyone on the dance floor.
- What have brought you to the Techno world?
As a young girl, I was already drawn to electronic music—a love I inherited from my parents. They introduced my brother and me to festivals as teenagers, immersing us in the scene early on. I also had friends who were DJs, so I’d often tag along and watch them play, getting a feel for the craft. Eventually, I felt inspired to dive in myself. I started practicing during the day at a club in Leeuwarden, where I’m from, and soon began arranging bookings on my own.
Techno has always been more than just music to me; it’s a way to tell my story and reflect on life experiences. Through it, I can connect with like-minded people and foster a sense of shared consciousness on the dance floor. That deeper connection was what truly pulled me into techno when I was just 15, and it’s also what motivated me to become one of the first female artists representing the northern Netherlands in the scene.
- How would you describe your current musical universe?
I’d describe my musical universe as an evolving exploration of deep, atmospheric techno with a raw, emotional core. I’m drawn to creating soundscapes that feel almost cinematic—layered textures, rolling basslines, and rhythms that pulse with an energy that’s both intense and introspective. My music is a space for contrast: it’s uplifting yet shadowed, driving yet contemplative.
Each set is crafted to bring the listener into a shared journey, where the music speaks to our inner experiences and lets us lose ourselves in a collective consciousness. There’s a certain femininity I embrace in my sound, something soulful that I think balances the genre’s powerful edge. Right now, I’m all about shaping sets that inspire a sense of wonder, connection, and freedom, inviting people to connect not only with the beat but with each other and their own stories. It’s less about rigid boundaries and more about inviting people into an emotional, vibrant universe where they can feel truly alive.
- Amsterdam is for sure a must visit spot in the Techno circuit. Any special venues you would recommend there?
Amsterdam is definitely a highlight on the techno map! One spot I’d recommend is Lofi. It’s one of those rare places where you can truly be yourself—no cameras allowed since they put stickers over your phone lens, which makes everyone more present in the moment. The sound system is incredible, and the crowd it attracts really embodies the energy you want at a techno event. I love that you can stand both behind and beside the DJ booth, creating a strong connection between the DJ and the audience.
Radion is another favorite. It has that amazing, intimate layout where you can move freely around the club, and the sound system is top-notch. Playing there feels like coming home—it’s a space where you can feel the crowd’s energy as if you’re one with them.
Beyond venues, I’d also highlight organizations like Awakenings and Loveland/909. They bring a family-like vibe to every festival, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels connected and welcome. It’s this sense of belonging and unity that makes Amsterdam such a special place for techno.
- A few weeks ago, you had a special b2b gig with Myra at ADE. Can you tell us a bit more about this collaboration?
Our back-to-back set at ADE was true synergy. We had a simple approach: we’d go 1-on-1, alternating every track, and let the energy take us wherever it wanted to go. This flow allowed us to experiment and layer sounds, creating fresh combinations that surprised even us. At one point, I’d ask Myra if I could ‘pull a bunny out of the hat’—a Dutch saying for pulling off something unexpected—by playing a track to shift the energy, which added a playful dynamic to the set. We shared laughs and a great time, and that vibe really connected with the crowd, making it a memorable experience for everyone.
- We guess every gig is special, but where was the most exciting connection with the crowd in the last couple of years?
Every gig has its unique magic, but my set at Sziget Festival for Awakenings in Budapest, Hungary, stands out as a truly unforgettable experience. I had the opening slot of the night program, and having my parents, best friend, and the whole Awakenings crew there made it extra special. Even before I began, the stage was filling up with hundreds of people chanting my name. Within ten minutes of starting, the entire tent was packed with around 6,000 ravers feeding me the most electrifying energy I’ve ever felt on stage.
There was an incredible moment when I spotted a girl in the crowd holding up a Frisian flag—it was surreal and made me feel both welcomed and recognized. It was also heartwarming to see familiar Dutch faces in Budapest who had come specifically to hear my set. The days leading up to the gig, I explored Budapest, and people would recognize me in the city, sharing their excitement about my set. The whole experience was so full of connection, support, and unforgettable energy. I’ll carry those memories with me for a long time.
- Do you think that there is a positive evolution in female artist’s visibility in the techno scene?
I definitely see a positive evolution in the visibility of female artists in the techno scene. More women are being featured on line-ups, and we’re even seeing (almost) all-female line-ups at events. However, there’s still a lot of ground to cover behind the scenes. We need more female bookers, organizers, managers, and directors to truly balance representation and influence.
