CERA KHIN | DE 2024 #02
Psychologist of the techno scene
Cera Khin. Her journey from the sun-kissed shores of Tunisia to the epicentre of Europe's electronic scene is nothing short of a modern-day odyssey, marked by passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.
As we embark on this musical journey through the life of Cera Khin, we are invited to delve beyond the thumping bass and pulsating beats and discover the empathic soul she shares with us through her music.
Beyond the confines of the DJ booth, Cera Khin reveals herself to be more than just a purveyor of electronic sound; she is a storyteller, a healer, and a beacon of light in an often tumultuous world.
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Born and raised in the picturesque landscapes of Tunisia, Cera Khin's journey into the realm of electronic music began against the backdrop of the azure Mediterranean Sea. After completing her studies in Marketing, she felt the pull of adventure and the need to explore beyond the confines of her homeland. Following the Arab Spring revolution, Cera Khin found herself drawn to the vibrant and eclectic music scene of Berlin, a city pulsating with creative energy and boundless possibilities.
“I decided to move to Berlin which is completely different from where I grew up, the weather, the food, the language – I guess I like to be challenged. And I was attracted by the art and music scene in Berlin, the freedom and the open-mindedness.”
While her nights were once filled with revelry and dance, Cera Khin soon realized that her passion for music ran deeper than mere celebration. She yearned to share her love for music with others, to curate soundscapes that would evoke emotions and transport listeners to distant realms. Determined to forge her path, she invested in turntables, teaching herself the art of DJing and setting the stage for a career that would defy expectations.
“I was going out a lot to party back in the day but then I realised that I wanted more than that. I didn’t want to be just a party girl, I wanted to play music I love and share it with the people. So, I saved up some money bought myself turntables and taught myself how to DJ.”
Beyond the realm of music, Cera Khin's interests extend to the intricacies of mental health and neuroscience. For her, the connection between music and psychology is undeniable, each serving as a conduit for emotional release and introspection. Through her studies and experiences, she has come to appreciate the therapeutic potential of music, and its ability to soothe the soul and elevate the spirit in times of distress.
“Music is my life and my driving force but also I'm super passionate about mental health and Neuroscience. Besides music, I have been studying psychology for the last few years.
Music is a universally accepted form of emotional release. Very few people would deny that music has had a profound effect on them at some point during their lives. My own experience is no exception. As a melomaniac, I have found solace in the liberation felt even when simply listening to music.
When listening to music, producing or DJing I feel at peace, as though I have a meaningful purpose. My sense of accomplishment is heightened and for those 2 hours DJ set or so my worries melt away and I get fully immersed in the present moment. It’s more than sharing music with people it’s actually therapy!
Any feelings of stress either disappear with the rest of the day’s past events, or the music empowers me to feel as though I am strong enough to overcome any of these anxieties.
At the very least the music allows me to envelop myself in my emotions, guilt-free, for that short period of time - after all isn’t that what music is all about? Researchers have suggested that music could be actively used to de-stress, ease anxiety, improve mood, boost confidence and ultimately improve our mental health.
It was shown that the happiness hormones dopamine and serotonin were released within the brain. The enjoyment experienced through music excites these areas of the brain. When singing, playing or listening to music or just dancing our brain is challenged to convert sounds within a sequence into music, which in turn provides us with an enjoyable and ultimately rewarding experience.”
In December 2023, Cera Khin launched 'CK Invites,' a visionary project aimed at spotlighting rising talent on the global stage. From London to Paris to Barcelona, her events have captivated audiences, serving as a platform for emerging artists to showcase their creativity and connect with like-minded individuals. With plans for a worldwide tour on the horizon, Cera Khin's vision of fostering community and supporting newcomers continues to inspire.
“We had an incredible time, all CK invites events were fully sold out and the energy was totally insane! It's definitely my way of giving back to the community and supporting newcomers. My team and I are also planning a CK invites series WOLRD WIDE TOUR and we are so thrilled about it.”
As the founder of LazyTapes, Cera Khin remains committed to amplifying the voices of emerging artists and pushing the boundaries of sonic experimentation. With plans for a VA release featuring some of her favourite talents, as well as a new solo EP in the works, LazyTapes continues to redefine the landscape of electronic music, one release at a time.
“I’m planning a VA on my label LazyTapes which includes productions of some of my favourite emerging artists. I’m not going to say more about it ;) I don’t want to spoil the surprise. I’m also at the stage of finalising my new solo EP and I’m super excited to share it with you very soon!”
In response to the challenges faced by artists in the electronic music scene, Cera Khin launched Technomentalhealth, an Instagram platform dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and fostering dialogue within the community. Through educational content and personal anecdotes, she has become a trusted resource for artists seeking support and guidance in navigating the complexities of the industry.
“Technomentalhealth is the aftermath of all my research and studies in the field of psychology, mindset and brain health. I created the Instagram page during the pandemic era in 2020. My intention behind it is to promote awareness within the electronic music scene.
It has been a journey of brainstorming, writing and creating posts about some stigmatised topics like for example: going out without alcohol and drugs, the benefits of sober raving, the importance of boundaries in the club, why wearing earplugs at raves is important, how dancing gives your brain and mood a big boost, etc….
Technomentalhealth is today a valuable tool for artists seeking advice and support in an ever-changing and challenging scene; Many artists reached out to me personally and shared their experiences and said that the page has had a positive impact on their mindset, helped them to maintain a balance in their daily routine, helped them stay positive through hard times and gain more knowledge of the mental health universe.”
In an age dominated by social media, Cera Khin remains vigilant in maintaining a healthy relationship with technology. While platforms like Instagram offer opportunities for connection and discovery, she emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care in the digital age.
