From Industrial Hypnosis to Sci-Fi Raves, Lady Machine Crafts Techno with Precision and Soul
In the realm of relentless beats and hypnotic soundscapes, Lady Machine stands as a force of nature. Her sets are a delicate balance between raw energy and machine-like precision, transporting listeners into a world where past and future collide. Whether it's through hardware-driven production, unexpected studio accidents, or deep-rooted intuition, she pushes the boundaries of techno with a futuristic vision. In this interview, she reveals the gear she swears by, her dream dystopian rave setting, and why the future of techno is becoming more inclusive than ever.
Music & Production Your sets feel like a perfectly calibrated storm—what’s the secret to maintaining that machine-level precision while keeping it raw and alive? I just trust my intuition and let everything come naturally, as I feel most like myself in those moments. I believe that perfection or precision emerges when you let go of control, and that understanding takes time and practice to master. It’s about embracing the creative flow and allowing the music to evolve organically. Ultimately, it’s all about being true to myself and expressing what resonates with me as an artist. By staying authentic and open, I can connect more deeply with my audience and create something meaningful that reflects my unique perspective.
“Perfection emerges when you let go of control.”
What’s a piece of gear in your studio that you could never part with? Definitely Elements from Mutable Instruments! It’s my go-to sound source for every track, and its versatility is incredible. Elements can adapt to my needs effortlessly. The range of sounds it offers allows me to explore different sonic options, making it an essential part of my creative process. It’s like having an entire palette of sounds at my fingertips, enabling me to push the boundaries of my music and continually discover new possibilities.
If The Lady Machine’s sound was a sci-fi concept, what would it be?
It’s definitely a time travel concept with supersonic sounds—timeless synth melodies combined with punchy kick drums that cut through the mix, all while evoking a hint of nostalgia. This unique blend creates an auditory experience where you can never quite pinpoint the correct timeline. It’s as if the music transcends time, inviting listeners on a journey through different eras and emotions. The contrast of futuristic elements with nostalgic undertones makes the concept both innovative and familiar, allowing you to lose yourself in the moment while reflecting on the past.
Your productions have that industrial, hypnotic pulse—what’s one element in a track that always hooks you in?
I would say the call-and-response element in a track is definitely something that keeps me hooked. It creates a dynamic interaction that draws me in, keeping me in a trance-like state and fully engaged. A techno track doesn’t need to adhere to a traditional song structure; in fact, it can be quite simple. What truly matters is that it captivates the listener, evokes movement, and leaves a lasting impression. It’s the ability to connect and resonate with the audience that makes a track unforgettable.
Ever had a happy accident in the studio that ended up shaping a track in an unexpected way? Every single time! I think this is part of the beauty of making electronic music, especially with hardware, which is my preferred way of creating. There’s something truly special about the tactile experience of working with physical instruments— each knob, each button, and each connection adds a layer of depth to the process. When everything clicks into place, it feels natural. It’s a blessing to witness that moment when inspiration strikes and the music flows seamlessly. This connection to the hardware and the creative process brings a unique energy to my work, making each track an adventure in its own right.
“A techno track doesn’t need a traditional structure—what matters is that it captivates, moves, and lingers in the listener’s mind.”
If you could throw a rave in any dystopian or futuristic setting, where would it be?
I would choose a sprawling, abandoned cityscape overgrown with nature. Somewhere like Chernobyl would be perfect. The contrast between the crumbling architecture and the vibrant energy of the rave would create a unique atmosphere, blending the beauty of nature reclaiming urban spaces with the raw intensity of electronic music.
The sound system would be powerful, echoing through the abandoned city, bringing people together to dance under the stars. It would be a celebration of resilience and creativity in a world that has evolved beyond its original state, inviting everyone to escape reality and connect through music.
The best dancefloors have a certain energy, attitude, or rebellion—what’s the key to creating that magic?
I believe the most important thing to be said is that creating magic happens when I'm in the right frame of mind and truly in my element. That connection is what flows from me as an artist. Once I’m centered and the crowd is ready to receive that energy, everything falls into place beautifully. It’s a shared experience; we become intertwined in the moment, and that’s when the real magic happens. It’s about more than just the music—it’s about building a connection, feeling the vibe, and creating an atmosphere where everyone can lose themselves in the rhythm together.
