Techno ambassador Aida Arko is embarking on an immensely strong finish to what has been an enormous year. The Iranian producer and acclaimed DJ explores uncharted territory as she makes an anticipated debut with Boiler Room on the 3rd of November at Zoom Frankfurt. Her fascination with sound and intricately arranged productions has not only garnered her ongoing support by headliners Rebekah and Indira Paganotto, but also see her make a welcome return to the mighty Soma Records this November. Next year looks bright, with a full EP release on Techno Germany in the pipeline and multiple shows confirmed for her two residencies at Berlin-based collective GEGEN and Vienna’s top techno club Grelle Forelle.In addition to this she has gigs pencilled in on a global scale, by adding a hybrid live performance into her artillery, crammed full of hard and fast energy, Aida is a sure-shot on the techno agenda for 2024.

The Frankfurt edition of Boiler Room will see Aida showcase her refined taste for an hour long performance, and will be billed alongside an amazing selection of artists including Byron Yeates, DJ Hyperdrive, Fadi Mohem, local legend Oliver Hafenbauer and several other flourishing tastemakers.

Aida enforces all things mysterious, providing a unique auditory experience. Seamlessly blending percussive and industrial elements with experimental soundscapes, this curious energy is defining her signature style and paying testament to her diverse and innovative sound. Recent gig highlights include Berlin hotspots RSO and KitKat, Cologne with Techno Germany, Verknipt and Thuishaven from the Netherlands, Zodiac in Brussels, and Wildlife Vigo in Spain amongst many others, including a recent mainstage show at ADE.

Aida’s journey coming into fruition is to no surprise as she consistently challenges the boundaries of her versatile sound, making deep and lasting impressions on the dancers, and people she meets. With a solid foundation beneath her Aida looks to excel and develop even further in the years to come, cementing herself as an exciting prospect in the techno world.

We had the chance to chat with Aida about her debut Boiler Room and her new track ‘One Last Dream’. Enjoy!

WWD: Hi Aida, thanks for your time today. Where are you speaking to us from? And how has the year been in general for you?

I’m speaking to you from Berlin! It has been a great year so far with many highlights, a full hand of releases, spending well-appreciated time in the studio, joining Paramount agency and signing brand new to some of my favorite labels! My debut Hybrid set at my residency club Grelle Forelle was a special moment for sure!

WWD: Let’s kick things off with your debut Boiler Room show in Frankfurt, how was this? How did you find the experience?

I didn’t know what to expect but it exceeded all my expectations! I was very exited & nervous at the same as it was my first ever BR! But the minute I started playing I received so much kindness and positive energy from the crowd that I couldn’t stop smiling throughout!

WWD: After so many years dedicated to music, do you still find inspiration in the same places? Or has this evolved over the years?

Yes, fire is definitely here and stronger than ever haha! The more experiences and shows I have, the more my love and passion for music progresses. It makes me closer to the music that I believe in and builds up trust for my vision and the audience. I love blending those elements, along with the element of risk and unpredictability. At the moment I’m trying to combine these with what I know is dancefloor music and trying to find a balance. I’m evolving every day but progress isn’t a straight line, sometimes you need to go a few steps back to be able to move forward.

WWD: Is there anything in particular that inspired and pushed you to begin your hybrid sets? What set up are you using for this?

The fact that a Hybrid set-up gives me the opportunity to be more unique with my sound and also challenges me as an artist, relying on my own intuition and taking risks, makes the whole process more fun and highly rewarding.

WWD: You are currently living in Vienna, can you tell our audience a bit about the scene there? and your residency? Where do you like to go in the city?

Currently I am based in Berlin, but Vienna is my home. My residency club Grelle Forelle is like a second home to me, it’s one of the best sound systems in Europe and the vibe is always very special as it’s a no photo policy venue. We have a smaller but very dedicated crowd compared to bigger cities around Europe. Nevertheless, in Vienna this club is a go-to all the time.

WWD: You are also associated with Berlin outift, Gegen, how did this come about? Have you got anything forthcoming witb them?

Gegen is a queer collective and also family to me, our connection, the energy of the events and the showcases we have around Europe are very special, Gegen is the place where individuality is celebrated and all are welcome to the party with a full heart. My upcoming track will be released next year on the annual Gegen VA among great artists which I am very much looking forward to.

WWD: From a release perspective, how are the next months looking for you? We can not wait to hear what you have in store.

As for the rest of 2023 I have a single on Soma Records’ VA. 2024 will start with a 4-track original EP plus remixes on Techno Germany on Feb 10th. Then the single on Gegen VA followed by more EPs and collaboration tracks with some of my favorite artists. I can’t announce them all at the moment… I’m sure it’s well worth the anticipation.

WWD; Last of all, can you describe your sound in 3 words for our readers?

Energetic, individual, ever-evolving

Follow Aida Arko: Instagram / Soundcloud / RA / Spotify