Noise101: Mira

In an industry that is mostly dominated by men, a few women have managed to excel; but in a city driven by a youth movement successfully blurring the gender line within the social context of clubbing and hedonistic lifestyles, does it ever really matter? It seems that Mira is one of the most achieved DJs in Berlin. With her current residency at the infamous Katerblau - following two earlier residencies at Bar25 and Kater Holzig - Mira seems to be one of the most successful DJs in Berlin. Before moving to Berlin, Mira had been steadily and consistently affecting the techno scene in East Germany for nearly a decade. Now, she is known worldwide for her signature sets, playing and producing alongside her musical duo Chris Schwarzwalder, and on her own as a solo act. She finds time amidst her busy schedule to answer our questions.If we remember correctly, you played a set in Cairo at Nacelle last January. Tell us about your experience.

It was really great! I was not expecting Cairo to have such a scene, and the people were really going for it. Most pleasantly surprised!

Tell us one thing that scared you about Cairo.

The only thing in Cairo that had me scared was a bomb exploding somewhere in the city the same night I played.

How long have you been playing music for a living? Tell us a bit about your first gig.

I started DJing in 1996, so it’s been a good 20 years. I played my first gig in an abandoned prison; I was nervous but it turned out quite crazy, I got a good response from the crowd. 

Was it harder for you to make it in the dance music industry because of your gender?

In the beginning I feel it’s easier to get gigs as a girl, but in the long run it is much harder to gain respect from the majority.

You have many highly acclaimed releases, tell us a bit about what inspires you to make music.

Friendship and the symbiotic relationship with Chris Schwarzwalder and the whole gang makes it easy to get more and more into producing. Also, travelling and going out to dance on the other side of the podium are certainly also very influential in my drive to make music. 

Where was your favourite place to party this summer?

Garbicz in Poland, and Burning Man in the US.

We understand it was your first time playing Burning Man, can you tell us about your experience?

No words...

What, to you, is the single most important factor that could make or break a night out?

Sound system, stage setup, and crowd are all equally important in making or breaking a good night out.Your unique sets have been influencing the German techno scene both during your stay in Berlin and way before moving there, what was the biggest turning point in your career?

Bar 25 for sure was a big turning point. There is definitely a before and after in my life as a DJ and human being. 

You have held three residencies in Berlin, including your current residency at Kater Blau. Please share with us how your work day starts, and how you maintain yourself in such an intense business.

Every day is different. I like having a life on the side with my boyfriend – cooking, doing some sports. I try to find balance between looking for new music, studio time, and my social life. 

Are there any new projects that we can expect from you guys in the near future?

Chris and I have done about six remixes in the last year, some of them still awaiting release.

What are some of the record labels that you think are doing well right now?

Laut & Luise, Denature Records, Marionette, and Platon Records.

Who are your favourite artists at the moment?

Feathered Sun, Nicola Cruz, Wide Awake, Viken Arman, Lotti aka The Sorry Entertainer, Mimi Love, Britta Arnold.

If you could spend a day with one famous person, dead or alive, who would you pick?

Puh… I like hanging out with my alive friends

Follow Mira on Facebook here and check out her Soundcloud for more tunes.