Your DJ name already sounds legendary—if you had to choose an alternate alias, what would it be? “Garota de Ipalenha” is a playful name swap inspired by the timeless Brazilian song "Girl from Ipanema," blending it with the word “lenha,” means firewood in Portuguese. Essentially, it translates to “I am the Firewood Girl.” I was born and raised in Rio, right around the Ipanema neighborhood, and this nickname used to be given to me by people many moons ago. It’s a bit of a love-hate relationship with the name; while it evokes mixed feelings, I can definitely see the correlation and embrace it! There’s something charming about it, representing both my roots and the warmth of the vibrant culture that surrounds Ipanema. Plus, it adds a unique twist to my identity as an artist, reminding me where I came from.
Pre-set rituals: are you all about preparation, or do you just plug in and let the machine take over? Rituals can be more than just choosing tracks to be played. Recently, I've taken to burning palo santo or sage in certain spaces where I sense the energy can be a bit too concentrated or intense. It’s a way to create a more harmonious atmosphere, allowing the music to flow freely. I generally don’t prepare much in terms of planning a set, aside from organizing sections inside my record bag. For me, knowing my records intimately is crucial. This knowledge empowers me to improvise and keep the vibe fun in the booth because that’s when the magic truly happens. It’s in those moments that I start to think of tracks that will match each other perfectly and elevate the energy.
“Every happy accident in the studio is a chance to push boundaries and explore the unknown.”
I like to spend the 15 minutes before my set in a focused zone, moving around the booth and observing how the previous DJ wraps up their set. This gives me a sense of the crowd's energy and helps me determine the best way to step in and take them on a journey. Each set is a unique experience, and being in tune with both the music and the environment allows me to create something special.
The future of techno is evolving fast—what’s one trend or movement in the scene that excites you the most?
It excites me to see how inclusivity in lineups has grown over the last few years, as I believe the future of techno is becoming increasingly inclusive of more women and queer artists. Techno was a very male-dominated movement from the beginning, making it a challenging environment for women trying to break through as artists two decades ago. The struggle was real, but the resilience and creativity of those who persevered laid the groundwork for a more diverse scene. Now, with more female and non-binary artists emerging, we are witnessing a vibrant transformation that enriches the genre. This shift not only amplifies underrepresented voices but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. As we move forward, I am hopeful that this trend will continue, pushing boundaries and redefining what techno can be.
Machine Madness Mode
You wake up in 2085—what’s The Lady Machine’s sound like in the future?
Wow! In 2085, The Lady Machine’s sound has evolved into a stunning fusion of organic and synthetic elements, reflecting the advanced technology and cultural shifts of the time. Imagine pulsating basslines intertwined with ultra-metallic percussive samples and powerful kick drums, creating an immersive auditory experience that transports listeners to another dimension.
By then, I might not be alive anymore, so I envision an interactive hologram of myself, haha! The use of AI-generated harmonies enhances the music, crafting intricate layers that evolve in real-time, responding dynamically to the energy of the crowd. In this future, The Lady Machine incorporates sounds from cutting-edge synths and blends them with drum machines to create a rich sonic texture. The result is a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, inviting listeners to lose themselves in a rhythmic journey that transcends time and space.
“Berlin’s underground is where music and self-expression collide—there’s nothing quite like it.”
If you could resurrect one legendary piece of music tech or gear, what would it be and why? Honestly, I’m not sure there’s anything that needs to be resurrected these days, as technology is so advanced. Any piece of music can be modernized or recreated with the tools we have now. The evolution of music tech allows us to explore endless possibilities and push boundaries in ways that were unimaginable in the past. Instead of resurrecting old gear, I’m more excited about what innovations lie ahead and how we can use current technology to create entirely new sounds and experiences. What’s the wildest, weirdest, or most unexpected gig you’ve ever played? It has to be Pornceptual, always! I remember those older parties—they were always so incredibly hot that sweat and black water from the paint started to drip from the ceiling. Even dripping directly onto the turntables! Not to mention the famous saying: what happens at Pornceptual stays there. I’ve witnessed the most eye-catching moments during my DJ sets, right in front of the DJ booth. It was both thrilling and incredibly distracting, haha! The energy, the creativity, and the wild expressions of freedom made every event unforgettable. It’s a space where self-expression knows no bounds, and that’s what keeps us all coming back for more.