Few artists embody the spirit of connection in electronic music like Anja Schneider. As a DJ, producer, and founder of Sous Music, she has spent decades shaping the culture from both behind the decks and behind the scenes, building a reputation for authenticity and unwavering commitment to the scene she helped define.
Photo credit: Kerstin zu Pan
This October, Anja joins Robag Wruhme, Florian Kruse, Galen, Saqib, and Jenner at Duke of Tokyo for the ADE Fundraiser, presented by Electronic Groove and Listed. The event will donate 100% of ticket and bar proceeds to UNICEF’s emergency relief programs supporting children affected by the crisis in Gaza.
Known for her sharp insight and grounded energy, Anja approaches this night not just as a performance, but as an opportunity to reinforce what music can still stand for: empathy, unity, and the courage to listen.
EG: Welcome, Anja. It’s a pleasure to have you here for this special ADE fundraiser event. We’re grateful for your support.
Anja: Thanks for having me. It’s a pleasure to participate, and I’m always in for a good cause.
EG: Where in the world are you today, and how does it feel to be closing such a meaningful night at ADE?
Anja: I’m back from Geneva and can’t wait to go to ADE and be part of it.
EG: As a label founder, you’ve always championed voices that deserve to be heard. How does that ethos translate into playing a charity event?
Anja: In the world we live in today, we can no longer escape our political responsibility. Of course, it’s difficult to bring politics into clubs. And I really believe that clubs should be a politics-free space—a place where everyone comes together for the music and for dancing.
However, I’m still convinced that every person needs to have a stance. This stance doesn’t always have to be liked or accepted by everyone. What’s important is that we listen to one another and respect different attitudes and opinions. Especially in the techno world, we should be setting an example in that regard.
Lately, we’ve neglected this a bit. There’s been too much cancellation and too much pressure within the scene. I stand for bringing back mutual respect—for acknowledging that we can all have different opinions, and for really listening to each other again.
In the end, we should come together for a good cause—for the music and for our scene. Because only if we stand united can we truly embody a wonderful, democratic way of living together, instead of fighting against each other.
EG: You’ve been a driving force in dance music for decades. What keeps you inspired when the industry shifts so quickly?
Anja: Staying always true to yourself and your sound.
EG: What kind of energy do you want to bring to your closing set at Duke of Tokyo?
Anja: Oh, I’ll decide when I’m embracing the night and the atmosphere. But I’m always into hypnotic, groovy, housy, tech sounds.
EG: In moments of global crisis, do you believe DJs have a responsibility beyond entertaining?
Anja: Like I said before, it’s important to stand for something, and we are, besides being DJs, all human.
“In the world we live in today, we can no longer escape our political responsibility”
EG: What’s a piece of advice you once received that you still carry with you when facing difficult times?
Anja: Yes, times are definitely not as easy as they used to be. And it has certainly become much harder to let go and free ourselves from everything happening around us. Still, I believe that within techno, we should promote a safe space and a sense of democratic togetherness. And that’s something I will always stand for.
EG: Looking back, what’s a night on the decks that felt like more than a party—something truly bigger than music?
Anja: Placing myself above the music is very difficult for me. Of course, through music we can create a certain atmosphere and evoke emotions. As I’ve said, we should definitely see that as an opportunity—and use music to continue spreading a spirit of freedom and love for it.
EG: You’ve been both a mentor and a role model for many. What message would you like to send to young women in electronic music today?
Anja: Always stay true to yourselves, and please don’t fall back into predefined roles. I’ve always fought for equality, and that remains the most important thing to me. And this is not only for women in business—this applies to all marginalized groups.
EG: Beyond music, what passion or practice helps you stay grounded in turbulent times?
Anja: Always stay attentive, be curious, and listen to many different opinions—and if necessary, learn to accept them.
“We should promote a safe space and a sense of democratic togetherness”
EG: On a personal level, how does it feel knowing that your set tonight will directly support children facing unimaginable challenges?
Anja: I think it’s always good to use your art to support groups that need us. I do this not only with this party but also with Homeless Homies, the party of DJ Bone.
EG: When the lights go down and people leave Duke of Tokyo on October 23, what’s the one feeling or message you hope they carry home with them?
Anja: They should be going home with a big smile on their face.
EG: Thank you, Anja, for being part of this important night. We truly appreciate your presence.
Anja: Thank you.
Anja will perform at EG and Listed’s ADE fundraiser on Thursday, October 23rd. Grab your tickets here.
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