Interview with Grace Dahl: «Style is a ritual, not a statement’’ 

At a time when the techno scene is moving at a dizzying pace, Grace Dahl advances to a different rhythm. Based in Amsterdam and with Hungarian-Finnish roots, the DJ and producer has established herself as a key figure in the European underground, far from the noise of the hype, yet with a presence that continues to grow.We spoke with her after a pivotal year that included her Boiler Room debut in Lisbon, performances at Berghain, and the release of her EP System Failure. Dahl reflects on her journey, the importance of creative independence, her relationship with fashion, and her vision for the future: a scene that’s more emotional, authentic, and collective.
Through honest and thoughtful answers, she shows us that her impact reaches far beyond the dancefloor.

Anna Masó: From your early days in music until now, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as an artist?

Grace Dahl: One of the biggest challenges has been staying grounded in an industry that moves so fast and can be quite overwhelming at times. In the early days especially, it was hard not to compare myself to others or feel like I wasn’t moving fast enough. But over time, I’ve learned to trust my own pace and values. Creating longevity means protecting your energy and making choices that align with who you are, not just what’s expected.

AM: Before becoming a DJ and producer, did you have other professional interests, or did you always know you were going to dedicate yourself to music?

GD: I always knew I was going to do something in music, that was never a question. Singing was actually my first love, and electronic music was a constant in my life from an early age thanks to my parents. Of course, I was curious about other subjects growing up, but nothing ever came close to the connection I felt with music. Once I made the decision to pursue it seriously at 17, it clicked immediately. I’ve never looked back or doubted that choice… it’s been full focus ever since.

AM: Looking back, is there any decision that you believe marked a turning point in your career?

GD: I guess the biggest turning point was deciding to go all-in on music after the pandemic. I had a stable full-time job and could’ve played it safe, but I knew deep down that music was what I wanted to give my full energy to.

Taking that leap felt risky at the time (more so to others than to myself actually haha), but it was the moment everything started aligning. From there, doors began to open. More gigs, bigger opportunities, and a stronger sense of direction. Fully committing to your path gives others the confidence to invest in you too.

AM: What motivated you to launch your own label? Was it a creative need, a desire for independence, or something else?

GD: Honestly, it came from a desire for freedom. I saw so many producers sitting on brilliant tracks that didn’t ‘fit’ their main alias or weren’t ‘right’ for the market, and I related to that. I’ve always loved a lot more than just techno: house, drum and bass, even singing. So I thought, why not create a space where those boundaries don’t exist?

That’s what Serial Disc Touchers is about for me. It’s not trying to be the next big label with five planned releases a year, it’s just a playground. A space for me and others to release music that deserves to exist, no matter what genre box it checks.

AM: «System Failure» seems to have a clear concept. What message did you want to convey with this EP, and what inspired its sonic narrative?

GD: With System Failure, I wanted to explore the tension between human emotion and a world that can sometimes feel fast and mechanical. The title reflects that internal crash… moments when the system, whether personal or societal, starts to break down. Sonically, I aimed to capture both fragility and power: distorted textures, driving rhythms. It’s a reflection of resistance and resilience.

AM: Is there a specific track within the EP that holds especially personal meaning for you?

GD: Yes. Camille Fatale definitely holds the most personal weight for me. The title is actually a nickname I gave to one of my closest friends, almost like her alter ego, think “Sasha Fierce energy. She embodies strength, rebellion, and a refusal to accept broken systems at face value. The track was inspired by that spirit: raw, fierce, unapologetic. It’s a tribute to her fire and to anyone who dares to challenge what isn’t working, with elegance.

AM: Would you ever consider releasing an album? If so, what kind of sound and concept would you imagine for it?

GD: Definitely! I’ve always seen an album as the space where I can explore the deeper layers of who I am, beyond the club context. If I were to do it, the core themes would revolve around femininity, grief, and resilience. These are threads that have shaped me both personally and artistically. I’d want the sound to reflect that emotional range. Moments of softness and vulnerability contrasted with unrelenting power. It would still live within the techno realm, but with room to stretch into ambient/cinematic textures, unexpected twists, and vocal work. More than anything, it would be about transformation. The beauty and intensity of surviving and evolving.

AM: Do you see yourself leading your own tour in the future? If you could design it from scratch, what name would it have, and what kind of experience would you want to offer to the audience?

GD: To be honest, I’m not sure leading my own tour is something I deeply aspire to. I’ve always felt that music culture should be about community and connection, not just pushing an individual or their “brand” to the front. I’m more interested in contributing to meaningful lineups or curating something that feels collective, where different energies and voices come together. If I ever did something under my own name, it would only make sense if the focus wasn’t just on me, but on building a space where people can feel something real and where talent can come together and bloom.

AM: Is there any city or venue in the world where you dream of performing, and you haven’t visited yet as an artist?

