Bashkka’s euphoric electro sound is all about queer reclamation

DJ, producer and songwriter Bashkka on what it means to unlock your “baddest bitch” spirit, taking inspiration from queer icon Grace Jones and her upcoming appearance at Drumsheds’ False Idols.

WORDS BY ZOYA RAZA-SHEIKH
PHOTOGRAPHY JULIES ERTELT

“Creativity flows through me like a wild river, twisting and turning with no regard for predictability,” the Munich DJ says. “It’s the kind of force that can be sparked in my mind by just anything. A particular emotion, a word, an encounter with a stranger on the dance floor, or by a rhythm or a melody.” 

Inspired by the culture and Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ communities in New York, Bashkka’s high-octane defiant dancefloor electronica marks her as one of music’s must-listen new acts. Her art, a creative amalgamation of her Turkish heritage, techno, ballroom, and bass beats, is spirited, captivating and an ode to the queer community. It’s punchy, sultry and unapologetically expressive – her music will leave you going all night (and day). 

Drawing on her personal experiences, the songwriter aims to “lose herself” in the music and the moment. Having performed at Munich’s Blitz Club to Berghain’s Panorama, Bashkka has a new venue to conquer: London’s Drumsheds. Ahead of her set at the city’s new iconic party spot, we caught up with the ‘Act Bad’ artist to hear more about her musical inspirations, her dedication to the SWANA queer community and more.

You have played venues from Munich’s Blitz Club to Berghain’s Panorama Bar and, now, you are hitting up Drumsheds – how do you always keep the party going? 

I’m blessed to play in these places and touch people through my music. The aim is to create moments where a space full of individual heartbeats merge into one motherbeat. I say “aim” because realistically, DJing isn’t always about “killer sets” or “magic”. Sometimes it’s also just hard fucking work, lol. But when magic happens, it’s incomparable.

I play from the soul, with no formulas or pre-planned tracklists. Drawing from personal experiences, just as I do when not behind the booth and on the dance floor, informs my approach, allowing me to lose myself (in a good way) in the music and the moment.

Glasto and Tilburg’s Draaimolen are a few iconic places you’ve performed at. This year you’re hitting up False Idols. How does it feel to see your career hit new levels? 

Wow, those names still make my head spin. Playing those festivals was a dream come true. Glastonbury, especially closing out Block9’s Genosys Stage, was a game changer. I’m so grateful to Gideön and my Adonis Fam for the invite and for really being so supportive in my journey. It’s truly humbling and I am incredibly proud to see my sound resonate and be appreciated by so many people in the UK. I am absolutely thrilled to be part of False Idols this year and the fact that Drumsheds is a Space of a former Furniture Giant is so cool.

How would you summarise your music in three words?

I’d say a hot Stew of Seduction, Rhythm and all the distinct Flavors of New York City (which was home to me for over 11 years). I suggest you come hungry to my sets! Hahaha

How do you want people to feel when they’re immersed in your music? 

I want you to not even feel, but unlock your truest incarnation and baddest bitch spirit — whatever that means for you or translates into with your own feelings and words. If I can assist with that through my music… baby, consider the job done.

Who is your biggest creative inspiration and why?

So many things inspire me that I couldn’t possibly narrow it down to one thing or individual, whether that’s everyday life, my community, or my cultural heritage. However, if I had to choose just one thing or individual, it would be New York’s profound Black and Brown Queer History and/or the one and only – Grace Jones.

You’re joining a mega line-up this year alongside horsegiirL, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Roi Perez. What are you most excited about for the event?

The lineup goes all the way off! What I’m most excited about is being among so many of my peers and like-minded souls, and the venue’s capacity to bring together our community and its allies on a larger scale.

False Idols is bringing the LGBTQIA+ community front and centre with this year’s line-up and shaking up how we experience counter-culture club nights. Why is it important for events like this to give space to queer electronic music and club culture?  

How much time and word count do we have! At its essence, it’s about reclaiming our spaces, asserting our existence, and amplifying the narratives woven into electronic music and club culture. Digging deeper, I’m dedicated to shining a light on the undeniable history of QUEER BLACK and BROWN individuals within this context. The convergence of these historical and sociopolitical threads is profound. The imperative to stand on the right side of history is more pressing than ever, compelling us to persist, champion what’s just, and ensure the protection and preservation of stories that must never be erased, overlooked, or forgotten.

Lastly, who is an LGBTQIA+ artist we should have on our radar and why?

I am going to answer in a broader way here and say….As a Queer SWANA individual myself (SWANA being a decolonial and geographical term representing the various communities located in Southwest Asia and North Africa), I advocate for shedding more light on the incredible Queer talent emerging from that region. Many countries and cities within this diaspora boast immensely talented individuals and vibrant communities that, regrettably, remain largely overlooked.

You can see Bashkka (and other standout acts) perform at False Idols this April by purchasing tickets here.

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