With more women in these roles, we’d also see a shift in the way we collaborate and interact, bringing a more feminine energy to the industry—one that emphasizes collaboration over competition and values authenticity. This isn’t just beneficial for the electronic music industry; it’s a shift that could positively impact many other fields as well. Embracing this change could lead to more cooperative, inclusive, and creative environments across the board.
- What new artists/labels would you recommend to check out at the moment?
I’ve been really into the label Mutual Rytm lately, curated by DJ SHDW. Their releases consistently deliver a groovy, rolling, and forward-driving sound that’s still atmospheric. It’s the kind of music that works perfectly on big festival stages as well as in club settings.
As for artists, I’m a huge fan of DJ Red from Italy. She’s not exactly new, but every time I see her perform, I’m amazed at how she maintains such high energy with true techno, all while seamlessly playing vinyl. Her sets are a masterclass in keeping the crowd engaged and moving.
- As a DJ, you must come across loads of promos. What do you think about the current production in the techno circuits? Is there enough sense of creativity or innovation according to you?
There’s definitely a lot of music circulating in the techno scene, but I do feel that much of it can start to sound the same. For me, the ideal track strikes a balance between a solid club vibe and a festival-ready energy—a proper techno foundation but still layered with an atmospheric quality. Finding tracks that hit that sweet spot isn’t easy, and it’s what I’m always on the lookout for in promos. I appreciate when producers manage to bring something fresh and nuanced to their sound, as it’s that creative balance that makes a track memorable on both a dancefloor and a bigger stage.
- How did you record the podcast for Paradox ? Can you pick a record from the mix and tell us why you like it or how you found it ?
I recorded the podcast at home on my own setup. Luckily, I have great sound isolation, so I can turn up the volume without disturbing my neighbors—definitely a bonus! Being able to immerse myself fully in the music helped me get into a hypnotic state while recording, which is something I love bringing into my sets.
One track I chose for this mix was ‘Where the Tunnel Ends’ by Flug. This track captures exactly the sound I’m drawn to—it tells a story through its atmosphere while maintaining a driving force that keeps you curious about what’s coming next. I found it on SoundCloud when I was searching for similar tracks, and I fell in love with it instantly. It perfectly reflects the balance I aim for: atmospheric, immersive, and powerful enough to carry a dance floor. Being able to weave tracks like this into the mix made the whole recording feel complete and true to my style.
- What are the European clubs or party concepts that you would like to perform at?
One of the top places on my list is Stone Festival by The Third Room in Essen, Germany. It’s an incredible location with some of the best sound systems, which really lets techno music come alive the way it’s meant to be heard. The crowd there is filled with true lovers of the genre, making it a perfect setting for a deep, immersive experience.
A concept I’d absolutely love to be a part of is Awakenings at Monegros Festival in the desert of Spain. The idea of playing in such a raw, open space with Awakenings’ incredible production in the middle of the desert is a dream—there’s something so powerful about techno in that kind of setting.
Another festival high on my list is Monument Festival in Norway. I’d love the opportunity to explore my deeper, more ambient techno side in such a unique environment. Monument’s focus on atmospheric sounds and immersive experiences resonates with me, and it would be amazing to bring my style to that kind of stage.
I’d also love to perform more internationally, sharing my story and sound across different countries and cultures, and even continents. There’s something truly inspiring about connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures through music—it’s one of my main goals as an artist and a journey I’m excited to keep exploring.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
In the future, you can expect a lot of exciting projects from me! I’m working on releasing my own tracks, covering both driving and deep techno. I’m also planning my first all-night-long set, where I can take the crowd through a full journey of my sound. International tours are on the horizon, and I’m aiming for later timeslots at the festivals I’ve played, to fully capture that peak energy.
I’m also exploring collaborations in fashion, sharing my personal style with others. DJ masterclasses are in the works, as I hope to inspire other women to believe in themselves and pursue their passions in music. And incorporating vinyl into my sets is something I’m looking forward to, adding a unique, tactile element to my performances. My goal is to make a lasting mark on the scene with music that’s full of emotion yet keeps the crowd moving!
Thanks a lot Carmen, we hope to see you very soon somewhere, keep the good vibe on!
Love and respect