Spinning in the Name of: Jasmine Azarian

You're from Dublin but relocated to Berlin years ago after studying in England. Was this move essentially motivated by music?

Yes definitely. When I was playing in Dublin I felt there wasn't much of a techno scene at the time and wasn't much room for growth. Even in Brighton I had the same problems so Berlin was the obvious choice at the time. Living in Berlin played a crucial part in the birth of MOTZ and also my own music career as there's more opportunities and like-minded people.

You've been releasing tracks since 2016. When did you decide to turn to producing and with which software and/or set up?

I learnt how to DJ and produce around same time actually, that was six years ago. It takes a while to get comfortable with your own sound and it's always difficult putting your own stuff out there so I waited until I felt happy with my productions. I mostly use software and a midi keyboard, I would like to use more hardware but it's so bloody expensive. Someday I hope to have loads of gear, that's the dream!

What was the creative process like behind your first EP Egalitarian - released on JoeyFarr's revered imprint UX? How did that come about?

The theme behind Egalitarian is equality, everything I do in music is to advocate equality within the industry. I've faced my own challenges so I've really channeled this energy into the EP. I'm just a bit cringed that Egalitarian rhymes with my name ha, I didn't think of it until I saw the artwork but I guess it works. Joe approached me for a remix 2 years ago and liked it so we did the EP.

You founded the magazine and label MOTZ just over three years ago, which puts on high flying parties across Europe and releases tracks from growing techno sensations such as Nico Moreno. I guess you're delighted? What do you envision for the collective in the near and long term future?

I didn't think when I created MOTZ would take off in the way that it did so yeah really grateful for the base we have and the girls. We have very spicy plans in store for MOTZ this year. We have a big release for the label so more info on that will be out soon. We have an event coming up in March in London with Remco Beekwilder so that's all I can disclose for the time being!

What other projects do you have in the pipeline for 2020?  I guess you're going to hop on some great festivals slots?

I got an Asia/Australia tour later in the year which should be deadly! Can't disclose what festivals I'm doing just yet but festival highlights have been Dimensions Festival in Croatia in the Summer, sharing a stage with Nina Kraviz and Jeff Mills was insane. Playing at the Rave in the Woods at Electric Picnic was also a crazy opportunity as this is where I had an epiphany to become a DJ!