DJ Agnes Elia #S010
We are back with another FTW story, this time with a woman who excels in the DJ world of our island and dreams of performing in inspiring locations and in international stages. Agnes Elia, is an artist, a DJ and much more.
It may seem cliché but the law of attraction or manifesting is a way of life for Agnes who is fighting for the opportunities she deserves in the DJ world while working. Agnes has managed to follow her dreams, dream more, while creating lasting memories in the process.
P.S. She is the only female DJ we personally know.
Agnes, tell us about your background and your introduction into the world of music.
In my grade school and high school years, I consistently stood out as a vocalist, often at school events. Additionally, I was an active member of the orchestra, mastering instruments like the xylophone, metallophone, flute, and drums. Throughout high school years, my passion for music flourished as I delved into classes for electric guitar, piano, drums, and vocal training.
Out of all these musical pursuits, the piano resonated with me the most, but despite my deep affection for the piano, in primary school I had to focus on 1 or 2 hobbies. Ultimately, volleyball and fashion captured my attention the most. So, I studied Fashion Design & Marketing and pursued my Fashion career as a stylist first. In Manila I won a Styling competition among really great bloggers, and became the Fashion Correspondent at Manila Fashion Week.Then after studies in Cyprus, I worked in multiple fashion editorial projects for local brands and as a Fashion Blogger with a fashion magazine.
It was music however, which stole my soul. I was 16 when my family took charge of the management of a Karaoke bar, trusting me in front of antiquated CDJ’s. That’s when I started my dj self-taught journey. My love for playing music, burning CDs (downloading music songs and copying them from PC to a blank CD, a very 90s procedure) and writing lyrics were my favorite hobbies! Then when I turned 17 I regularly played there after some months practicing. During that time, I hosted two Drum & Bass and Dubstep events. However, after that I had to focus on studying so I left Cyprus and started my traveling after I turned 18.
Over the years I continued to perform at my parents’ events and Karaoke Bar. My parents held prominent roles within the Filipino community, organizing various events where my twin and I showcased our talents in singing, dancing, and even DJing.
I should mention that my professional experience is also in Real Estate and I am currently working as Account Manager at a High Tech Company.
What is about music and/or sound that drew you to it and what or who inspired you?
Undoubtedly, the fact that my roots come from Cyprus, Greece, Spain and The Philippines, influenced my musical inspiration and direction. Also, my music was inspired from my diverse international traveling experiences as a Travel/Fashion blogger to 4 different continents. I have lived in 4 countries—Cyprus, Spain, the Philippines & China. I’ve been fortunate to immerse myself in multicultural musical aesthetics.
Being exposed to electronic music also significantly influenced my DJing when I found myself in Manila. There I connected with German DJs who were deeply in the (electronic) underground music scene. Reggae, Dub, Ska, and Dancehall community at B-Side Manila which left an indelible mark on me.
A substantial influence on my musical style was undoubtedly my parents during the 90s. My father, a devoted rock/metal enthusiast, introduced me to the world of House and Trance music and took me to bars playing these beats a few times. The skateboarding community of Cyprus also positively shaped me during my teenage years, when I was skating for about 4 years then it was studies and traveling.
End of the year 2020, I felt an irresistible pull back to music and started digging and digging more. The deeper I delved, the more I made contact with my inner self. Music, for me, has evolved into a source of healing, and is an integral part of my own existence. Not a day passes without my engagement with music, whether it’s the organization of my collection, the continuous refinement of my track list, absorbing sets, and of course my ultimate passion, mixing!
I find so much inspiration by going to listen my local favourite djs live, or like music events, like rock/reggae/jazz gigs, it really fulfils me. Nature, art exhibitions, fashion events, traveling even hiking! Lastly, books greatly inspire me…. especially when I write lyrics.
What kind of music genre do you listen to?
I listen to: Chillstep, Downtempo, Dubstep, EBM, IDM, Indie Rock, Jazz, some Reggae, Synthwave and various sub-genres of House. Genres I listen to and play also are: Acid House, Electronica, House, Indie Dance, Italo Disco, Minimal, Tech House and Techno with a twist of Breakbeats, Electro, Italo Disco and Nu Disco.
How would you describe your development in this industry and your own work as a DJ back from when you started until today?
The journey began alongside my twin in 2010, where we took the stage as The Malditas. At that time, we were probably the only female twin DJs on the island. That was something that nor the crowd not the bar owners/event organisers were ready for. It felt a bit intimidating for both of us, so we didn’t have a lot of gigs in Cyprus. However we played in many places such as: 7seas, Ithaki(lgbt nights), Rumours bar, Burlesque, as a duo we also had a residency at Alexandro’s Pub too, but my twin was more active at these gigs.
In Manila though in 2011, we had the opportunity to study a DJ course and to participate at successful gigs at big venues like Club Kyss in Fort Bonifacio. A highlight was our participation in an annual LGBT festival, what an experience !
Fast-forward to the present day with the help of the internet and social media my career developed faster than I thought it would. This summer was productive, creating music. It was a season marked by some good gigs, collaborations with international brands, and performances at new bars outside Nicosia.
