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The electronic music scene is constantly evolving, with new talents emerging and pushing the boundaries of sound and performance.
Today, we’re pleased to introduce Ornella , a hard techno DJ and producer who has quickly established herself on the international scene.
Since her debut in 2019, Ornella has captivated audiences with her unique style, powerful performances, and unwavering passion for electronic music.
Ornella began her musical journey in Lisbon, where she played at her first event alongside such greats as Sam Paganini.
Since then, she has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals, including Brunch Electronik in Lisbon, Sound Waves Festival, Blackworks in New York, and Verknipt in Portugal.
She is now preparing to make her mark at her next event in France, the LA SAINTE festival in Montpellier, organized by Origins Techno Festival.
In this exclusive interview, Ornella shares her journey, her inspirations, and her vision of hard techno music.
Find out how she forged her style, her advice for young artists, and what motivates this talented DJ to keep pushing the boundaries of her art.
Interview with Ornella Techno Mag : Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your career, the highlights of your career and the origin of your stage name?
Ornella: I define myself as a humble and very dreamy person.
My career began in 2019, at the first event I played in Lisbon, organized by promoter LXMUSIC, where I opened for Sam Paganini.
Back then, I never thought I’d get to where I am today.
It was the result of a lot of hard work and commitment.
Over the past two years, I’ve played on dream stages like Brunch Electronik, Sound Waves Festival, Verknipt, Fabrik, Summer Story Festival, Blackworks New York, and had the opportunity to play at two all-night long shows.
When I decided to start playing, I didn’t have to invent much for my artist name.
My first name is Ornela, which is already quite different from common first names, so I decided to add an “L” to make it “Ornella”, to make it more artistic.
Techno Mag : How did you fall in love with electronic music, and what inspired you to become a DJ or producer?
Ornella: I fell in love with electronic music the first time I felt the power of a DJ set.
There’s something about the way music can completely dominate a space, creating a shared energy and connection between everyone present, that captivated me.
Everything seemed like a new world where it was possible to express emotions and ideas in a way that transcended words.
The moment I realized I wanted to be a DJ was at my first underground techno event.
The way the DJ controlled the atmosphere with such precision was something I’d never experienced before.
I knew then that this was the kind of music I wanted to be a part of.
Becoming a DJ and producer was a natural progression from that love.
I wanted to be behind the decks, creating those powerful moments and building a journey that could touch people both physically and emotionally.
I wanted to explore the depths of electronic music, especially the heavier, more intense styles, and bring my unique energy and perspective to the scene.
Techno Mag: How would you describe your musical style as a DJ/producer?
Ornella: I’m definitely a Hard Techno DJ and producer.
Techno Mag : Tell us about your creative process as a producer.
How do you approach the creation of a new track?
Ornella: My music-making process usually starts with a spark of inspiration, which can be anything from a particular sound, a rhythm or even a mood I want to capture.
I often start by experimenting with different kick and bass patterns, as they form the basis of my tracks.
For me, it’s crucial to establish a powerful, driving rhythm.
Once I’ve laid the foundations of the groove, I start adding other elements.
I like to work with distorted sounds and industrial textures to create a dark, gritty atmosphere.
As the track evolves, I focus on the arrangement, making sure there’s a good balance between tension and release.
I aim to keep the energy level high, with a few surprises to keep the listener interested.
I also believe that emotion plays a key role in my music.
Even though Hard Techno and Schranz are intense genres, I want my tracks to convey a sense of emotion, be it aggression, euphoria or something more introspective.
Techno Mag : What software, equipment or instruments do you use to produce your music?
Ornella: Only ABLETON LIVE.
Techno Mag: Your favorite DAW and the VSTs you recommend.
Ornella: My favorite DAW is Ableton Live.
For VSTs, I recommend: Serum, Diva, Rave Generator, Fabfilter.
Techno Mag: How do you set up your live performances?
Ornella: I only do DJ SET.
My setup consists of 3 CDJs 2000nxs2 or 3000 and a Xone 96.
Techno Mag : What advice would you give to young artists wishing to enter the electronic music industry as DJ/producers?
Ornella: My advice to young artists is to stay true to your unique sound and vision.
The electronic music industry is vast and competitive, but what will set you apart is your authenticity and passion.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and push boundaries, even if it means going against the grain.
Patience and perseverance are also crucial.
Success doesn’t happen overnight, and there will be challenges along the way.
Keep honing your craft, whether it’s spending endless hours in the studio or playing small venues.
Every experience helps you grow, so embrace the journey and keep moving forward, even when things get tough.
Networking and building relationships within the industry are also essential.
Connect with other artists, attend events and don’t be afraid to share your work with the world.
At the same time, be open to criticism and always seek to improve your skills.
Passion and hard work are the foundations of any successful career.
Stay focused, stay humble and never lose sight of why you started in the first place: the love of music.
Techno Mag: What technical or artistic aspects do you think are important to focus on in order to progress as a DJ/producer?
Ornella: To progress as a DJ and producer, it’s essential to focus on technical skills as well as artistic vision.
On the technical side, mastering your tools is crucial.
This means becoming proficient with your DAW.
The more you know about your equipment and software, the more creative freedom you’ll have to bring your ideas to life.
Don’t hesitate to dive deep into learning the various synthesizers, effects and production techniques.
Another key technical aspect is your DJing skills.
This goes beyond simply mixing tracks, it’s about understanding how to read a crowd, build a set and create a journey that keeps the energy going.
Practice beatmatching, EQing, and transitions.
Authenticity is key: your music should reflect who you are and what you want to express.
It’s often by experimenting that you discover something truly original.
Always be open to learning and evolving.
Ornella is an artist who embodies the very essence of hard techno.
With a musical approach focused on authenticity, innovation and raw energy, she continues to captivate crowds and push the boundaries of the genre.
Her advice to young artists is a testament to her experience and passion for the electronic music industry.
As she prepares for her next performances, Ornella is undoubtedly an artist to keep an eye on.
To discover her universe, feel free to explore her latest tracks on Soundcloud and follow her on her social networks.
