Photography: Stephie Braun represented by Schierke.Hottas @stephie.braun
Styling: Romina Mann @rominamann
Make-up & Hair: Reza Hair @reza.hair
Make-Up & Hair Assistance: Lea Michels
Nail Artist: Tanja Gravina using jolifin @nailsbygravina
Set Styling: Theresa Rohé @theresa__rohe
Light: Florian Köllisch
Retouch: Nina Kramberger
Production: Julia Gelau @juliagelau____
Talent: Stella Bossi @stellabossi
Sunglasses on, sound on: DJ Stella Bossi is turning the techno world on its head. And she needs to, because there is still some room for improvement in the male-dominated scene when it comes to equality. Between social media fun, the DJ booth and the plane to the next location, the Berlin native is going full throttle. For us, she adorns herself with pieces from Wempe, because her look isn’t complete without a little bling. In our interview, she reveals how the club scene can be saved, what belongs on the perfect party playlist and what pasta with tomato sauce has to do with an alternative career plan.
FACES: Do you remember the moment when you discovered your love for techno?
Stella Bossi: It wasn’t a romantic moment, it was more like this: a wild community, a bass that was way too loud, a crazy party and suddenly I realized: “Okay, this is my home.”
F: You were born and raised in Berlin. Could you imagine continuing your career elsewhere?
SB: Berlin is my base. But I love playing everywhere. I can also imagine living somewhere else at some point. Because I’m a sun person.
F: What do you like about Berlin and what do you find difficult? Are there any Berlin clichés that are true?
SB: I love the freedom, the humor, the Berlin snottiness. I sometimes find the bureaucracy and the cold and darkness in winter difficult. Clichés? Berliners are tough as nails in everyday life, but are the warmest people in the world in the club. Club friendships are the best friendships.
“People want to escalate and let go. Fortunately! “
Q: How have Berlin and the DJ scene changed in recent years?
SB: The scene has become more professional, more international, faster. Everything used to be a bit rougher, today a lot of things are aesthetically curated and geared towards profitability. But the core is the same: people want to escalate and let loose. Fortunately!
Q: What needs to happen to preserve the club scene?
SB: Shelters need to be better protected by law. Rents must not be allowed to destroy clubs. And politicians must finally recognize that club culture is not a hobby, but a cultural export. And yes, people have to want to go out again. Which is damn difficult with everything that’s going on out there…
F: You tour all over the world. Do you notice differences in how people celebrate in different countries?
SB: Yes! Berlin: Celebrates extremely long. Italy: Gets emotional. Scandinavia: Extremely friendly. India: Incredibly energetic. Latinos: Always go full throttle. Ireland: Have a curfew! It’s totally annoying, but then all the energy has to get out beforehand, which is also great.
F: What is your relationship with Instagram & Co. Do you sometimes need some distance?
SB: Social media made my career possible in the first place. I also love being creative there, but I also need to detox sometimes. If I don’t use social media for 48 hours, my inner peace of mind definitely wins.
“Social media made my career possible in the first place.“
Q: Are there any unexpected genres or artists that you like to listen to?
SB: I’m currently listening to Gesaffelstein on an endless loop. Sometimes I get stuck and only get off when I can’t listen to it anymore.
Q: Which artists inspire you in particular?
SB: Charlotte de Witte, Nina Kraviz, Peggy Gou – but also artists outside of techno who are uncompromising: Björk, Rosalía, FKA Twigs.
Q: Who would you really like to record a track with?
SB: With Rosalía would be something special…
Q: Which celebrity would you drop everything for if they booked you?
SB: For Madonna or Kate Moss – afterparty included.
Q: What should definitely be on a party playlist?
SB: Stella Bossi – “Weekend Baddie”, FTS – “Showtek”, Azzle 447, Juju – “Komm”, Marlon Hoffstadt – “My Mama Dropped LSD in the 90’s”, DJ Gigola – “La Batteria”.
Q: What needs to change in the male-dominated techno scene?
SB: Less gatekeeping, more mentorship. Women need the same stages, pay and media space. Change happens faster when promoters actively book women instead of just “thinking it’s a shame” that there are so few. But something is brewing. Stay tuned.
F: What experiences have you had with sexism in the industry? How can the scene become more inclusive?
SB: I’ve often had to prove myself, both as a woman, but also because I’ve always offered the maximum surface for attack with my content, which is somehow different. The scene becomes more inclusive when women are visible behind and in front of the DJ booth and men listen instead of explaining.
“Women need the same stages, pay and media space.“
Q: What new associations do you want to bring to the scene?
SB: That techno is not just serious, hard and dark. But also: sexy, humorous, feminine, courageous, absurd and free.
Q: What items of clothing or jewelry do you consider to be part of an appearance?
SB: Sunglasses – always -, a statement necklace, an over-the-top top and a pair of huge boots.
Q: How much is fashion part of your job for you?
SB: Fashion is passion and fun for me. Even as a child, I wore crazy hats that my classmates didn’t understand. But no matter, I love it.
Q: What piece of jewelry or clothing do you rarely leave the house without?
SB: Sunglasses. I sometimes even go to the supermarket at 11pm with them.
Q: If they took the DJ booth away from you – what would you do instead?
SB: I would set up my own creative agency or become a director. Or open a restaurant that only serves my favorite dish: Pasta with tomato sauce.
STELLA BOSSI
Women belong on the front row. And in the DJ booth. The Italian-German techno DJ and music producer Stella Bossi brings a breath of fresh air – and sound – to a sphere that is still dominated by men. Not only in her native Berlin, but all over the world, she gets party-goers in the mood to dance. She entertains over a million people on social media with her music and comedy sketches, which are just as well received. stellabossi.com
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