As the winter season approaches, it’s already looking busy in our culturally vibrant capital! This journey has taught me that when you have a clear vision of your aspirations, the universe conspires to manifest every dream. I’m beyond grateful and ready for what comes next.
What was your first set-up as DJ like and has this evolved over the years?
My journey began with experimentation using CDs and CDJs. Today, I’m equipped with an impressive Serato console and a set of high-quality vintage speakers from the 90s. Looking ahead, a set of digital CDj’s would be amazing!
In addition to this, my fascination with vinyl records has been a constant thread since my teenage years. I was encouraged by fellow DJs to continue collecting! It’s an endeavor that resonated deeply with me ∙ my first purchase of vinyl’s was at the age of 18.
What did you learn about yourself throughout the years of performing?
At a certain point in my life, I experienced a sense of solitude as I physically digged into my musical passion. Sometimes you need to disconnect to connect with your spirit and inner self. It’s true that finding your purpose and passion requires disconnecting from external influences, even people, to explore your true desires. This applies not only to music but also to hobbies in general. The mission of self-discovery demands a period of solitude, during which you eventually attract like-minded souls who resonate with your journey. Over time you attract your tribe-and that’s the magic of the universe.
How male dominated is the music producing industry, particularly the DJ industry?
From a statistical standpoint, it’s surprising to note that just around 3% of global music production is attributed to women. This can be confusing considering that music schools are packed with female talents! Let’s not forget that the music production industry is dominated by men, but influenced and run by women (if that’s safe to say).
Do you know how many women perform as DJs n Cyprus?
In 2010 I only knew about 3. Now I know around 15. Including my twin sister.
What changes would you like to see in the DJ / producing industry?
I think it isn’t about the DJ and music industry, it’s about the people who shape and influence it. You can’t change people but to encourage each other to promote love, kindness, respect and compassion through music. But I definitely want to see more female talents to thrive. I also want to see more music produced by women. Most importantly I want to see more women organizing events and festivals. We should be given more opportunities to showcase our talents and we should be encouraged to do it. Everyone’s common mission should be to preserve the authenticity of the rave culture and keep its spirit alive for generations to come, and I think women -by their nature, have a different touch of approach on the preservation part.
What is your inspiration (if any) behind your selection of tracks, their order of playing and mixing , and how do you prepare before a gig?
Regarding the order of my music selection, I don’t have a plan , I feel the crowd’s vibe which influences my switch from one sub-genre of electronic music to another, just like that.. I follow that intuition and get lost in the rhythm with them.
If I have a lot of gigs ahead, or a long set I have the sets ready even a week before! For smaller gigs/shorter sets, minimum I want to set the set ready the day before or two.
Imagine you have a gig coming up tonight. What does your preparation look like?
I don’t like last minute preparation, that’s very rare depends if I’m overloaded with a lot of work. The goal is to have my set ready 1-2 days before, as during the gig other stuff may come up. I usually know which song to play first and last. I like to dress up for each event uniquely… I like to watch music and fashion integrating together it inspires me on a creative level. I keep my day and brain focused on my well-being… I tend to meditate and mentally prepare myself for a performance.
How important is the audience for you and how do you connect with it?
Very important, as an artist I value and love them all. The engagement of your crowd that follow your music evolution is unique. And sometimes getting cute reactions from them, like: ‘Oh I haven’t heard you playing this track’ or ‘the way you mixed it, this time is better’ . I love to observe reactions, movements while mixing∙ interacting while performing as a DJ is Art. Surprising them or catching the vibe, is symbolic connection of the artist and the audience. It’s an exchange of energy and emotions, and that’s life. But in order to feel that spike/sparkle, you have to be grounded, and constantly be in the present moment.
How important is receiving feedback after a gig you had?
Very important, I love listening to feedbacks, especially detailed ones. I seek them and we all need them to grow. Αll I want to do is to get better at every gig, every day. When it comes from experienced ears, I feel grateful as I’m also provided with valuable perspectives for my ongoing growth and creativity.
What advice would you give to your younger self and girls who may be reading this, about entering the world of music and Djing?
Key advices to aspiring artists is to take their time to identify their music style, collaborations and crowd. To be meticulous and strict with organizing their music. A lot of things in life will challenge you but you need to remain to your pure essence. Stay engaged to a local music community of your location. And to remember, it’s not about the money, fame or ego it’s deeper than that, it’s the deep purpose, the vision. Keep the soul open.
Do you have any dreams you’d like to share our readers with?
I envision performing in dreamy locations like nature-centric festivals in forests, by lakes, on beaches….and if destiny allows, to reach international stages. I hope to see you dancing along to my rhythms at my next gig!
Any plans you’d like to share?
My debut at the only underground club of the island club: S//P who is making history. Hosting events with established groups in the scene is definitely on the horizon. I ‘ve got an ongoing project named “The Pure Projekt” from my name Agni which means Pure. I couldn’t find a better name to represent my brand. The goal through my brand is to raise awareness and promote sustainability through art & fashion projects. I want to enourage individuals to become more mindful to planet Earth. This is definitely something to look forward to.
Photography: Kyriakos Georgeiou▪ Fashion Designer: Rots Andrea ▪ Mua: Suzana Kochova▪ Directed by Agnes Elia
Leave a Reply