Q&A with Mira Falkenstein

What does DJing mean to you?

Standing behind the mixing desk, in front of a crowd with whom you feel so connected through the deep sounds of techno, is an incredible feeling. As if in a trance, guided by the music and the flow of the people, an infinite loop in which one thing is driven by the other and it continues to strengthen positively. Being able to pass on the fire and the passion to the crowd while DJing, letting others feel free, to feel free and to lose myself in the music, is the biggest incentive for me when DJing and proof that I’m on the right track, to live my own inner truth and to be allowed to pass it on.

How and why did you become a DJ?

 The interest of DJing started in school years, often being responsible for the tracks that are being played at parties. 2015 I visited a music school to learn the basic skills, then I put all the effort in learning and experiencing, focusing on my goals as I wanted to get better with this passion found again.

The reason I play and produce music is to bring all my individual expressions from inner creativity to the outside world. Having the possibility to distribute this through music is real freedom for me, which is breaking through mental boundaries, creating an incredible musical connection with everyone listening, feeling the same.

When did you start DJing and what was your first big DJ moment?

 The path began for me in 2016 in Cologne with house music, where I played under this genre in the following years. In 2019 I was drawn more and more towards techno, with the biggest turning point being my performance at Bootshaus Cologne 2020. It was the first time I played techno in front of a big crowd. The authentic and positive energy I felt and spread there with techno, was a completely different one… really electrifying. I never had this feeling with house music before. Freedom and connectedness at the same time, arising through the music I’m playing. From this moment, the path towards techno was totally clear for me.

What and who were your early passions and influences?

 My early passions were full of creativity. I loved producing music, playing the piano, dancing, acting on stage at theaters and playing in front of a camera, as well as behind it, capturing and editing videos.

The school I attended in England, was a place where I could express a lot of that creativity, while at the same time completing the major exams there. With this knowledge I grew into an independence that formed my way already at a young age on a good level.

At the same time, I grew up in a very spiritual environment with my parents, they gave me a completely different focus on the world and a mindset that helped me a lot while working on this career.

What are some of the main challenges for a Dj in the current scenario according to you?

 I think the biggest challenge is the work around the music. An artist just wants to play and create music, but at the moment we also have to be so present online to be seen as successful, that we need to spend a hell lot of time on social media, online performance, marketing, and communication to get jobs or be heard. Meanwhile not really earning money by this, but still continuing over years, is the hardest part for an emerging artist.

 How do you prep for a set?

 I listen to techno music alongside my daily life, so I find new music, which suits my style. I make a list in order that the harmony key of the songs match. Then I listen to them before, looking for an intro that catches me, trying to create a moment of magic in the beginning, something where the crowd gets the feeling of wanting more. Then the first drop has to be so powerful that they are not disappointed. I love to create a new melody from two and when a fiery build-up is followed by a strong drop, that can maintain the level and has an intoxicating effect. The songs have to be full of energy and rather incorporate textual content that can convey something positive/motivating.

What’s the difference for you in playing at a gig and playing on the Radio?

The difference is the direct reaction, which is missing on the radio. On a gig, the people are there, going into the flow with you and you have the connection that pushes the performance which pushes the reaction again. On the radio you are able to reach a lot of people without having a direct response, but they are enjoying the music in their own surroundings, maybe by themselves, maybe with friends. It’s a different kind of sharing, both powerful and fulfilling in another way to the people listening.

What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?

Concerning the tracks I produced myself, I like “Together Free” over and over again, as the message behind it, being free and together at the same time, is something I want to spread out more to the world. Music can create this. We can feel this freedom, being with others. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. I also love the drop in that song, the positive and powerful energy, which is being transported by that. 

What have you learned since you started out as a DJ?

 My inner strength is the most important factor, on which I can build up everything else. Having a positive mindset, believing in myself and focusing on my goal is something I learned to prioritize over the years. Also my surroundings are something important alongside. Good hearted, honest people with the same mindset, having their own drive to live their passion or combine it with mine to create something bigger together. This is something I am more and more selective about now, learning from mistakes and the wrong people in the past. 

Where do you think India stands in the global music scenario and what should we do better to encourage talent?

 I think India is coming more and more in focus. I have a lot of listeners there and I think the interest is growing for this kind of music. Creating more musical events, having DJs there from all over the world, which will create a new connection with the Indian DJs and the crowd. Every country puts their own spirit into music and I think it is exciting to see this development in India and what arises from there.

 What does the future look like for you?

I really want to spread music, which touches the people. My own productions are created to give a motivating energy, as my DJ sets do already. It’s like a positive reinforcement between me and the crowd, and this is something I want to share with as many people as possible. So my vision is to play the major festivals with my own productions, reaching out to people all over the world spreading my inner fire through music and giving them back this positive energy with a good feeling and strength for themselves.

What advice will you give to aspiring DJs and Music Producers?

Spend more time with the music you really love. Create, make mistakes and be open to learning from others. Surround yourself with people, who are better than you at things you want to achieve. Nothing is impossible, it’s all a mindset and I think if we are really good at something, it will naturally work out for us, if we just continue. In the beginning, you will get a lot of disappointing reactions, so many different opinions and you will be rejected most of the time. But that’s the point where you are tested, if you have the drive to continue to stand up again, to believe in yourself, ready to grow further. When the power within you is stronger, you will shine your light.