SONOS CLUB : AANJAALIII
Through hypnotic and far-reaching selections, aanjaaliii opts for movement and dynamism that keeps you on your toes. Their sonic palette moves between driving momentum, textured atmospheres and vocal fantasies.
Beyond DJing, aanjaaliii co-organises a heady party called ~\\ LILITH //~ with ex.sses, and is a writer exploring queer club culture, having written their first book Club Commons: Moving Bodies to Grow Movements in Queer Nightlife & Beyond (Velocity Press) in 2026.
INTERVIEW
Is there a particular genre or sound you’re currently exploring or excited about?
What made you fall in love with DJing, and how has your approach evolved?
AANJAALIII: I fell in love with feeling like you could tell stories by weaving tracks together. My approach has become much more fluid and less rigid than when I first started as I became more comfortable behind the decks and in the music.
How do you craft a sound that feels personal while still connecting with a wider audience?
AANJAALIII: I think about context and setting quite a lot. Rather than connecting with a wider audience, I think about who is right in front of me and what the music I select can contribute to the energy in the room. I also enjoy wordplay by layering vocal-led tracks.
Are there any unexpected influences that have shaped your music selection or style?
AANJAALIII: The things that have influenced my music selection lately have not been music based. Spoken word, poetry, heavy breathing and sluggy, slimy textures have influenced the sounds I play.
Do you think electronic music is becoming more inclusive? What progress do you hope to see?
How do you keep your sets fresh and unpredictable?
AANJAALIII: I try to play music I haven’t played out before in every set.
Do you prefer to plan your sets in advance or go with the flow based on the crowd?
AANJAALIII: A bit of both. I’m a Virgo so I like planning, but a recent flurry of wonderful b2bs with friends has been challenging my inner control freak (in the most beautiful way!)
The life of a DJ can be demanding. How do you maintain balance and take care of your mental health?
AANJAALIII: Movement – whether dance or yoga – is a huge part of me staying grounded. I try to practice yoga or meditation on the day that I DJ. I don’t always manage but when I do it helps stay present in a noisy environment and allow me to enjoy that part of a night out.
When you’re feeling stuck creatively, what helps you regain your flow and inspiration?
AANJAALIII: Dreaming about a shared future with friends is always inspiring to me, as well as experiencing their artwork and music, and also stopping to smell the roses (literally). Also - gay poetry.
How do you see yourself within the music scene and the world at large what impact do you hope to have?
AANJAALIII: I feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by talented and creative people – people I learn a lot from. They remind me to dream big, and contribute my skills to making our corner of the little music/ club world a little better. I’ve attempted to do so through writing and organising parties in ways that feels more transparent and equitable, even in small, tiny ways.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
AANJAALIII: Have other work to sustain oneself financially, so you can fuck around creatively without the financial pressure of needing to be ‘successful’. This has made me so much happier – some things are too precious to professionalise completely
Outside of DJing, do you have any creative or personal projects you’re passionate about?
What do you think DJs can do to push the scene forward in a more meaningful way?
AANJAALIII: Organise as workers. Join unions. Leverage their visibility to work in solidarity with the behind the scenes/ less visible roles in nightlife. Don’t break boycotts or cross picket lines.
What’s a festival, venue, or country you dream of performing in, and why?
AANJAALIII: I have had the absolute joy of playing in some really fantastical locations. Abandoned sea towers, bathrooms, underground reservoirs, bunkers, forests (thank you to the free party crews!). I would love to play by the sea one day, or in a cave.
SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.
