Breaking the rules: Emilija

EMILIJA is a name that has been steadily rising in the electronic music world, but to confine her impact to just DJing would be an understatement. Her work extends beyond the decks into curating spaces, challenging industry norms, and redefining what it means to embrace imperfection and spontaneity in music. With her upcoming project, VENERA, EMILIJA is shaping a vision that celebrates feminine energy while expanding the spectrum of artistry in club culture. She is not just performing in the industry; she is actively molding it, pushing the boundaries of what club spaces can represent, and breaking down outdated hierarchies.

Through our conversation, EMILIJA showcased her fearless approach to music, her rebellious spirit against the algorithmic age, and her commitment to fostering inclusivity and artistic freedom. Whether she can balance underground raves and massive festival stages, her playful yet intentional music selections, or her unwavering belief in self-expression, EMILIJA is an artist who thrives in paradoxes. She is both calculated and spontaneous, structured and chaotic, playful yet deeply insightful.

Our interview revealed an artist who does not conform to conventional expectations but instead carves out her own space with authenticity, wit, and an irresistible, no-fucks-given attitude. Through her words, it became evident that her artistic philosophy is rooted in the idea that imperfection, risk-taking, and the ability to let go are what make music and club culture truly transformative.

EMILIJA’s upcoming endeavor, VENERA, is more than just a series of events; it is an ideology, a space where different sonic worlds collide and where audiences are encouraged to shed inhibitions and embrace their truest selves. VENERA is inspired by Venus, the goddess of beauty, passion, and desire, and its mission reflects that same raw and unfiltered energy.

“Launching VENERA is my way of merging my interests into one cohesive experience. The common denominator isn’t so much the genre, but the no-holds-barred energy each artist exudes. I want to curate a space where people feel free to embrace individuality, celebrate self-expression, and ultimately just have unadulterated fun.”

In a scene often dictated by rigid genre classifications, EMILIJA’s approach to curation is refreshingly dynamic. Instead of simply booking artists based on musical alignment, she looks beyond the sound to the essence of the performer—their vision, presence, and willingness to challenge norms.

“Icons & icons in the making. Authenticity goes beyond playing the right tunes; there has to be some tangible credibility to it. I look for artists who have a unique vision and attitude, who are unapologetically themselves and aren’t afraid to challenge norms.”

At its core, VENERA is a rebellion against the superficial digital landscape of modern club culture. EMILIJA sees the physical gathering of people in a shared, immersive experience as a radical act in itself.

“In the digital age, throwing physical events is a rebellion of its own. It’s harder than ever to connect with people on a genuine level, so I hope for VENERA to be the bridge between like-minded people and bring them together beyond the online experience.”

One of the most striking aspects of EMILIJA’s philosophy is her refusal to adhere to the idea that some music is inherently more ‘serious’ or ‘respectable’ than others. She is an advocate for music that prioritizes fun and energy over rigid intellectualization.

“Music should be liberating, not restrictive. I take being unserious very seriously (laughs). This means rejecting the notion that music has to be ‘serious’ to be valuable. A ‘guilty pleasure’ is simply a label that diminishes the joy music brings.”

Her approach to DJing reflects this ethos. Instead of curating her sets to impress purists, she focuses on creating moments of joy, surprise, and communal euphoria.

“Less ‘going on an introspective journey’ and more shaking ass.”

EMILIJA’s rejection of perfectionism is a defining aspect of her artistry. In a genre where technical precision is often celebrated above all else, she sees imperfections as moments of human connection.

“Perfectionism or a puristic outlook can be suffocating, especially in rave culture. Imperfections are a breath of fresh air— the moments that feel real and spontaneous.”

This mindset allows her to take risks that others might shy away from, whether it’s blending genres that supposedly ‘shouldn’t’ work together or throwing in an unexpected banger at the perfect moment.

“Lately been loving the original mix of Steve Aoki - Boneless at the most inappropriate times. The crowd goes wild.”

Despite her high-energy, hedonistic approach to music and nightlife, EMILIJA understands the importance of stillness and introspection.

“In a world that tells us we need to be constantly ‘on,’ taking time for introspection feels radical and necessary. It’s in those moments of stillness that I find balance.”

Her ability to reconcile these two opposing forces—chaos and tranquility—shows a level of self-awareness that is rare in an industry built on excess. By embracing moments of stillness, she ensures that she can continue to show up fully in the spaces she creates.

For EMILIJA, evolution is not just a career goal; it is a fundamental part of her artistic DNA. She is not interested in staying static or predictable. Instead, she is committed to constant reinvention and exploration.

“I see myself continuing to evolve by staying open to new experiences and never settling. I want to keep pushing boundaries and creating spaces for new voices to be heard. It’s about continuous reinvention and finding new ways to connect with people and inspire them. An endless, vicious cycle.”

Interviewing EMILIJA was not just an exploration of her music but a deep dive into a mindset that prioritizes freedom, authenticity, and pure, unfiltered joy. She stands as a testament to the idea that true artistry is about risk-taking, imperfection, and the ability to challenge norms without losing sight of the fun.

In a world where club culture often finds itself divided between the underground and the mainstream, the ‘serious’ and the ‘frivolous,’ EMILIJA embodies the space in between—one where energy, passion, and authenticity are the only guiding principles. She reminds us that music should not be about gatekeeping or arbitrary hierarchies but about movement, expression, and the shared experience of losing yourself in sound.

Ultimately, EMILIJA’s approach to music and life is a radical act of self-expression. She refuses to conform, refuses to compromise, and in doing so, creates spaces where others feel empowered to do the same. And perhaps that is the most important takeaway from our conversation: that the greatest gift an artist can give is the freedom to be unapologetically oneself.