Beyond the Booth with ophélie: The Activism Embedded in Club Culture
Author: Petra Stan
In our latest Beyond the Booth interview the French-born, Berlin-based DJ and Refuge Worldwide resident ophélie, shares her journey through Berlin’s music scene and the political roots of club culture. From early days working the door at Boiler Rooms to residencies at Therapy Dog and Refuge, in her sets, she creates deep, emotive journeys that blend melancholy with hope, joy, and resilience, all while rooted in a deep sense of community and connection.
What memories come to mind when you think about your early days in the Berlin music scene?
When I first moved to Berlin it was all very exciting to me. I was discovering what seemed like a neverending offer of music and parties to go to, as well as weekend-long club nights, and daytime club parties. I think I must have visited most of the Berlin clubs in my first 3 months. I also remember going to some of the very first Boiler Rooms in Berlin and asking to work at the door as a way to attend the events, which I did for quite a while and was a fun way to get more into the scene.
in Warsaw
How has your background in France influenced your musical style and identity as a DJ and producer today?
It was very different there, there wasn’t much happening in terms of electronic music where I grew up. But it was also a lot more diy with a lot of off-location parties in random places, warehouses or nature, which was also quite fun.
Can you share a memorable moment from your monthly residency at Refuge Worldwide, Therapy Dog or Kwia?
I don’t know if I have one specific moment in mind, but I love that Therapy Dog has allowed me to meet so many cool and talented artists and invite friends to share the decks with. I honestly have found memories of all of the shows and events, and I enjoyed getting more into my guests’ styles in order to play with them.
How do you navigate the balance between the fluid, melancholic aspects of music and the energy needed for a live set?
I tend to approach my sets as some kind of a story or journey, and I find it important to go through all kinds of emotions and moods. I’m naturally a more melancholic kind of person I guess, so I draw a lot of inspiration from there, but other kinds of emotions like hope, joy, energy, resistance, are equally important. I like to try and convey most of them in a set.
ophélie in Prague
What was the inspiration behind your track released on Early Reflex, and what does it mean to you personally?
It was the very first track that I released and it was a lot of experimentation to be honest. I was already making music for a little while before that, but never managed to properly finish tracks to a point where I felt they could be released. When I got the opportunity to be on an Early Reflex compilation – a label that I was and still am a huge fan of – I knew I had to push myself to try and finish something that I could contribute.
I wanted the track to be more on the introspective side and I wanted it to have some little surprises, FX and ear candies. Since then, I have released more music and feel like my style is evolving, little by little.
What are some personal rituals or practices you follow before a set to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally?
I don’t really have personal rituals before a set, though I like to arrive quite some time in advance to get a sense of the vibe of the party and the people, and to listen to the set before me. It helps me get in the mood, especially if I don’t know the venue or party well. Other than this, I have had to accept that I’m gonna be stressed and sometimes even feel sick haha. But I guess I have gotten a tiny bit better at it.
How do you deal with performance anxiety and the pressure of a live audience?
I know I’m gonna be anxious before a gig, so I really want to try and prepare well – for different scenarios, so that it eases a little bit of the stress of the unknown. As I was saying before, arriving early and just trying to hide in the crowd and dance a bit also helps. Once I start playing, usually when the first few tracks go well, stress and anxiety kinda disappear and it’s more focused and fun.
What role does club culture play in the political landscape, and why is it important to you?
Club culture has always been political. It’s a movement that was born from and belongs to Black people, queer people and people who have been excluded from mainstream society. I think it’s important to always try and remember this as you spend more time within club culture, or if you want to develop a career in dance music. Music is not gonna change the world we live in, but trying as best as you can to fight systems of oppression, and dismantle the current system we live in should be important not only to artists, but to everyone working in this industry (and to everyone else to be honest). This is something I think about very often and try to implement as much as I can in my daily life, and my career.
Tbilisi
Let’s spread some love: Which musicians deserve more attention in your opinion?
Honestly there’s so many talented musicians out there that deserve more recognition. But in terms of upcoming producers, I am currently a big fan of the work of Soa420, Small Crab, 5RVZ, Priest5s, Abibi, Maude Vôs and Katiusha among many others.
