Monya is on her way to the U.S.A! The native Polish dj and producer (and label boss of Corresponding Positions) is known for harder, industrial sounding techno and she's bringing a taste of it to us soon in NYC via Aphotic! We're always excited to feature great talents of all genders on CGNY. Check out our little chat with her!

CGNY: So for our readers who might be new to you- tell us a little bit about who you are and where you come from?

Monya: Nice to meet you! I am a Polish girl. I grew up during Communist times without techno but in love with the music of Queen, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, The Doors etc. In 1998 I started to go to Polish clubs and always liked hard beats, but we didn’t really have a great selection. In 1999 I moved to Berlin and started my adventure with techno; dark underground clubs, and Tresor of course.  Also the old Ostgut club. Some years later I discovered my love for music production.

My dream came true first 2009. I met someone who kicked my ass and pushed me into it and gave me also the possibility to play and learn! ;) (thanks Ben!) I learned quite fast.

CGNY: How is/was the techno music scene in your native country?

Monya: I don’t know any scene in my native country Poland. I’m sure something is happening somewhere but I don’t follow it at all. Poland is too mainstream for me.

CGNY: What’s your earliest recollection of hearing any piece of music and where did you hear it?

Monya: I have to be honest here. I had all Queen records.  I was probably the biggest fan in my city ;) I also remember when I fell in love with DJ Rush I believe. I loved his tracks so much and I still do…

CGNY: If you weren’t a dj/producer what career might have you gone into?

Monya: I would be a chef or Event Manager but I still do it. There are two things I love to do very much. Techno and cooking haha. I’m on the way to building my own catering business right now.

CGNY: Are you excited for your first US mini-tour?

Monya: I am very excited. I don’t know much about the US Scene. I am also very happy to play with Detroit Legend James Pennington and Annie Hall and Dentana from Philly. I cant wait to meet all involved ;)

Monya Live @ Berlin Outside 28.05.2011 by Monya on Mixcloud

CGNY: What gear do you use to produce and dj with – have you a preference?

Monya: I play with Ableton Live or  4-3-Decks /Traktor. I love to play live my own productions. My plans in the future are to play live only. At the moment I’m changing from digital to analog gear. I have to learn a lot and especially about my own new machines. I am absolutely in love in this small all-rounder Elektron Analog Rytm ;)

CGNY: What do you think is the most important factor in keeping fresh in an industry full of new music/artists/releases? Do you listen to a lot of promos or just try to dig out some new artists yourself?

Monya: I think it’s very important to keep your own style and not to copy others. It’s not simple because there is a lot on the market now.

I am very picky with sound, more than even few months ago. At the moment everyone wants to be a producer, every second person is a DJ. (in Berlin for sure;)) So it’s really much of a similar sound everywhere. I have the same feeling when I hear promos.  It’s quite boring. I love to search for tracks on Bandcamp. You can find interesting stuff there.

CGNY: Moving to Berlin – do you think has been an aid to your music career?

Monya: I never thought I would be a producer or dj when I moved to Berlin never ever. But I loved music always, I played guitar and I was singing and dancing professionally. My father was in a band and my mom has an amazing voice. I always had music around me. But I’m not sure I would make techno music if I stayed in Poland.

CGNY: In your down time – what do you like to do to relax?

Monya: I love to take my bike and go somewhere out of the city. I am addicted to trees, nature, the beach, forests, and lakes.  That’s absolutely 100% relaxing for me.

CGNY: An alien lands from another planet and has no clue what techno is! What track/album do you hand over as a learning tool?

Monya: Ha! I would show him some (or many) tracks from Perc Trax label, Ancient Methods, Adam X, and from myself ;))

Monya plays Aphotic with Annie Hall and others on April 18th - details here

https://soundcloud.com/monya