Get to know Aïsha Devi, purveyor of heady club experimentalism

Key components to her creative process include a data bank for film sound designers, lots of trance synths, and the Roland Jupiter 8080, which has a frequency called the ‘Supersaw’ that you can manipulate for a binaural effect. “The typology of the synthesizer is exactly the typology of the altered state of consciousness,” she explains, “something very connected with the mantra, the loop. We love techno because it’s reconnecting with the rituality of ourselves. The idea that the loop can go on forever… it’s connecting with eternity.”

The pacing and texture of the record is deliberate and measured, which Devi attributes to personal growth by way of her years-long meditation practice. “When I’m doing music, the silent space is like an ocean of energy. I allow the space to talk and take over the body.”

Danse Noire turns five this year, and has put out records by Vaghe Stelle, JG Biberkopf and Abyss X, among others. Though the independent record business isn’t exactly lucrative, community is what matters to the crew, who aim to transform the local Swiss scene. “Change isn’t taking place in the usual way, but with raves in the forest, semi-legal events… that’s where magic can happen,” Devi says.

There’s strength in working from the margins, using the system to your advantage while also seeking to change it. Devi moves between realms with confidence and style; if there’s a new order coming, we’ll gladly have her lead the way.

Nina Posner is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Mixmag, follow her on Twitter