As the electronic music landscape continues to evolve, one name that has been steadily making waves is Fiona Kraft. She is a talented DJ and producer hailing from the magnetic shores of Ibiza. With an impressive list of supporters that reads like a who’s who of the industry, including luminaries such as Black Coffee, Luciano, and Sven Vath, Fiona Kraft has become a force to be reckoned with in the realm of electronic soundscapes.
After a whirlwind summer that saw her crisscrossing the European continent, captivating audiences with her infectious beats and unparalleled energy, we were fortunate enough to catch up with Fiona recently. Amidst the rhythmic chaos of a busy touring schedule, we sat down with her to delve into the intricacies of a year that can only be described as a sonic odyssey.
In this exclusive interview, we explore the inspirations that fuel her creativity, and the profound moments that defined her summer. Join us as we unravel the sonic tapestry that is Fiona Kraft’s 2023.
Fiona Kraft Unveils the Rhythmic Odyssey of 2023 in this exclusive interview
Hey Fiona, lovely to connect with you! How has 2023 treated you so far?
2023 was a great year in terms of discovery because I had the opportunity to play in many countries where I had not performed before.
You’ve performed at some of the most amazing electronic music venues this year around the world. Can you share a memorable moment or experience from one of these performances that has left a lasting impact on you?
Playing at Fabric in London was a strong experience because it was one of the rare clubs where I really felt at home. It’s truly a mythical place. I really can’t wait to go back there as I enjoyed it so much!
The electronic music scene is constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of trends while maintaining the authenticity of your sound, and what do you think the future holds for the afro-house and progressive beats genres?
I think it’s important to listen to a lot of music and all styles but above all to listen to yourself. Honestly, I’m not trying to follow a trend, I prefer to follow my instinct and my creative process. That’s how you keep your identity. Lately, I’ve been observing a very commercial trend in the Afro-house genre but I think this style will last over time and that it will continue to evolve.
Playing at Untold Festival in Romania suggests an appreciation for large-scale events. How does the dynamic of playing at a festival differ from a club setting, and do you have a preference between the two?
It’s actually a very different dynamic. In a club, you have to deliver something different and understand the public whereas at a festival it’s a little bit freer. I prefer the festival because I feel the energy more and I like to have an overview of the audience.
You’re based in Ibiza currently – it is often considered the mecca of electronic music. As someone deeply connected to the scene there, how do you think the island’s influence has shaped your musical identity, and what makes Ibiza so special for artists and enthusiasts alike?
Ibiza is above all a place where I feel good to create my music, so inspiration comes naturally. There are so many things around you to inspire so it really is the perfect place for artists to have full freedom in their work.
The electronic music community is known for its sense of unity and collaboration. Can you share a particularly memorable moment where you felt a strong connection with your audience, and how does that connection fuel your passion for performing?
Each moment is unique and different but I would say that Egypt gave me a lot of emotions and I really felt a special connection with the public. I felt that people understood me and that gave me a lot of energy throughout my set.
The lineup at Watergate in Berlin is always impressive. What was it like playing there with Sven Vath, and how do you think the city’s rich musical history influences the electronic music experience for both artists and fans?
It was a pretty incredible moment. I played downstairs on the water floor while Sven performed upstairs. At Watergate I had the opportunity to experiment with other things, the sets are longer which really allowed me to tell a story without any compromise. Regarding the musical culture of the city, I think it pushes artists to surpass themselves.
As a DJ with a global reach, you likely encounter a wide array of sub-genres and musical styles. Are there any unexpected or lesser-known genres that have caught your attention recently, and do you incorporate them into your sets?
Yes indeed I like to mix styles in my sets, I find the subtlety in the mix of moving from one style to another interesting. I like to end my sets with melodic house & techno sounds.
Balancing a busy touring schedule and studio time can be challenging. How do you manage your time to ensure you’re continually evolving as an artist while maintaining a demanding performance schedule?
That’s the big question 🙂 Generally, I try to do as many tracks as possible in the winter because it’s quite difficult for me to do both during the high season. I really need some days off if not weeks to be creative, to get into my routine.
Beyond the stage, how do you engage with your fans and the broader electronic music community? Do you have any rituals or practices to stay connected with the people who appreciate your work?
It might sound weird but I’m a very shy and private person so I’m not really active networking-wise. Of course, I’m very vulnerable towards the people that truly care about me as an artist so I chat with them over social channels.
Career-wise, what is the best advice you can give aspiring performers and producers? What would you have liked to know when you were just starting out?
Firstly to stay yourself and to persist even if no label wants to sign your tracks. Always continue to produce if you believe in what you do. For the DJing part, be mentally strong because it requires sacrifices, it’s tiring and the competition is strong. Go out and find the people that believe in you and that you can trust. For my part, everything happened quite naturally and I wouldn’t have wanted to know anything beforehand. It’s a long process and it’s part of the life experience.
What is one highlight record that you’ve heard this year?
GIZA DJs – Shouter Louder
And finally, what do you have coming up that you would like to share with our readers?
For the first time in my career, I started to push forward some collaborations with artists I like. It’s still a work in progress and I can’t wait to see where this is going to take me.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Fiona Kraft for sharing her insights and experiences, providing a glimpse into the vibrant world of a DJ and producer whose beats resonate far beyond the dancefloor. Stay tuned for more from Fiona Kraft, as her musical odyssey unfolds, leaving an imprint on the hearts of electronic music enthusiasts worldwide.
