March 28, 2024

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Having set foot in the scene almost 10 years ago, internationally renowned DJ Akladios - Dina, as some know her- has given us a very reflective peak into her journey, as well as her tips and tricks for anyone who’s just stepping in the industry.
She also shared how she deals with performance anxiety and her take on local talent management.

Be sure to catch her set @sandboxfestival this year. Sure thing, she’ll get you moving.

 

How has the scene changed from when you debuted, almost a decade ago?

 

I think the underground music scene started around 2011. There wasn’t really a scene before, and there were a very few good DJ’s back then. It was also a very male-dominated scene. It still is, but at least now there are more female DJ’s. Now I have to say that the scene in Egypt is booming. We have amazing talents.

 

 

In what aspects did your career change you?

I am stubborn, and it took me years before I started making money off of it. I have to say it made me resilient. It also made me less shy and helped me overcome my stage fright. I wanted this so bad that I had to work on it and calm myself. I would get nervous before playing, barely made any eye contact with the audience. Now I love it. I even get my kicks when people are happy and dancing. I dance with them too.

 

 

If you could change one thing about talent managers in Egypt. What would that be?

There is a gap in the market in Egypt.

Talent managers could be big here for rappers, singers, bands, but not for DJ’s. We don’t have DJ managers who are exactly experienced.

It’s on the rise with new talent management agencies representing MENA artists.

It is essential for the DJ’s to be able to achieve their potential and get exposure internationally. There are great ventures & producers with no representation.

 

 

What is a piece of advice you would give someone who has just set foot in the industry?

Don’t just try to be like everyone else, or hyper-focus on being trendy by playing the genre people like.

Be true to yourself; find the sounds you like and build your crowd over time. Don’t restrict yourself to one sound.

Just play music that makes you happy.

 

 

Do you ever struggle with performance anxiety?

I still get nervous sometimes before big gigs.

I have just made peace with the fact that I’m usually nervous for the first 10-15 minutes, and then it gets better.

 

 

Where do you usually find inspiration?

I get inspired by others. I go watch DJ’s I love play at events/festivals. I get inspired by their flow, their selection, mixing techniques, and transitions.

It’s good to see how they interact with their audience as well. It also helps identifying new trends in the scene.

 

 

How have your means of dealing with a set that didn’t go as expected changed over the years?

When I first started, I stressed so much about the flow of the set and the order of the tracks. it didn’t really work out, and I had to learn to be more flexible; I started organizing my library into folders and playlists, and I just go with the flow of the event and see where it takes me.

I also love that now I am more versatile. I play the music I like, and it varies from house and minimal to disco. I used to think that it had to be only a specific sound, and that was very restricting.

 

 

How does your performing in several countries inform your choices and process right now?

Playing to a completely different crowd is challenging but very exciting. However,

I remind myself that I get booked for my ethos, and what I bring to the table, so being authentic is my intention.

If I’m playing with another headliner, I make sure to respect my slot and the flow of the set, if I’m warming up. I have to think about who I’m opening for and how they play, in order to avoid overpowering their sound.

 

What was the catalyst to your kickstarting a career in music?

When I was in school, I enjoyed making mixtapes for me and my friends.I would wait for the songs I like come on the radio and then record them.