Words and Interview by Glenn Elliott
In the 8th episode of Kassette Weißensee, Christoph Faust sits down with Spanish-born, Berlin-based techno artist BLANKA for an open and thoughtful conversation that moves far beyond the usual DJ interview fare. Across an easy and honest exchange, they explore the journey that’s taken her from Córdoba to Milano to Berlin—and from modeling runways to Room Trax raves.
At just 29, BLANKA has become a fast-rising name in Europe’s techno scene, known for her deep, hypnotic and driving sound, her thoughtful approach to production, and her energetic presence behind the decks. She’s performed at some of the most respected spaces on the circuit—Berghain, Tresor, FOLD London, Garbicz Festival—and continues to grow a loyal following through her label and party series Room Trax, which she co-runs with partner Angioma.
But in this interview, we don’t just get the professional story. BLANKA opens up about the personal transformations that have shaped her career, including a complete break with alcohol and drugs that began in 2022. “I had my fun,” she tells Christoph, “but I realized if I want to go far in this scene, I need to be clear and focused.” It’s a sentiment that will likely resonate with many artists navigating nightlife and the toll it can take.
That clarity seems to be paying off. BLANKA speaks passionately about her work ethic, her drive, and her decision to grow Room Trax slowly and intentionally, always prioritizing community and curation over hype. She’s proud of the events they’ve built in both Berlin and Barcelona and is now turning her eye towards new cities—Paris, perhaps, where she recently had a standout gig at F Club.
The conversation also reveals the role fashion has played in shaping her creative outlook. Before music, she modeled in Milan in her late teens, and you can still sense that visual sensitivity in how she speaks about club architecture, Room Trax visuals, and the kind of spaces she gravitates towards—minimal, brutalist, raw.
Production-wise, BLANKA is just as considered. She talks through her process of working in Ableton, using analog synths, building texture and atmosphere, and letting the groove lead. Her sound today might be rooted in techno, but she’s open about her beginnings in house and minimal, citing early inspirations like Villalobos and Marco Carola. She embraces the evolution and says her sound has grown more serious, more educated, since moving to Berlin during COVID—a period she says allowed her to study, experiment, and refine her skills.
Christoph also touches on the unglamorous side of the industry—social media pressure, comparisons, and the risk of burnout. BLANKA speaks honestly about the sacrifices and mental strain that can come with pursuing a career in music.
“You see DJs on Instagram and think it looks amazing, but you don’t see the effort, the stress, or the uncertainty behind it.”
Still, there’s a deep sense of gratitude in everything she shares. She talks about the joy of finding her path, the importance of trusting her instincts, and the excitement of what’s to come—including a second release on Setaoc Mass’s SK_eleven label, a remix for Thomas Biano, and more Room Trax adventures on the horizon.
Whether you’re an aspiring DJ, a longtime listener, or just someone interested in the reality behind the booth, this is a conversation full of real talk, good humor, and grounded perspective. BLANKA is the kind of artist who brings warmth and discipline to a scene that often overlooks both—and this interview captures her voice beautifully.
Read the full transcript below or head over to SoundCloud to listen to the episode in full. You can also subscribe to Kassette Weißensee on Spotify Podcasts.
Read Christoph Faust’s interview with BLANKA on Kassette Weißensee
Christoph Faust
Welcome to another edition of Kassette Weißensee. Today I’m sitting with someone I’ve been wanting to speak to for a while—BLANKA. Thanks for joining me.
BLANKA
Thank you so much for having me. I’m really happy to be here.
Christoph Faust
Let’s start with something easy—how do you describe your music?
BLANKA
I would say it’s driving, hypnotic techno with groove. I love texture and atmosphere, and I try to combine those elements in a way that keeps people moving but also takes them somewhere deeper. Not too dark, but with tension.
Christoph Faust
I can definitely hear that. You’re originally from Spain, right?
BLANKA
Yes, from Córdoba. It’s a small city in the south. I think you can hear it in the music a little—the warmth, the influence of light. Even though I play techno, there’s still something Mediterranean in my sound. I don’t know how to explain, but it’s there.
Christoph Faust
You’ve been based in Berlin for a while now. How long has it been?
BLANKA
Almost nine years now. I moved here from Barcelona during COVID time. Before that, I was in Milano for modelling, then Barcelona where I started to DJ. But in Berlin, everything became more serious—more focused.