“Just like any innovation, it all depends on how you use them. If you’re doom scrolling on Instagram just before bed it might be time for you to reconsider your relationship with social media. However, when used right, these platforms can reap amazing rewards.
I’ve personally discovered so many new artists who inspire me every day just from their social media posts, I also follow science and educational pages, mental health or just music, art & fashion pages that enlighten me and teach me something new every single day.
Despite these benefits, it is important to stay alert for social media side effects. Social media is addictive. Like any drug, social media activates the release of dopamine, which is a feel-good chemical associated with pleasure in your brain.
It’s easy to get hooked on negativity and start comparing your life with the highlights reel of an artist (which does not always reflect reality) and then this can lead to an increase in anxiety and depression. Some people can be also very rude and spread only hate online.
When I feel down or overwhelmed with all this chaos, I set boundaries of steel with social media and take some breaks. I protect myself by muting or unfollowing anything that makes me feel like shit, I avoid doom scrolling for hours and I give myself a limited amount of time to access to share what I need to share and just log out.”
When Cera Khin takes to the stage, her mission is clear: to spread joy, positivity, and a sense of community through her music. With an intuitive understanding of crowd dynamics and an eclectic musical palette, she creates immersive experiences that transcend language and cultural barriers, uniting audiences in a shared celebration of sound.
“I am passionate about seeing people smiling enjoying themselves getting immersed in the present moment and just vibing, I think that’s why I'm a DJ.
I DJ for the people to make them happy and create a sense of community, perhaps a second home and a familiar feeling otherwise if I didn’t care about this I would be just a bedroom DJ and I would just DJ for my cats LOL ;) I DJ to make people feel comfortable in their own skin be themselves and forget all their worries.
Positive vibes and happiness are contagious when you share your love of music with a crowd you share your highest potential and this creates a butterfly effect, our positive presence can create a chain reaction that leads to more positivity in a room.
I am an empath to my core so it is very easy for me to read crowds. I am also very flexible, I literally never prepare a full set of track-lists as I'm fully aware that every crowd is different, and I would rather never impose myself on just one way of doing. I always try to play a few tunes at the beginning then analyse the crowd's reaction and from there choose the direction I want to take that would be the right fit. But at the same time, I might throw some surprise tracks to spice up the crowd and get them out of their comfort zone.
I also move my body and dance a lot. I believe that positive body language is essential for building a rapport with the audience.”
As a sober DJ in an industry often associated with excess, Cera Khin navigates the challenges of travel, late nights, and high-energy performances with grace and resilience. Through discipline, self-care, and a commitment to holistic wellness, she maintains balance amidst the chaos, setting an example for others in the industry.
“I think of my DJ career as an extreme sport. My DJ sets require mental and physical energy.
It's not always easy to travel with very little sleep, spend my weekends at dry airports and work in loud clubs. But creating discipline during my days off, eating a healthy and balanced diet, sleeping consecutive 8 hours during the week, working out, spending some time in nature and meditating. I’m strong and fearless.
I honestly don’t understand how someone could manage to last in this profession if you don’t train, work out, and take care of your body and mind.”
While Techno may reign supreme in the club, Cera Khin's musical palette extends far beyond the dancefloor. From experimental IDM to haunting synth-pop, her eclectic tastes reflect a deep appreciation for sonic diversity and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
“I never listen to Techno at home haha, believe it or not, I only listen to it when I dig for new tracks before the weekend or when I produce. I really think that it is vital for me to reset my ears, give them a break and avoid listening to the same kind of music I would be playing in my shows.
I love listening to experimental music, IDM, ambient as well as horror movies soundtracks, Goth Rock classics, Synth-pop and New Wave. It is very important to train your ears to listen to different sounds and music genres which help to activate different areas of the brain and therefore develop your creativity.”
In her productions, Cera Khin draws inspiration from the world of cinema, sampling cult horror films to create atmospheric soundscapes that captivate and intrigue. With a keen ear for texture and mood, she seamlessly integrates cinematic elements into her music, elevating each track with a sense of narrative depth and emotional resonance.
“In my latest EP “Demons To Some Angels To Others” released on my Label LazyTapes,
I sampled the 80’s cult horror movie HELLRAISER. I love sampling old movies in a way that adds more depth and meaning to a track even though the sample might not always be that obvious, I think that it always adds more character and presence to the final outcome.
Some of my favourite cult horror movies I would recommend you to watch are: “Suspiria” by Daria Argento, “They Live” by John Carpenter and “Videodrome” by David Cronenberg.”
As the summer of 2024 approaches, Cera Khin finds herself poised for new adventures on the global stage. From iconic festivals like Awakenings to debut performances at Monegros, she is ready to share her vision with audiences around the world, spreading joy and inspiration through the power of music.
“I’m super excited to be back at Awakenings this summer and I will be playing at the MainStage! I’m also very much looking forward to my debut at Monegros Festival in the Spanish desert. I’ll be back as well at a Summer Story Festival in Madrid, my first time in Croatia for Terminal V, Pyramid, Amnesia in Ibiza and many more… it's going to be a hot summer for sure and I can’t wait!”
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In wrapping up, Cera Khin doesn't just showcase her mastery of music; she shines as a beacon of intellect and warmth within the electronic music scene.
Beyond the DJ booth and studio walls, she embodies empathy, using her influence to uplift and motivate others. With every beat and performance, she reveals herself not simply as a DJ, but as a versatile artist whose authenticity and love for music transcend the boundaries of the dancefloor.
Cera Khin's influence extends far beyond the realm of sound, leaving a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to encounter her kindness and artistry.
