In conversation with: Adi
We discuss the launch of a new event series, Intense Touring, and Mental Health in DJing with Colombian selector Adi
ADI
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ADI 〰️
You are a resident at Funke in Ghent, Belgium. When was the first time you played there?
I played there for the first time in October 2021, for an all-nighter with DJ Dustin. I was very excited since I witnessed how it came together and finally opened its doors after the pandemic. It was something I was quite excited for and a very much looking-forward-to experience. After playing there a few more times they proposed me a residency which became one of my new projects for 2023. I am really excited for the opportunity since it feels like a white canvas where I can develop some ideas and bring together like minded people, my perspective and creativity to their dancefloor. So I am starting an event series named Detone (next one taking place 1st of December) focused on selectors with a sound that has personality. Selectors who understand the journey and curve of a club night and can bring together the dancefloor without being pushy or having this rush we often see in the present day for “hands in the air” kind of moments. It is a night for “tasty music to dance with eyes closed” in an intimate environment that allows us to dive deep into music and movement (without prentention).
What is it that makes Funke stand out compared to other clubs for you?
I think the club offers an open space for all the talent and brewing scene in Belgium at the moment, in music as well as in different art fields. It is such a warm space, the building is isolated with a great sound system and an amazing bar, it Is quite easy to feel comfortable and have a flawless intimate club experience in the dancefloor and across the different areas, it is a lovely playground.
“I am starting an event series (Detone) focused on selectors who understand the journey and curve of a club night and can bring together the dancefloor without having this rush we often see in the present day for “hands in the air” kind of moments”
Outside of this residency, what have you been up to lately? What recent gigs were the most exciting for you?
Well, back in March we had Bonanaza Festival, which I’ve been curating along with my good friend Ben at Rio Hostel in Colombia. This year’s edition was outstanding. With many great artists and friends who have inspired us throughout the years coming together in Colombia’s Caribbean landscape for 4 days was just a dream. Later on in Mexico City at Funk Club, then with the Midiflux crew in Bern were special times to begin the year. And most recently, Heideglühen, Horst festival and personal highlight: Waking Life in Portugal. It was just such a magical gathering, crafted with so much detail and love, I really had an amazing time sharing & playing that sunrise set on Sunday. Now I am very much looking forward to playing at Cartulis afterhour at end of September in London.
With more gigs touring as a professional DJ can get heavier and show its downsides at times. How did this change for you over time? Was your experience of gigs altered as you got more international gigs?
I’ve been thinking about this lately. Since moving to Europe last year, there have been a lot of changes taking place and sometimes you don’t realize how much time it actually takes to place yourself in a different country. I’ve always traveled quite often but last year it definitely intensified (or at least I felt it like it) since so many changes were going on and it is just now that I am finally grounding.
This is what makes such a big difference. Ground. To have a place that feels like home where you can unload and find peace, it has become a key for me to be able to clear my mind and cope with so much movement. Finding a healthy routine during the week, which in my case has to do with proper sleep, yoga or stretching 2 / 3 times a week, a balanced diet, and the support of friends and family is key. I think is also challenging to keep the same energy or depth when you perform more often, this is also something I am learning to manage.
At the moment I am focusing on finding a good time. Balancing between the time I need to charge batteries and preparing for the next gig, traveling itself, arriving in a place & re-centering. Having time to rest after the gig and get back home or going to the next stop. For me, it is all about having enough time which lately feels like it's become such a luxury. And on the practical side I avoid planes as much as possible. Traveling by train allows me to use my time better and is less stressful.
“It’s very easy to fall into this trap of comparison. We live in a very competitive world, quite overloaded and somehow it seems to me like there’s a certain need to stand out and belong to something you look up to rather than finding who you really are.“
Comparison with others can also be a difficult topic right now for DJs wanting to pursue this path professionally. How do you search for the balance between knowing what's going on out there and focusing on your own craft?
It’s very easy to fall into this trap of comparison. We live in a very competitive world, quite overloaded and somehow it seems to me like there’s a certain need to stand out and belong to something you look up to rather than finding who you really are. I’ve been trying to get inspired instead of comparing myself to others. Finding what I honestly resonate with and learning from other people as much as possible. Understanding what is it that triggers certain insecurities or anxiety so that I can work on it.
I try to be very conscious of the way that I use social media to communicate. I keep in mind that real life differs quite a lot from what we perceive on screens so I can keep it constructive rather than a soul and time-consuming pointless activity. Also I believe that there’s nothing more relevant and interesting than someone who is present, in touch with their unique creative power/true selves, and can express from there.
What are your mental health care tips for a DJ who just started out and wants to find their place in the underground scene?
Work hard, focus on what you can do, find inspiration and like-minded people to support and feed each other, listen to yourself, and be patient. Often we tend to want to see results right away and the truth is, it takes time. Experience, time and the dedication you put into learning and developing your skills, finding your voice, and getting to know yourself - these I think are the keys when diving into a creative path.