Christoph Faust
That’s a big shift. Was it hard?
BLANKA
Yes and no. Berlin was always on my mind. The music here is different, deeper, more raw. But it also challenged me to grow. When I moved, I was in a difficult moment personally—Barcelona had become very heavy for me. But Berlin gave me the space to develop. I started producing more, connecting with people who were serious about the scene.
Christoph Faust
And now you run Room Trax with Angioma.
BLANKA
Yes! It started as just parties with friends. Very small. But then we began to see that people were really into it. Now we have the label, and we do events in both Berlin and Barcelona, and we’re trying to expand to other cities as well. But we grow slowly—we don’t want to force anything. We prefer to build community.
Christoph Faust
What’s the criteria for a Room Trax event? How do you choose where to bring it?
BLANKA
Mostly from experience. If I play in a club and I love the space, the vibe, the team—I come back and talk to Angioma and the rest of the crew. For example, I love brutalist architecture. I love minimal, concrete spaces. So we look for that feeling—raw but open, creative. And of course, we look for a crowd that’s ready for something deep.
Christoph Faust
You’ve played some impressive venues—Berghain, Tresor, FOLD, Garbicz. Do you have favourites?
BLANKA
It’s hard to choose. Every space is different. I love FOLD in London, the energy is crazy. And I had a beautiful experience in Paris recently at F Club—the people, the architecture, everything was just perfect. I’d love to do Room Trax there.
Christoph Faust
You’re sober now, right?
BLANKA
Yes. I stopped everything—drugs in October 2022 and alcohol in September 2023. It was a personal decision. I had my fun, I went really deep into the party side. But I realised, if I want to go far in this scene, I need to be clear, focused. Now, I enjoy the same clubs, the same friends, the same music—but no hangover. It’s a different kind of freedom.
Christoph Faust
That’s inspiring. Is it hard in this industry?
BLANKA
Sometimes. You’re surrounded by temptation. But most people respect it. And many ask me how I did it, like they are curious. I think more artists are becoming aware that this life has to be sustainable. You can’t give your best when you’re recovering half the week.
Christoph Faust
Totally agree. You also have a background in fashion, right?
BLANKA
Yes! When I was 18, I went to Milano to work in modelling. It was not something I wanted to do forever, but I loved fashion. I still do. I think it influences how I see things—how I build my sets, the visuals for Room Trax, even how I present myself as an artist. Style is communication.
Christoph Faust
And producing? What’s your setup like?
BLANKA
I use Ableton mostly. But I like to add some hardware—analog synths, drum machines. I love texture, so I use a lot of effects. Reverb, delay, modulation. It’s not just about kick and bass. I try to create a space, a story.
Christoph Faust
And genre-wise—you’ve moved from house to more techno, right?
BLANKA
Yes. In the beginning, I played more house, even minimal. I loved artists like Ricardo Villalobos, Marco Carola. But then I started to go out more in Berlin, I heard darker, more hypnotic sounds. My taste evolved. I still love house, but now I play mostly techno—fast, groovy, deep.
Christoph Faust
Do you think about doing this forever?
BLANKA
I ask myself this all the time. Right now, yes—I want to do this. But I’m also open. I could see myself doing sound design, film music, something else creative. The important thing is to stay curious. Keep learning. Don’t get stuck.
Christoph Faust
And social media? How do you feel about that part of the job?
BLANKA
It’s a tool. You can use it in a beautiful way—to connect, to share. But it can also be toxic. You compare yourself. You see only the highlights, not the work behind it. I try to be authentic. Not overthink. Just post what feels right. And then focus on the music.
Christoph Faust
Last question—what’s next for you?
BLANKA
I have another EP coming on SK_eleven with Setaoc Mass, which I’m super excited about. I’m also working on a remix for Thomas Biano. And more Room Trax events, of course. We want to keep building, but in the right way. No rush. Just good energy, good music, good people.
Christoph Faust
Sounds like the perfect combo. BLANKA, thank you so much for your time—it’s been a real pleasure.
BLANKA
Thank you! I really enjoyed it.
BLANKA is a DJ, Producer and co-founder of the record label and event series Room Trax. She has her debut on the SEVEN label in early 2026 when she joins as a remix artist on Christoph Faust’s “Mindwalker” EP, which will be released as SEVEN7008.
