Interview with Bloody Mary ahead of KEYI Magazine x Else on 28 May: hybrid open-air & club experience in Berlin

KEYI Magazine returns to Berlin on 28 May with a full-scale club experience at Else. In this interview, we speak with Bloody Mary about her evolving approach to long-form, storytelling-driven DJ sets, the philosophy behind her label Dame-Music, and her ongoing commitment to vinyl culture and the support of FLINTA artists through her curatorial projects.

Known as one of Berlin’s most iconic open-air venues, Else is a riverside space that offers not only a strong outdoor experience but also an indoor setting that carries just as much energy and sonic intensity. Through this edition, KEYI Magazine continues its exploration of where music, art, and fashion intersect, bringing together a wide range of creative voices in one space.

The program features international artists, designers, and performers, alongside a design market and exhibition running throughout the event.

Within this context, Bloody Mary reflects on authenticity and identity in today’s electronic music landscape, the importance of independent label work, and her WAXXX SOCIETY project, which aims to create more space for FLINTA artists within vinyl culture and club lineups. She also shares her excitement about upcoming releases and her performance at Else.

---

Interview with Bloody Mary

What defines a “Bloody Mary” set in 2026?

In 2026, my sets are more about storytelling than ever. I love playing long sets where you can really go on a journey. I like to build something organic, where groove and energy evolve naturally over time. I’m not chasing trends, I’m shaping a vibe that feels honest and timeless through the music I produce or support in my DJ sets.

Dame-Music, what’s your focus for the label this year?

Last year was a major one for me, with a lot of work around Dame-Music’s 15 year anniversary alongside releasing records every three months and repressing several of them. The most recent repress came out in December, so I’ve decided to take a bit of space before the next release catalogue number 055, which is planned for the end of summer. I’m also curating a series of label nights in different places, while continuing to focus on what matters most to me: the quality of the music on every vinyl.

What makes an artist stand out to you right now?

Someone who doesn’t follow trends and has a strong sense of identity. Authenticity is essential for building a long, lasting career. We’re also living in a time where social media plays a huge role, so it’s important to support the artists you believe in and not be afraid to show it, whether that’s liking, sharing, or engaging with their work online (shoutout to all the stalkers out there who watch your stories but never engage with your posts..)

Why does playing vinyl still matter today?

The real question is: why does buying vinyl as a DJ still matter today?

We’re part of an ecosystem where supporting one another is essential. Many artists want to release music on vinyl, but not all of them invest in others’ records. I started my career with a deep love for vinyl, and that foundation is still central to my approach today, alongside digital formats. I’ve never stopped collecting and discovering new records.

In my opinion, DJs should take more responsibility in supporting the culture, not necessarily in how they perform, as everyone should play the way they want, but through buying records and promoting the format via social media, etc..

How is WAXXX SOCIETY creating space for FLINTA artists?

During the pandemic, I started to work on a new project, focused on curating lineups of FLINTA artists performing exclusively on vinyl. At the time, I organised some livestreams with my label, where I was spinning records with some of my friends as clubs were closed. When things finally started to reopen, I faced a major setback, I got paralysed in my left shoulder and couldn’t use my left arm for a long period. It took years of patience and rehabilitation to recover.

In 2026, I’ve decided to fully bring the project to life by presenting it to promoters. Several events are already planned for May and June, including a panel, with more to come across different cities throughout the year.

I’m developing WAXXX SOCIETY alongside my label, Dame-Music, because supporting FLINTA artists who play vinyl is something I deeply believe in. When I started my career, that kind of support was missing. I still remember, back in the mid 2000s when I began touring internationally, hearing people say that “I played well for a girl.” Let’s be honest, women behind the decks have always faced more criticism than men. That’s exactly why projects like WAXXX SOCIETY matter to shift the narrative, create opportunities, and push for a more inclusive and supportive scene.

We’re collaborating for the May 28 event at Else, what can people expect from that night?

A lot of artist friends will be playing that night, so it’s going to be full of great vibes and energy. Be ready to sweat!

How do you approach a space like Else differently from a club like Tresor?

Every space is different and has its own identity. Else has both outdoor and indoor dancefloors and feels like a mini festival, with its pizza truck and big garden. The fact that the parties there also start during the daytime creates a completely different vibe. That’s how I approach my sets, playing in many different places, keeping my own vision while adapting to the crowd and the environment around me in the moment.

What kind of energy are you hoping to create together with this event?

A raw energy, something intense but still warm and inclusive, where people can let go and fully connect through the music.

What’s next, any releases or directions we should watch for?

I’m currently working on new music while also rebuilding my live set, which I’ll start performing from September in some of my favourite clubs. I’ll also be releasing a new vinyl EP very soon, I’m really excited about this one!

I’ll continue curating nights for my WAXXX SOCIETY project and keep pushing the vinyl format, while playing in many cities and continents throughout 2026.

I feel very grateful to have been able to live from my passion for years, and I’m determined to keep that fire burning. And of course, I’ll keep sharing my love for acid sounds 🙂

Thanks for having me, and see you under the strobes x

Follow Bloody Mary

Photos by Keyi Studio

---