Joanna Coelho is a dynamic force in the Hard Techno scene, leaving an unforgettable imprint on European dance floors. Recently, her standout moment was playing to over two thousand people in Paris, delivering a magical set that featured a Hard Techno Edit of Édith Piaf’s classic, “Non, je ne regrette rien.” Infusing her performances with the essence of her roots as a young raver, Joanna’s style is a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary beats, creating an unparalleled experience that resonates with audiences across the continent.

In the world of high-energy Hard Techno, Joanna strikes a balance by being truly present on stage. From major clubs and festivals to warehouse parties in the middle of nowhere, Joanna has been writing her name in the history books of the techno world. Acknowledging the mutual exchange between DJ and audience, she weaves local influences into her sets, adapting to diverse techno subcultures across European cities. With an unwavering commitment to shaping the genre’s future, Joanna is not just a DJ; she’s a rhythmic alchemist, crafting sonic experiences that transcend time.

Read the full interview below:

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Classic Entourage Magazine: Joanna, you’ve been making waves in the Hard Techno scene across Europe. Can you share with us the most memorable moment from your recent tour and how it has influenced your music?

Joanna Coelho: From all the incredible things I have been through on the recent tour, one of the most magical moments to me was playing Nico Bondi´s Hard Techno Edit by Édith Piaf, “Non, je ne regrette rien” in Paris for over two thousand people.

CE Mag: Classic Entourage is known for showcasing diverse talents. How do you incorporate your unique style into the Hard Techno genre, and what sets you apart from other DJs in the scene?

JC: There are several aspects of my performance that are really just reflections of who I am such as my musical influences based on rave music, hip hop and pop from the 90s and 2000s or even the way I act on stage dancing and moving around constantly. That was me as a young raver back in the day and that is still my essence as a DJ decades later.

CE Mag: Traveling across different European cities must have exposed you to various techno subcultures. How do you adapt your sets to cater to the specific tastes and energies of each crowd?

JC: It’s important to me to have a little background on the local music scene so I can build the right communication path with the audience, always respecting my style and purpose, but still bringing recognizable references to that specific crowd into the structure of the set.

There is no secret or formula for this, but for me it’s mainly about being present.

Joanna Coelho

CE Mag: Hard Techno is often associated with intense and energetic performances. How do you balance the high energy of your sets with maintaining a connection with the audience, creating a memorable experience beyond the music?

JC: There is no secret or formula for this, but for me it’s mainly about being present. It’s easy to get caught up in the anxiety of performing or technical aspects of the setup, so it’s important to always remind yourself that it is a mutual experience between dj and audience and that they are a vital element in this exchange.

CE Mag: With the ever-evolving electronic music landscape, how do you see the future of Hard Techno, and what role do you envision yourself playing in shaping its trajectory?

JC: I feel like the future is now, we are in a moment where hard techno seems to be living at its “peak awareness” ever since it was created. Twenty years ago, when I started you had to explain to people what in the world was Hard Techno. Nowadays, most people who have even the most superficial knowledge of electronic music have previously heard and/or recalled a hard techno banger.

CE Mag: Classic Entourage is interested in the creative process. Can you take us through your approach to curating a setlist for a live performance, and how you keep it fresh for your audience?

JC: Buying music every week is something I can’t avoid so that’s something I often do. It’s also important to organize promos you have received and might have gotten lost in the way and check for free download tracks that meet the sound quality you expect in your sets. After you have gathered all the music you want to work with, it’s interesting to catalog it and organize it so you can bring up the right music at the right time while performing.

There are many ways to sort your music such as by key, by bpm, by energy level or even by personal taste but that really depends on the DJ. I personally try to combine all of those in order to build up the vibe I want to bring for the night.

CE Mag: As a female artist in a predominantly male-dominated industry, have you faced any challenges, and how do you think the electronic music scene can become more inclusive and diverse?

JC: The female fight for equal rights seems to be a never ending one. However, in comparison to a couple of decades ago, the role of the female DJ has luckily been more normalized in events, and you can finally see a greater amount of women behind the decks, each one with their own style, stories and choices, which is beautiful to see, really.

CE Mag: Your social media presence suggests a strong connection with your fans. How do you engage with your audience beyond your live performances, and what impact do you think this connection has on your career?

JC: I could go forever on this theme cause so many otherwise impossible relationships have been built through my music and social media, but let’s just say I made several friends and work colleagues thanks to it, so that’s very positive! It’s not always easy to keep sharing and pushing your own content (trust me , I know) but we must be conscient of how the algorithm of each social network works, at least roughly, to be able to use it as a useful tool and not a waste of time.

CE Mag: Classic Entourage celebrates the essence of timeless music. How do you incorporate elements of classic techno into your Hard Techno sets, paying homage to the roots of the genre while pushing its boundaries?

JC: Each set has a compound of influences inside the realm of hard music. Lately the influence of hardstyle, rawstyle, hard psy, trance, hard dance have been really present on my sets. Classic sounds and effects such as stabs, screeches, hardcore fills and engaging melodies are a must lately on my sets, just to name a few things.

CE Mag: In the fast-paced world of electronic music, collaborations often lead to innovative creations. Are there any artists you dream of collaborating with, and how do you think such collaborations could influence your sound and the genre as a whole?

JC: It’s really always a pleasure to join forces with like minded producers to create some bangers. I had many dreams come true already such as collaborating with Schroomp, half of the Duo Filterheadz, or Mario Ranieri legend of schranz and hard techno amongst many others. However, if I had to pick a dream collab nowadays would be Technoboy & Tuneboy or Mad Dog.

Check out Joana’s work on Beatport, Instagram and Soundcloud

Images and Video from Shamada Productions