SONOS CLUB : DRIA
Portugal-born, London-based DJ making serious waves with her high-energy sets and groove-heavy sound. Blending tech house, Latin house, and deep house, she’s known for vibrant, feel-good selections that ignite dancefloors. Having recently made her Ibiza debut and played across London’s thriving house scene, she’s a rising star with undeniable presence behind the decks.
INTERVIEW
What made you fall in love with DJing, and how has your approach evolved?
DRIA: I fell in love with DJing because of how powerful music felt in my own life and from being a raver on the dance floor my self, it was always the one thing that could shift my mood instantly and make me feel understood without words. When I realized I could be the person creating that feeling for other people, everything changed.
At the start, my focus was very technical, learning to mix, building confidence, and understanding structure. Now my approach is much more about reading energy, trusting my taste, and creating a journey rather than just playing tracks. I’m more intentional with my selections and focused on how the room feels, not just how the mix sounds.
How do you craft a sound that feels personal while still connecting with a wider audience?
DRIA: I focus on playing music that I genuinely love, not just what’s popular or what everyone else is playing. There’s always a bit of a gamble in that, because you never really know how people are going to react, but every single time, they do feel it. I get so much love from introducing people to different sounds than what they’re used to, and that’s what’s given me the confidence to truly be myself behind the decks.
Are there any unexpected influences that have shaped your music selection or style?
DRIA: So many, honestly. Before I started DJing, I had no idea there were so many different sides to house music — that completely opened my mind and shaped my sound. One unexpected influence for me has definitely been the Ibiza and Latin sound. With my Portuguese roots, it just feels like a really natural fit and something I connect to deeply
Do you prefer to plan your sets in advance or go with the flow based on the crowd?
DRIA: When I first started, I never used to plan my sets I’d just go with the flow. But now I find that having at least part of my set planned takes so much pressure off when I’m performing. It gives me more time to actually vibe with the crowd instead of constantly flicking through tracks. I do prefer to plan ahead, even if it’s just the first few songs. However sometimes what i might have planned might not be the vibe, so i always leave room to adapt.
What’s a recent musical discovery that has excited or influenced you?
DRIA: Lately I’ve been really excited by discovering more underground producers and unreleased edits ,those tracks that instantly hit but nobody in the room recognises yet. Finding that kind of music keeps me inspired because it reminds me why I love DJing in the first place ,that feeling of sharing something fresh and watching it connect with people in real time.
The life of a DJ can be demanding. How do you maintain balance and take care of your mental health?
DRIA: The balance can definitely be tough. I work full time and I also have two beautiful little boys, so life can get very hectic at times. Because of that, self-care has become non-negotiable for me. I’m really big on looking after my body and staying consistent with practices like meditation and yoga, and honestly, that’s been a complete game changer.
Making sure I’m taking care of myself mentally and physically has never been as important as it is now. When I’m grounded, everything else flows better, in life and behind the decks.
When you’re feeling stuck creatively, what helps you regain your flow and inspiration?
DRIA: Creative blocks are real sometimes, and they can be so frustrating when all you want to do is create and be your best self. For me, when that happens it usually means I’m overloaded and just need a moment to breathe. I try to quiet some of the noise in my life. I ’ll delete social media for as long as I need and really lean into my self-care and personal practices. After a few days of that, my creativity always finds its way back and the inspiration starts flowing again.
How do you see yourself within the music scene and the world at large what impact do you hope to have?
DRIA:I see myself bringing a different kind of energy to the scene ,not sticking to just one lane of house, but exploring different styles of tech and blending them together in a way that creates a journey people won’t forget. I want my sets to feel like an experience, not just a playlist.
On a wider level, my hope is simply to spread love and good energy through music and bring people together to dance. At the end of the day, house music is a universal language, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, everyone understands it on the dancefloor.
How do you think electronic music culture is evolving in terms of inclusivity and diversity?
DRIA: I think electronic music culture is moving in a really positive direction when it comes to inclusivity and diversity. There’s more space now for different voices and backgrounds, and it feels more about authenticity and community than fitting into a mould. There’s still work to do, but the progress is definitely real.
What do you think DJs can do to push the scene forward in a more meaningful way?
DRIA: I think one of the most meaningful things DJs can do to push the scene forward is to take more risks with their music and play different sounds. I see so many mainstream DJs all playing the same tracks because they’re what’s popular, and that leaves very little room for all the amazing, usually underground music to be heard. Creating space for those sounds is something the scene, and the industry as a whole, can definitely work on.
If you could curate your dream lineup for a festival or event, who would be on it?
DRIA:My dream lineup would of course include me and all the amazing DJ friends I’ve met through music along the way. But if we’re talking headliners, it would definitely have Goosey, Mandar, Moore, Jamie Jones, and Marco Carola. That combination of energy, groove, and journey would be unreal.
What’s a festival, venue, or country you dream of performing in, and why?
DRIA:A venue I truly dream of performing at is UNVRS. I went there this year and it honestly blew me away ,it’s one of the best venues I’ve ever experienced. The sound system in the main room was insane; you could hear everything so clearly even from the very back. The whole space just felt incredible. Playing there is definitely one of my biggest goals to manifest.
Outside of music, is there a passion project or creative goal you’d love to explore?
DRIA:Outside of music, I’m a mum first and foremost, so a lot of my passion goes into spending quality time with my little ones and creating memories with them. Alongside that, I’ve also been working on a self-reflection journal that I’m hoping to release next year. It’s filled with techniques I’ve used on my own healing journey, things that genuinely saved my life. I truly believe it could help a lot of people, and I’m really excited to share it when the time is right.
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.
