When it comes to hard techno, few names resonate with the same passion and energy as Joanna Coelho. Born in Curitiba, Brazil, Joanna’s love for electronic music began at an early age. By 17, she had already graduated from the International Academy of Electronic Music (AIMEC) in her hometown, laying the foundation for what would become an exciting career in the global electronic music scene.
In 2012, Joanna took her passion to the next level, moving to the Netherlands to refine her craft at the SAE Rotterdam, where she completed an Electronic Music Production Course. This step marked the beginning of her journey as both a performer and a producer. Her tracks quickly gained recognition, earning support from top-tier artists like Amelie Lens, 999999999, Shlømo, DAX J, and many more.
With performances across Europe and South America, from the underground clubs of Berlin to the vibrant festivals of Argentina, Joanna has carved a space for herself in the hard techno world. Known for her high-energy sets and relentless drive, she continues to push boundaries, constantly evolving as an artist.
In this exclusive interview, Joanna opens up about her journey, her creative process, and what hard techno means to her. Dive in as we explore the mind behind the music.
Interview with Joanna Coelho
1. How did you first get into DJing, and what drew you to this profession?
I first got to DJing at 16 years old when I first discovered electronic music through friends and decided to take a 6 months course at a Dj school in my hometown and from then on I never stopped.
2. Who are your biggest musical influences, and how do they shape your style?
That would be too long of a list to include here. I believe I am built as a DJ from everything I listened to since day one when my father used to play Led Zeppelin so I would sleep ( or at that´s what they told me years later) to this day when I keep listening and discovering artists and styles I love, every day. If I could pick someone from the electronic music scene it would be Daft Punk tho. I think that if you take a quick look at today’s electronic music scene in terms of building a brand and a persona it’s needless to explain why they were clearly visionnaires over 20 years ago. I see several artists as of 2024 that I think are brilliant too like Fred Again or Giorgia Angiuli for example. I could go forever but to conclude with inspirations from harder styles I would certainly mention Angerfist and TNT (Technoboy and Tuneboy).
3. What’s the story behind your favorite track to play during a set?
I love to play harder versions of Lethal Industry, originally from Tiësto, because it reminds me of my first raving years in the late 2000´s.
4. You’ve performed in the Czech Republic – how was that experience for you, and what stood out to you about the crowd there?
It was my first time there and it couldn’t be better. The crowd was wild and the WeHypetechno crew was amazing. I will keep this gig real close to my heart forever.
5. What’s been your most successful release so far, and what do you think made it resonate with listeners?
‘Work My Body’ is so far my most played track, both original version and Schiere´s Remix. It’s hard to explain why people like a track , sometimes as an artist you will get surprised with the audience preferences. In this specific case I think this track just goes very well on the dancefloor, the mix is perfect and master as well it just lands really nicely, not to mention the vocals sample which are quite catchy.
6. As both a DJ and live vocalist, how do you balance these roles in your performances?
I think it’s important to cater to the event and it’s really always about the vibe you want to bring with or without vocals. I have a library of tracks in which I perform the live vocals and I decide to drop them on a set when I feel they are needed.
7. Hard techno is known for its intense energy—what draws you to this genre, and how do you make it your own?
I was drawn to it as a kid at 16 when I started. Teenage years were not easy and that seemed to be the only sound that spoke to me at the time. Likeness started with rage and then it just became fun when I actually learnt to play. It was now not just an escape from my traumas but a real source of inspiration.
8. Can you describe your creative process when preparing for a live set with both DJing and vocals?
I define in advance what are the tracks and moments I will go live with the vocals. I might change the order of tracks but I know my exact cue to sing or talk, just like you would do it with a band.
9. Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines that help you get into the right headspace?
I like to meditate, make positive affirmations and if possible eat and sleep well. I’m very energetic when I play so I gotta save my energy for the audience.
10. What’s next for you in your career? Any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about?
There are two major goals which are an A/V show and a Live PA. Let’s see what can come to fruition first.