GD: Japan and South Africa are both high on my list. There’s a powerful musical spirit in both places that I’d love to experience firsthand and contribute to. Both feel like they’d offer something really special, on a soul level.

AM: Your Boiler Room set was a huge showcase for your work. How do you prepare for such an important set when you know it can have a global reach?

GD: That one definitely took extra thought. I knew it was more than just another set. So I treated it like a capsule of everything I love: bass-heavy techno, story telling closers, playful curveballs, even that tiny dubstep reference to my early rave days. It was curated carefully, but not rigid. I still left space for the moment to shape the vibe… like when I had to extend the set unexpectedly and ended up playing my track I Want to Dance, which felt kind of perfect. In the end, I wanted the set to feel personal, not performative, like an honest snapshot of where I was at that moment.

AM: What has been the most valuable or unexpected feedback you’ve received from someone within the industry?

GD: It’s hard to name just one… the most meaningful thing has been the accumulation of moments that, together, have really shaped and encouraged me.

In my early days, one of the founders of Reaktor told me to stick to my vision because he believed in it 100%, and that stayed with me. The founders of Vault Sessions have been a constant support system over the years, offering advice and space to grow.

Then there are the unexpected messages, like Seth Troxler reaching out to me to send me my flowers, kind words from DJ Rush (one of my heroes) or getting track feedback from Luke Slater. It’s those collective gestures that remind me I’m on the right path and that my work resonates.

AM: What is happiness to you, and how do you find it in the chaos of life and music?

GD: For me, happiness is feeling aligned. When what I do, who I am, and how I move through the world all feel connected. Life in music can be chaotic, unpredictable, and emotionally intense, but I find happiness in the small moments of clarity: a meaningful connection with someone in the crowd or while travelling, a breakthrough in the studio, a quiet morning after a long weekend. I’ve learned that happiness isn’t this big, constant state. I notice it in flashes, especially when you slow down enough to feel it. The key for me is protecting my peace and staying grounded in what really matters.

AM: If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give, and what would you change about your journey so far?

GD: I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step, even the hard ones, shaped who I am today. If anything, I’d just tell my younger self to trust her instincts more and to never doubt her place in the room. The path was never supposed to be perfect or predictable, but it was always mine. And I’m proud of how I’ve walked it.

AM: How would you like to be remembered? What kind of legacy would you like to leave within the industry and beyond music?

GD: I’d like to be remembered as someone who moved with integrity, who stayed true to her vision, but also made space for others to grow and be seen. Of course, I hope the music speaks for itself, but more than that, I want to leave behind a sense of emotional impact. That I brought depth and a human touch to a scene that can sometimes feel impersonal. 

Beyond music, I hope my journey shows that it’s possible to lead with both strength and softness. Resilience doesn’t have to come at the cost of vulnerability.

AM: Fashion and music are deeply connected, especially in the world of techno. How would you describe your personal style, and how do you think fashion influences your music?

GD: I don’t overthink fashion too much, it’s more of a feeling. My style tends to be minimal, edgy, and functional, but always with intention behind it. I see it as an extension of the energy I bring to a set: controlled, powerful, but still human.

I think fashion and music share that same language, both help you communicate without saying a word. What I wear doesn’t define the music, but it definitely shapes how I step into a space.

AM: Is there any designer or fashion brand that you feel aligns with your style and music?

GD: GD: To be honest, I’m not deeply into fashion in a traditional sense. I care more about how something feels than who made it. I like clothes that are comfortable, confident, and feel like me… usually pieces that hold a bit of quiet power.

That said, I respect a lot of local designers here in the Netherlands who are doing bold, innovative things like Johnny Blood for example!

AM: Is there any current fashion trend or style that inspires you, and how do you incorporate it into your work as a DJ?

GD:  Not really… I’ve never been one that’s interested in trends.

My style is basically: comfortable, slightly mysterious, and ready to survive a 3 a.m. booth with questionable air circulation. If there’s any trend I follow, it’s the one where my skin can still breathe during a 4-hour set. If anything, my style is more of a personal ritual than a fashion statement, and that’s exactly how I like it.

AM: How do you envision Grace Dahl in 10 years? What would you like people to say about you as an artist?

GD: In 10 years, I hope people see me as someone who stayed consistent, kept evolving, and did things on her own terms. I’d love to be known for bringing emotion and energy to the dancefloor without ever losing sight of the bigger picture.

If people say, “she has skills, works hard, and makes us forget time even exists on the dance floor” — I’m happy. And if I helped open some doors for others along the way: even better!

Talent: @gracedahl

Photographer: @nat.matag / @nat.reel

Stylist: ___jaanelle

Producer: @annaamaso

Producer assistant: @l.arias.velasco

Thanks to: @jimecanepa @themediananny