Although she started her career recently, Ann has a unique aesthetic. Her energy and music has established her both on stage and behind the scenes, as a powerful female artist controlling dancefloors around the world. Over the span of 3 years, Ann has traveled to 35 countries, touring and performing at a number of well known festivals.
We spoke to Ann about her upcoming appearance at Manheim’s TimeWarp Festival, her new single ‘Joy’ to be released in May and much more..
How are you, how has the year been so far?
My year has started quietly. I allowed myself a few months off, my body and my mind definitely needed it. I spent a lot of time with myself, but also gave my family some time together. I now feel ready to take off again!
What inspired and influenced the new release Joy coming on Fckng Serious?
Life inspired me to my new release “Joy”. I found out that Life itself is about joy. Celebrate your big and little wins. Grow every day. Get inspired. Nourish yourself. Go outside and spend time in nature. Take chances. Because life is just too short and fragile to not live a life of chasing joy!
What is your current studio setup like? What gear, hardware and software is in it?
Pretty simple – Cubase 11, midi keyboard – lots of Software on a Macbook in my living room 🙂 I love Synths like Serum, Omnisphere, Fabfilter, Audio Damage. I do have a lot of hardware in my basement but I barely use it. I love the quality of the sound but Software is so precise. Meanwhile, you can barely hear the difference between original and digital – the workflow with Software is much faster for me.
You play TimeWarp Festival soon – what are you expecting?
My touring life 2023 begins with the TimeWarp. I can hardly wait! On one hand it’s a “home run” for me because I live in Mannheim and Time Warp happens to be just around the corner from my house 🙂 On the other hand, I’m playing there for the first time and it’s such a great honor to be part of it. It means I’m quite nervous but also excited. It will definitely be a big party. I’m so looking forward to giving everyone a good time.
Do you repack your record bag for a special occasion?
Yes, though I play tracks as long as I feel them. When I feel the need to change for a special occasion, I do check out what Sound would fit to be a good part of the playlist – smoother or more 4 to the floor. And going to the studio with this repacking Idea is sometimes quite creative.
Do you scale up your sounds for a big festival stage, is that the sort of thing you consider before a gig, or do you just turn up?
Most of the time I am improvising. I have my favorites that I always or mostly play and then I mix them up with tracks that suit the Party and make people go wild 🙂
Do you feel you have an important role as a woman in techno to be a representation for the next generation? Does that bring pressure?
Interesting that this question comes so often. I don’t feel pressured. I think that there are some challenges for women in the industry who are trying to realize themselves or just show their skills and don’t want to be reduced to their looks or good marketing.
Who did you look up to as a role model and for what reason are they considered your role model?
I never had a role model, but I look up to people who go and find their own way, no matter where they come from. Authenticity is one of the most amazing skills we can gather. Fight for right, go against the flow and shake things up a little. I find people very inspiring who learn to reach their full potential. They change the world around them automatically for the better.
`If you better yourself, everything will get better for you. `Jim Rohn
What else have you got coming up?
This will be probably the most exciting year of my life. I will tour much less than the previous years in order to make the best out of each Event. To stay, to connect, to be in the moment. I do at least 2 big tours in the US- North America and South America. In April the whole FCKNG SERIOUS Team is going on nightliner tour through Mexico, US & Canada – Venues like Red Rocks and Coachella. This is going to be insane and one for the books. Not to forget Tomorrowland, Brooklyn Mirage, EDV Las Vegas and Time Warp are definitely a milestone for me. There are so many cool things planned that I can just name a few. It’s going to be a lot of fun!
What are the best and worst bits about life on the road?
I get to know so many great people through my job. I see the world, get to know different cultures, even if there is usually not so much time for that, I’m very grateful for the opportunity.
Also, I still get goosebumps when I think of or see people listening to my music and loving it.
On the other hand, private life, friends and family often fall by the wayside. There is often not even time to take care of myself. I definitely want to try to get a good balance between private and professional life this year.
