Brussels based Dj
They/She
Vera Moro
Vera Moro is a queer non binary dj based in Brussels, where she could discover and be inspired by the flourishing queer scene that's making its way into Europe's capital. Through the styles of acid and trance, with a hint of hyperpop, she performs and does her best to turn every night into an inclusive, safe, fun, and political experience. She's part of the queer collective Shakti Stream, with other artists coming from multiple countries in Europe.
What inspired you to get into the arts, music, DJ'ing?
“I love techno, I love partying, I love listening to music and playing it for others. I think that all of that came by itself. What came from a reflection and not only from an instinct is the political will that's embedded in my performances.”
Did you have any influential role models? (if so, who?).
“Role models, I have plenty. I am mostly inspired by queer people and women. The people who inspired me the most throughout my life are Virginie Despentes, Angela Davis, Paul B. Preciado, and Nina Simone. When it comes to the art that I do, I got and still get my inspiration from artists that I know or that are close to people that I know. Dance Divine, Dana Montana, Metaraph, Lesss, Paula Temple, Sara Landry and Rebeka Warrior.”
What is your creative process and what are the most important things you keep in mind when beginning a new project?
“I'm constantly digging for new music, on the internet or music that I listen to while raving and that I find interesting. I stock them in huge playlists and I listen to them over and over again. When I have to prepare a gig or a podcast, I always ask myself some questions like: who am I gonna play for? Will it be a queer night? Is it an open air or a club? Which artists do I wanna show?... Little by little, I build my sets and then while I'm on stage, I let my instinct take over.”
Are there any recurring themes/issues you like to address within your work?
“Queer expression is pivotal in my work. I try to deliver a queer message through my performance in different ways. I dance a lot on stage, I always try to play as much tracks as possible that were produced by women or queer people, and I choose my gigs to be sure to collaborate with the right people. My collective plays a huge role in this specific topic.”
What do you enjoy most about your work?
“I love performing, dancing, and most of all I love feeling the energy of people dancing with me to my music. I also enjoy collaborating with people who I admire.”
What advice would you give to artists starting out or to those artists who are struggling with creative blocks?
“It's very cliché but never stop trying. There are bad days, I personally call them "bad mixing days", when I despise everything I do. At that point, I always have to tell myself that it's a matter of time, that tomorrow will be better, and it always is. You just need to find the will and courage to wake up the following day and try again.”
Any other interesting facts/information we should know about you?
“I used to be a completely different person before moving to Bruxelles. This city shaped me and continues to shape me into what I am today. I never get tired of it and in some ways, what I do is also a love letter to this city.”
Upcoming events?
“On the 24th of June, I'm playing at Barrio in Brussels, with another collective Deep Down East. I really like their project and we're very close. Soon there will also be some raves organised by Shakti Stream, that I'm really looking forward to.”