Lokier is 'Back to It'
From hard techno to trance-infused rave, Lokier dives into her sound and journey.
Mexican-born, Berlin-based DJ, producer, and LightStrike label owner Lokier has been a dynamic force in the global techno scene since 2009. With a signature sound that blends hard techno, industrial, rave, trance, and power electronics, she has released music on labels like Pinkman, Veyl, Exhale, and Boysnoize Records, earning support from major artists. Her breakthrough came in 2020 with Preech, leading to her 2021 Back To Life EP on Amelie Lens' Lenske label and a spot on its world tour. Having performed at renowned clubs and festivals worldwide, Lokier continues to push sonic boundaries and captivate dance floors.
Lokier discusses with 6AM, her journey into electronic music, how she crafts her genre-blending sound, the impact of working with Lenske, and the creative process behind her latest EP Back To It / Pretend. She also shares insights on performing at top venues like Berghain and Tresor.
Hi Lokier! Thanks for taking the time to chat with the 6AM Group. How are you doing today?
Hey! I’m good, maybe a bit jetlagged and still processing everything because I just got back from the U.S. Unfortunately, someone stole my luggage and laptop while I was there, as some might’ve seen on my stories. It was definitely a rough moment, but I’m trying to keep a good attitude and not let it bring me down. At the end of the day, it’s just stuff, and I’d rather focus on what’s ahead. Other than that, I’m excited to chat with you!
For those who might not be familiar with your journey, you were born and raised in Mexico City and have been active in the electronic music scene since 2009. Can you share what initially drew you to electronic music and how your early experiences in Mexico influenced your sound?
I first got into electronic music through clubbing and immersing myself in the scene. A lot of my friends at the time were DJs, so my curiosity grew until I finally decided to give it a try. Before that, I was more into rock and had worked with bands, so my transition into electronic music was influenced by the sounds that felt deeper, melancholic, and cinematic. I’ve always been drawn to music that evokes strong emotions and tells a story.
I was also a huge fan of old B-movies, especially horror films, and I loved soundtracks by composers like John Carpenter. That influence naturally found its way into my early productions, which were originally intended to work as soundtracks rather than club tracks. Over time, I blended those cinematic elements with dance music, shaping the sound I have today.
Your music seamlessly blends genres like hard techno, industrial, and trance. What inspires you to fuse these diverse styles, and how do you approach creating a cohesive sound that reflects your artistic vision?
I’ve always been drawn to tracks with interesting melodies or unexpected elements, something that stands out and evokes a feeling. I’m open to many genres as long as they capture my attention in that way. Sticking to just one style feels limiting, so I naturally blend different sounds to keep things exciting and creatively challenging.
Lately, I’ve been incorporating even more genres, like breakbeat and garage, into my music. At this point, I don’t even know how to define it, I just like so many different things. It’s more about following what excites me rather than fitting into a specific genre. I let my instincts guide me, and that’s what shapes my sound.
After releasing the 'Preech' EP on your label Light Strike in 2020, you joined Amelie Lens' Lenske label with the 'Back To Life' EP in 2021. How did these milestones impact your career, and what did you learn from joining such prominent labels and figures in the techno scene?
Even though I had been DJing for years, releasing on Lenske and playing bigger stages was a completely new experience. I didn’t know what to expect, so I just went with the flow. It was exciting but also nerve-wracking. Playing large venues comes with a different energy and responsibility.
One of the biggest lessons was how different settings affect the music. I was used to playing raw, dirty sounds in underground venues, but on big stages, the sound needed to be cleaner and more powerful to make an impact. That shift made me more aware of how to adapt my sets depending on the space and crowd, without losing my own style.
Joining Lenske also put me in a new spotlight, introducing me to different audiences and pushing me out of my comfort zone. I love challenges, so it was a great way to grow and evolve as an artist.
Your latest EP, 'Back To It / Pretend,' showcases a dynamic range of techno sounds. Can you delve into the creative process behind these tracks and what you aimed to convey through this release?
I hadn’t released an EP in a while, so I wanted this one to feel special. I decided to release it on my own label because it gives me full creative freedom to explore and push my sound as far as I want. Over the past few years, I’ve learned new production techniques, and this EP was a way to put them into practice.
At the same time, I wasn’t trying to follow a specific genre, I wanted to embrace the fact that I like so many different styles and create from that space. The tracks reflect that mix of influences, blending different sounds with unique elements I experimented with in sound design. My goal was to create something fresh and unexpected, something that truly feels like me.
Your Back To It / Pretend EP showcases two distinct yet equally high-energy tracks. What story or emotion ties them together?
I wanted both tracks to feel unique, unexpected, and a bit unpredictable. Melodies are always an important element in my music, so I made sure each track had something intriguing in that sense. They’re both energetic but also chaotic in a way, just like my relationship with music. I don’t like to define things too much, and this EP reflects that fluid, ever-evolving approach to sound.
Having performed at renowned venues like Berghain, Tresor, and festivals worldwide, how do you adapt your sets to different audiences and environments while staying true to your signature style?
I naturally adapt my sets based on the venue, stage, and crowd, while still keeping my core style intact. In smaller, more intimate venues, I lean towards raw, dirty, and riskier selections, tracks that feel more experimental and immersive. For bigger stages, I tend to play a more polished version of my sound, as I feel it translates better in those settings.
No matter the space, I always aim to create an emotional journey. Towards the end of my sets, I love bringing in fun, melodic elements, often some 90s tracks or edits, to add a nostalgic, unexpected twist. I also enjoy playing around with different genres, letting the vibe of the club guide my direction. I love surprising people, honestly, I even make myself laugh sometimes knowing I’m about to drop something unexpected. People always say I look like I’m having the best time, and I am, but mostly because I know I’m about to catch them off guard.
Thanks so much for taking the time. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
People often ask me how I got to this point and what advice I’d give them. Honestly, I’d just say: follow your intuition and have fun! That’s the most important part. Don’t overthink it or put too much pressure on yourself. When you’re genuinely enjoying what you do, the crowd feels it and appreciates that energy.
Make the music that makes you happy. I always say: if you love it, someone out there will too. There’s an audience for everything, so stay true to yourself, keep experimenting, and enjoy the journey.
