Anja Schneider is a DJ, producer, radio broadcaster, label boss, tireless creative force and mentor; renowned as one of the hardest working figures within the music industry in Berlin. Anja continues to operate as one of electronic music’s most vital artists, currently focused on multiple projects including the newly launched ‘Berlin Beats’ daily drive-time show on national German broadcaster Beats Radio, her Sous Music record label, the main home for Anja’s own productions and avant-garde artists she admires, plus ‘Club Room’ an internationally syndicated weekly radio show and ‘Club Room: Backstage’ – a thriving interview podcast series. We spoke with Anja about her latest compilation release “So Us Vol. 1” and her label Sous Music.
Sous Music has established itself as a source of creative innovation and a staple in Dance Music’s underground scene. Can you speak on Sous’ beginnings, your motivations for founding it?
I started Sous in 2017, and at the beginning it was always my idea to have it as an independent imprint for mostly all my own music. However, I am lucky enough to get so many amazing new tracks from new artists, that I couldn’t help but offer to release some of them on the label. I am very happy that I did this in the end, as it has meant we’ve created a wonderful family of talented artists. Musically, everything is possible because I am not a big fan of linear labels and rules. I want a label that shows everything, all genres and sounds which create a great club night out.
Curation is a massive part of your world, as a DJ, producer and label boss. Can you speak on your process of curation, what makes an artist, or their music stand out to you?
Always for me it’s important to have a special unique approach. I love individuals and love weirdness in every form. It’s essential for me that artists can show all his or her sides in creativity.
‘So Us Vol. 1’ is out now and is a compilation of tracks spanning multiple dance music genres; showcasing a talented selection of international artists. What does this release mean for you?
This compilation takes me though the journey of a night out. From star to end, it has all the tracks you need for each part of the night. I am proud to present different genres as I am a music lover and never want to stick to just one type of sound. Even more so when you release a compilation, you don’t want it to all be the same. I don’t like trends or hype and want everyone to be free.
On the Compilation, your track ‘Deep Gone Far’ is a reinvigorating dance floor shaker that is guaranteed keep listeners moving from start to finish. Can you speak on the track’s creation? Maybe your favourite element of the track?
Thank you very much for the nice words. I am still very deep in my production mood, which is very different than to my DJ sets. I want to always create tracks that stand the test of time and survive generations – I guess that’s a timeless track, that works just as well now, and it does in a few years’ time. If I make a track that can appeal to everyone and they can understand where it came from, that’s the goal. It’s important for me to show exactly where I am in my mindset.
‘So Us Vol. 1’ is a robust compilation of tracks and a beacon of creativity in the underground, what impact do you hope the compilation has on the scene?
I hope that we make a lot of people happy with the music. It’s that simple.
What’s next for Sous Music and you?
I am looking forward to Christmas and the New Year, and we have a lot coming on the label, so 2023 is going to be exciting including some nice events. As for releases, we have an EP from Diego Infanzon and another from me, along with a very interesting new signing called Jaymie Silk. Keep an ear and eye out for that one.
“So Us Vol. 1” is available now via Beatport.
