SONOS CLUB : LILIANA
Model, Videographer and DJ Miss Liliana, her first recorded DJ set and she shows us why she's booked n busy! Working between London and Paris, exploring the sounds of ghetto tech and bass while sprinkling in some Garage anthems. @lilianawolde for further bookings on ig!
INTERVIEW
What made you fall in love with DJing, and how has your approach evolved?
LILIANA: Honestly, the reactions from the crowds, it’s incredible DJing and everyone leaves sweating, having enjoyed the set and feeling euphoric! I don’t think my approach has evolved I just practice slightly more now lol.
How do you craft a sound that feels personal while still connecting with a wider audience?
LILIANA: You research. Listen to radio shows, SoundCloud deep dive, watch DJ sets, go to other people's sets. See what the crowd gets hyped to and if the song makes YOU feel something to add it to your set!
Are there any unexpected influences that have shaped your music selection or style?
LILIANA: I really didn’t think I’d be so influenced by ghetto tech and garage music – I thought techno and garage was far from my own personal taste. I think that’s because these genres are typically quite typecasted, but the influence and creators even run back to black people. Finding my own footing in it and trying to add to sets I feel helps slowly feed it back to diaspora as it’s been pushed and lost slightly!
How do you keep your sets fresh and unpredictable?
LILIANA: I like to add silly throwbacks like things you would have heard on the radio in 2015. A bit of nostalgia is always fun! Going out should always be silly never serious why are we acting serious in the CLUB HELLO?!
Do you prefer to plan your sets in advance or go with the flow based on the crowd?
LILIANA: Go with the flow, I always scan the crowd to see if they’re enjoying. #empath
What’s a recent musical discovery that has excited or influenced you?
LILIANA: DJ Assault. He is a Chicago DJ, super wicked, crazy adlibs and best genre, ghetto tech. I went to see him live he was MCing through his own set, old school Chicago style of MCing. I loved IT.
The life of a DJ can be demanding. How do you maintain balance and take care of your mental health?
LILIANA: If I’m getting paid, my mental is good.
When you’re feeling stuck creatively, what helps you regain your flow and inspiration?
LILIANA: Doing uncreative things, resting, taking time to check with myself and journalling. Reflecting helps me catch where I find creative energy from. Also, hanging out with my creative friends is always inspiring.
How do you see yourself within the music scene and the world at large what impact do you hope to have?
LILIANA: I am at the beginning of my journey within the music scene as I only started in April this year! I hope to impact the world by bringing people together through music and helping people realise partying should always be fun.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
LILIANA: You should always put happiness at the forefront of everything you commit to do creatively. Shoutout Shane!
How do you think electronic music culture is evolving in terms of inclusivity and diversity?
LILIANA: We are seeing more black DJs include electronic remixes, experimenting and artists evolving their sounds with genres like Alte, ghetto tech, Miami bass all becoming more common really helps push diversity within the scenes.
What do you think DJs can do to push the scene forward in a more meaningful way?
LILIANA: Rather than the DJs I think promoters and event organisers need to include more female, specifically POC female DJs in the line-up. I’ve rarely seen a female DJ not kill it so why aren’t there more being included in set lists.
If you could curate your dream lineup for a festival or event, who would be on it?
LILIANA: Beyonce, Beyonce, Beyonce.
What’s a festival, venue, or country you dream of performing in, and why?
LILIANA: Coachella. I want to wear a flower crown, lace poncho, and some chaps, maybe. Also, Gag City, cos I’m a barb don’t play with me. #pinkeveryday
Outside of music, is there a passion project or creative goal you’d love to explore?
LILIANA: Outside of music, I love fashion and videography, so creating fashion films are also a hobby of mine. I have made one already it’s on my YouTube [“Liliana Wolde”] I love having lots of different passions and will continue to pursue them all, life is about finding what brings you true joy, why not try everything while you can. – Liliana Wolde 2k25
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.
