Anja Schneider: „Music is simply everything to me“
Anja Schneider (Photo: Katja Ruge)
Anja Schneider has long occupied a singular place in electronic music as a DJ, producer, and curator. With a good ear for talents, she first made her mark co-founding Mobilee Records, a label that helped define the sleek, groove-driven sound of Berlin’s mid-2000s. With her later imprint Sous Music, she doubled down on independence, releasing work that remains unmistakably hers: minimal yet warm, direct yet emotionally resonant.
In her contribution to “Electric Lights – Women in Electronic Music,” Schneider reflects on music’s role as both a refuge and a political act — a space of joy, escape, and expression. There’s a candidness to her responses: she talks about the awkwardness of playing her own tracks in clubs, the thrill of remixing The Cure, and the quiet power she sees in female artistry. What emerges is a portrait of an artist for whom longevity isn’t about legacy, but about staying grounded — and curious — on the dancefloor.
Anja, which music was the first to touch/inspire/move you? What made it so special and lasting for you?
Anja Schneider: It was actually the second record I ever bought: Kraftwerk, „Computerwelt“. I grew up with bands like The Cure and Depeche Mode, and they had a lasting impact on me. They really led me into electronic music.
What do you hope to find in music – both your own and that of others?
Music has always been political for me. It gives me hope and happiness, and sometimes it helps me escape difficult situations. Music is simply everything to me.
What do you prefer – the seclusive working process in the studio or performing live in front of an audience? And why?
Oh, it’s definitely a synergy for me. I really love both spaces and could never choose just one. It’s incredibly important for me to present my music in the club — I actually play tracks there before they’re even released. And yes, to be honest, it’s always a bit awkward to play my own music in front of a crowd.
Anja Schneider (Photo: Katja Ruge)
What is your ideal space or place to listen to music?
I travel a lot, and for me, it’s always a relaxing moment to listen to new music or podcasts with my headphones. That’s absolutely essential for me.
What do you think sets your “voice” or creative expression apart from others?
For me, it’s not really about comparing myself to others. I always focus on myself – on what I want to do and what I want to say to the world. Of course, I’ve evolved over the past 20 years, but that special Anja Schneider hypnotic minimal groove is just something I can’t take out of myself. I really love that I’m still relevant today and that people still listen to my music – honestly, that’s what keeps me energetic and moving.
Anja Schneider (Photo: Katja Ruge)
What empowers you or helps you to overcome obstacles and challenges in your work?
When I fail or make mistakes, that’s exactly what pushes me. I always want to do better next time. It’s all about learning and growing.
Your most beautiful experience centered around your music?
Oh, that’s a tough one to answer because honestly, I experience great shows almost every weekend, and I always give it my all. But the most wonderful moment was definitely being asked to remix a track by The Cure – and having them accept it!
What’s a secret guilty pleasure, an idiosyncrasy of yours, or something that would surprise people about you?
Okay, I’ll be honest: When I want to relax, I absolutely love watching German reality and trash shows! I could spend hours watching them – and yes, I know all the backstories 🙂
What would be a fantasy venue or event to DJ or play live at?
I’ll be honest and unpretentious: I’m from Berlin, and the truth is, we have the best club in the world – Berghain. I played there many, many years ago, also in Panorama Bar. And yes, I would absolutely love to play there again.
Do you see a connection between your femininity and your work? If so, what is it?
I really love working with women, and I also truly enjoy listening to sets by female artists. I often find interesting, intuitive moments in them. I believe women are especially good at picking up on certain moods and incorporating them into their work. They really know how to create a vibe or take you on a journey. I always find so much joy in discovering that in women’s sets. I also think that’s a strength we have – we might not take ourselves too seriously on the surface, but when it comes to our work, our creativity, and what we build, we take it very seriously – just without a big ego.
Anja Schneider (Photo: Katja Ruge)
This interview with Anja Schneider is part of the ongoing photo project “Electric Lights – Women in Electronic Music” by Hamburg-based photographer Katja Ruge and Kaput co-publisher Thomas Venker, focused on the role of women in electronic music. Each photo shoot is accompanied by a short interview based on a personalized questionnaire. The interviews will be published on the Kaput website on a monthly basis before being compiled into a book.
