Anfisa Letyago is a young lady who without a doubt will be making waves in 2019, having already graced many a big festival stage alongside the big headliners, momentum continues to gather as she’s just signed to Carl Cox’s Intec label and is about top drop her brand new ‘Bright Lights EP’ on the legendary Nervous Records label. WWD caught up with her in Naples to find out more…

WWD : Hi Anfisa thanks for chatting to us today. What have been some of your career highlights so far and what was your big break?

My pleasure. I have been in the business for ten years and yes I am quite young that’s true but it’s been really intense. I could mention my performances in big stages such as Rock in Roma, Reload, ProjectX, City Fest, Mates Festival and many more, alongside bigger, more established names such as Martin Garrix, Don Diablo, David Guetta and Axwell & Ingrosso than myself and being mentioned in press for great stand out DJ set have been big highlights. My big break was last year as I decided to do less shows to work more in the studio as I felt I owed this to myself as a natural process to be less under spotlight and be more introspective to produce all the music I have been thinking of. ‘Stop Talking’ with Leroy Styles on Spinnin’ Records was a big record for me.

WWD: What drew you to house music and what influences or experiences have helped to shape your sound?

I have always been into house. As I said I played big festivals, but always kept to my own sound and being appreciated for a good house selection as well, so my sound has no pigeonhole really. In my opinion music is meant to be enjoyed, listened and danced to and the audience always deserves your best. I have been watching and following big talents, older than myself such as David Morales and Carl Cox and I was luck enough to have personally met some of them and listen to their stories and precious ‘pearls of widsom’. Each profession needs references as without past there is no future. You learn from past to create your own thing as per your own natural inclination, to help you living the present and of course prepares to get into the future. You need roots to grow strong.

WWD: Your ‘Bright Lights EP’ has just come out on Nervous Records, we took a listen and it’s got 4 great tracks on it. Can you tell us a little about each, and what you wanted to achieve production and sound wise with this EP?

My goal with this EP was to merge few different ideas/influences I had inside of me to create something that could reflect one of my inner sides. While producing the tracks I was not thinking of any record label as such, but I am really happy to be releasing the EP on Nervous because the label has always been a ‘guiding light’ for us all in this business .

Bright Lights – is the first track I produced and I took inspiration from the vocal ‘old school’ that I really liked, especially the words. I made a strong and captivating bassline so that whilst people are dancing to this beat, they can enjoy the words too. Straight afterwards I produced ”Go Back” which is a recall to the past, like back in the day when a club was a place where to share love for the music, dance and have fun. I am not saying today is not like this anymore, but for sure in the past the vibes were stronger. ”Yessa” is a track full of energy, I am sure the dance floor will enjoy this one. ”Shot” is a completely different kind of conclusion to the EP. It is an experiment with electronic and deep sounds, that makes you meditate and I really like it.

WWD: Which is your personal favourite from the EP and why?

‘Bright Lights’ because it says a lot about music, it’s like a story. I chose the vocal because it’s about club music and it expresses the true soul of it .

WWD: What was the production process like? Did you run into any obstacles whilst producing the EP?

To be honest It was really natural and easy going. Not many obstacles because it was a spontaneous process and I was happy Nervous appreciated it. As I said I gave time to myself and most importantly I was doing things that I enjoy.

WWD: Carl Cox is a big fan of yours and has been supporting your music this year and has now just signed you to his Intec label, what can you tell us about that?

It’s always great to talk about this. I met Carl in Italy and left some of my music with him. The very same night he started playing my music and suddenly it was played all over the world by him in all his dj sets, I was really impressed! Carl is a maestro and I will always be thankful to him and the support he has given to my music and also giving me the chance to release not one, but 2 new EPS – ‘Catch The Spirit’ and You Got To Work’ on Intec Digital which will be released this year.

WWD: You’re originally from Siberia, but now live in Naples, what drew you to the city and where are the best clubs to play?
Yes I was born in the cold Siberia and I lived there until I turned 18. I came to Naples for vacation and I fell in love with it. Napoli is my city of adoption. At beginning I was dazed by such incitements, but I soon figured out it was a great place to live, both for me and my music. Naples has got great venues and famous promoters and I was lucky enough to play in most of the venues both tiny for some only vinyl sets as well as the festivals. Naples can’t be described, you have to experience it. The crowd is unique in the world.

WWD: The Italian house and techno scene is very vibrant again now, who are your favourite DJs and who would you most like to play a B2B set with?

Giorgio Moroder for sure! But it looks like some others are doing it already. LOL

WWD: Outside of music, what’s your No.1 favourite thing about the winter season?

I love going out for dinner and I also like to try new recipes and combing new wines, I am really passionate about wine.

WWD: Finally, what do you have coming up for the rest of the year?

I am starting to play a lot again, a break is ok but hey, we can’t be away from the booth too long it’s painful! I have also started a collaboration with a new booking agency for International bookings I have Tel Aviv. New York, Washington gigs and have more TBA. I have the aforementioned 2 Intec Digital releases and I’ve just finished a remix for Dj Pierre connected to his 35th Anniversary, where Carl Cox, Nastia, Chris Liebing and many more are remixing his tracks as well – It’s a big project. Being chosen to remix such an important artist means a lot. It will be released in March. really cool and exciting!