We had a sit-down with Jordanian Producer/DJ AYN aka Aya Nasif whose sound has been gaining ground in the Middle East electronic music scene. She has performed in several music festivals in the region andjoined Ballantine’s True Music Jordan program last year, representing it at Boiler Room Poland. “AYN” stems from Aya Nasif and it also means “where” in Arabic – “where” is being the musical universe people escape to. DJ Aya Nasif AYN
Who is your biggest inspiration, who do you have a lot of respect for?
My mother is my biggest inspiration – she has believed in me since day one and has always supported me unconditionally. She taught me the lessons I cherish the most in life. She showed me that perseverance is the key to growth and obstacles are made to be overcome – the grass is always greener on the other side, and this is where I want people to come meet me when they hear my music.
Who’s your favorite DJ? And which artist from the scene would you like to share the stage with?
Helena Hauf is my favorite DJ – truly an inspiration. I saw her live back in July and she simply owned the stage! I remember watching her play and being very intrigued by her technique performing with vinyl. As for sharing the stage with an artist, I’d love to share the stage with Nina Kraviz – when it comes to techno music, she is my biggest inspiration.
Which performance has been the most memorable for you? As a performer? As a guest?
My most memorable performance was my first official DJ gig. I was asked to play at the launch of “Petra” a Jordanian brand. It got the ball rolling and that exposed me to opportunities within the local scene.
As a guest, the most memorable live performance I’ve been to was in Berlin – it was before I started DJing. I was at Chalet, the club, and there was a DJ performing with a vocalist. Even though I didn’t understand what she was saying in German, she took me to a very emotional space. The rawness of the music within the underground setting I was in made me connect with her. She reminded me that music has no language, it’s universal.
What is one subgenre you think doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
In the region, electronic music has definitely picked up; however, techno as a sub-genre compared to deep house and the more accessible sub-genres doesn’t get the attention it deserves. The amount of intricacy in production that goes into creating techno music is undervalued – it’s one of those sub-genres that help people escape and discover.
What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?
Batwanis Beek – the emotional delivery in Warda El Jazairia’s voice and the overall melodic progression of the song, portray vulnerability and a strength. The track never gets old for me. Goosebumps every time! DJ Aya Nasif AYN
What festivals would you most like to play in?
Off the top of my head, Time Warp, Tomorrowland, Awakenings, Sónar Barcelona, Burning Man, Lollapalooza, Connect Festival, ADE, Fusion Festival, BPM Festival Portugal, among others.
What has been your favorite night at The Tap so far?
The last time I played at Tap Maadi was definitely my favorite night at The Tap – the energy of the space and the energy of the people were out of this world. They welcomed my techno sound with open arms. I love you guys! http://cairopulse.net/
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