- Sleek electro and techno from one of Berghain's new wave.
- Being named a resident at Berghain is an unattainable dream for so many DJs, but for Sedef Adasi, it happened naturally. The Turkish producer grew up in the mid-sized Bavarian city of Augsburg, where a lack of spaces she felt comfortable with—she's mentioned DJing in shoe stores—led her to start her own party, HAMAM Nights. From there she made her name with a vibrant, diverse sound that encompasses breaks, electro, techno and more, with soft-focus melodies and plenty of hooks. She's one of the first residents at the legendary club to truly reflect the glorious cross-pollination of dance music styles in the '10s, when techno absorbed ideas from dubstep, garage and more.
Adasi represents both floors of that club, and you could imagine this RA Podcast going down in either room, but of course, she exists outside that club's narrative too. What you'll hear here is a cutting-edge and dynamic blend of electro and Latin techno—with two tracks from 2022 MVP Nick León—mixed with grace and finesse. Her sound is immediately approachable, well-paced and full of catchy moments and breakdowns. Listen and find out.
What have you been up to recently?
What haven't I been up to? It's been a very very busy time with touring, working on my projects, going to the studio and also living my humble little small town life in Augsburg and enjoying it (when I can).
How and where was the mix recorded, and can you tell us the idea behind the mix?
It was recorded in my living room, on a nice sunny afternoon. It was the perfect vibe to create a mix of a more organic nature rather than over analyzing a particular direction to go for. Pretty much what I do when I play shows, making spontaneous decisions which often turn out to be the best picks anyway. And of course some of my favorite ones—currents and goldies.
What's one club, venue or party that had the most impact on you as a DJ and producer?
I'd say Schwarzes Schaf and City Club in Augsburg shaped and influenced me the most before I stepped out into the world and started to experience other cities and venues. Overall, there's been a story and experience of clubs and parties no matter where, which have done the impact. Some positive, some not so like anything—especially in life.
You started out doing a party called HAMAM Nights in Augsburg. What was the idea behind the event, and what was Augsburg like then scene-wise?
Augsburg is small town vibes through and through. Therefore, it was lacking very interesting or exciting parties, especially more queer-oriented or those spaces I would want to go or see myself in. When I would DJ in the already existing venues as known, I never really felt exhilarated by the environment, let alone felt "part of." So that's why I always envisioned the possibility that one day I will create a space and party of my own that I can be absolutely in love with and make others fall into this kind of love as well.
Of course in the beginning, taking the first real steps wasn't so dreamy, and at times even frightening, because while I knew what I wanted to create, I didn't know much, if anything, about how to build a party from zero, run it or book artists, etc. I gave myself the push however to go for it and was keen enough to give it a try and it turned out to be a super interesting experience and fun task to put on the promoter's hat. I've learned so much from that which helps me in many other ways of understanding the work behind everything. With creating HAMAM I also realized how important and life changing a dance floor and the experience—no matter which—there can and should be, especially for cities and communities that aren't so big.
You're now a resident at the world's most famous nightclub. Do you feel like you have to adjust your sound or style when you play there, or are you free to be yourself?
No, not at all. I think what brings artists and DJs to these places is originality and authenticity that you have been recognized for in the first place. So why stop or change once you make it to these spaces? While there is room for shaping and growing in sound, I think sticking to what feels and comes most naturally to you is the way to go. At least mine. If I were not able or given total freedom to be myself, no place in this world is themselves either. A formula that wouldn't work for me. With my sets, I'd like to go on a trip, a journey, where the destination is unknown but felt in many ways and expressed with different styles I play.
How do you see yourself fitting into the Pbar/Berghain dichotomy?
While there might be a partition in space, sound is exactly the opposite. It travels everywhere. My music does the same. It travels upstairs and downstairs and everywhere in between. No experience is ever the same or better or worse. I am very lucky to have been playing both floors and I wouldn't change it for a thing because I have never been a fit anyways.
What are you looking forward to in the near future?
2023 is already looking really exciting for so many fantastic reasons. One of them is a long time dream of mine: an extended tour overseas. Also I have been back in my studio to work on my second EP which I am as equally as excited about. Last (but not least) something VERY SPECIAL is happening with HAMAM Nights I cannot wait to share it with the world and all my Habibtis very soon.?
TracklistMolen - Quantum Parallel
Reptant - Organizm Mechanizm
Paul Blackford - Super Creep
Post Play - Tell Me I'm Crazy
Raving Overdose Productions - Love in Paradise
Edvvin - Wood Wood
Kosh - Night Chase On Acid
RBxBF_DaysOfInnocence_BlissIncRemix_JM unreleased track
Vitess - AB Road
BASHKKA - ACTBAD unreleased track
Daddy Yankee - Machucando (Nick León Bubbling Mix)
Bitter Babe & Nick Leon - Delirio
Club Cab - What I Want (Original Mix)
Paul Blackford - Cloaking Device
Lamp XD - OG Don