Lolsnake: Using Techno to Build a Safe Space for Outsiders and Queer Expression
- Filip
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Berlin-based DJ and producer Lolsnake has been using their platform to create spaces for those who feel like outsiders in the electronic music scene. Known for their hypnotic techno and their queer-focused party Weeeirdos, Lolsnake is carving out a space where individuality and inclusivity reign supreme. We caught up with their to discuss their journey, from growing up as an outsider to becoming a prominent figure in Berlin’s underground techno scene.
In this raw conversation, Lolsnake opens up about their personal experience of discovering their queerness, their thoughts on the politics of the techno scene, and how they're using their music and events to create togetherness for other outsiders. It’s a story of self-discovery, empowerment, and the fight for a more inclusive, welcoming space within techno culture.
From Outsider to Icon: Lolsnake’s Journey of Self-Discovery
Lolsnake's story begins like many others, with a feeling of not quite fitting in. Growing up, they struggled with their identity, feeling as though they didn’t belong in any one box. It wasn’t until they found themself in Berlin, however, that they truly began to understand their queerness and how to express it authentically.
“I always felt like an outsider. I wasn’t the type to follow the mainstream or fit into a specific group,” Lolsnake says. “But when I came to Berlin, I finally felt like I could be myself, unapologetically.”
It was in the city’s underground club scene that Lolsnake found their true calling. The openness of Berlin’s culture allowed their to explore their identity, which they soon realized was tied not just to their queerness but also to the power of techno as a form of self-expression.
Techno, for Lolsnake, became more than just music—it was a way to unite others who felt like outsiders, offering them a space to feel accepted and celebrated. The hypnotic beats and raw energy of techno created the backdrop for a new kind of community, one that was inclusive and open-minded, where individuality was not only accepted but embraced.
Weeeirdos: A Party for the Outsiders
As a DJ and promoter, Lolsnake is committed to creating safe spaces where queer people and outsiders can gather, express themselves, and dance freely. Weeeirdos, their queer techno party, has become a go-to event for anyone seeking an escape from the mainstream and a place to let go.
“I wanted to create a space where people who feel like they don’t belong in the regular world can come together and be free,” they explains. “Weeeirdos is all about finding solidarity with each other, creating a safe environment where people can express themselves without fear of judgment.”
The party has been incredibly successful in doing just that. It’s a space where anyone, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or background, can come together and feel seen. Lolsnake's dedication to inclusivity has made Weeeirdos a hub for Berlin's queer and techno communities, pushing the boundaries of what it means to create an inclusive and accepting space in the underground music scene.
Techno Politics: Booking, Power, and Change in the Scene
While Lolsnake’s rise to prominence in the techno scene has been exciting, they're not blind to the politics of booking and the way the scene operates. In their conversation with Playful Magazine, they touche on the importance of being aware of the structures in place that shape who gets a platform and who doesn’t.
“It’s not just about the music; it’s also about the politics behind who gets to play where,” Lolsnake notes. “In the techno world, there’s a lot of gatekeeping, and we have to acknowledge the way certain people are excluded because of who they are.”
Lolsnake is vocal about their desire to change these dynamics. As a queer woman in the scene, they recognizes the power that comes with being in a position to amplify marginalized voices. Their own success, they believe, is a testament to the power of inclusivity, and they're dedicated to opening doors for others who don’t fit the stereotypical image of a DJ or producer.
For Lolsnake, it’s not just about playing the game—it's about changing it from within. They advocates for more diverse bookings, less tokenism, and more genuine efforts to showcase the talents of underrepresented groups within the techno scene.
The Future of Techno: What We Need to Look Out For
As the techno scene continues to grow, Lolsnake believes it’s crucial to stay vigilant and continue pushing for inclusivity. In their opinion, the scene needs to evolve into a more accepting, diverse space, free from exclusion and discrimination.
“We need to be aware of who is being given opportunities and why,” they explain. “We need to ask ourselves who we’re leaving out and why that’s happening. The scene should be for everyone, not just for a select few.”
While there has been progress in terms of visibility and acceptance, Lolsnake urges the community to stay aware of the ways in which power dynamics can still hold certain groups back. It’s not enough to simply pay lip service to inclusivity; we need to actively work towards creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Lolsnake’s Impact: More Than Just a DJ
At the end of the day, Lolsnake’s mission is simple: to create a space for people to be themselves, to feel accepted, and to express their identities freely. Through their hypnotic techno and their work with Weeeirdos, they've been able to give a voice to those who have often been marginalized in the mainstream music industry.
“Techno has always been a space for outsiders,” they say. “It’s about creating togetherness, community, and solidarity.”
With their commitment to building inclusive spaces and fighting for more representation, Lolsnake’s influence on the Berlin techno scene—and beyond—is undeniable. For anyone who feels like an outsider, Lolsnake has shown that the power of music can be a tool for liberation and expression.