Ahead of this year’s Igloofest happening in Montreal from the 16th of January until 8th of February, Schön! hand-selected three artists to curate their own special playlists ahead of the event. First up? Germany’s very own Yulia Niko. Niko has firmly established herself as a key figure in the global electronic music scene, earning recognition through her collaborations with influential labels like Crosstown Rebels and Watergate since starting her journey at just 15 years of age.
Since then, she’s been dedicated to leaning into her love of music. Now a globally celebrated artist with a packed tour schedule and a growing catalog of highly acclaimed releases, she debuted her first album, TWINSOUL, last year and is now ready to grace the stage at the festival.
Hey, what are you up to right now?
Hey there, thanks for having me! Right now, I am on the train to the airport. Somehow I ended up living in a small town in the south of Germany and spent about 2 hours getting to the airport. Sounds fine, but most of the time, German trains are late or cancelled. I guess many people have no idea about the number of problems artists deal with being able sometimes just to play a few tracks at the festival! But in general, all good. The year started very smoothly and I am extremely busy with all new projects, especially my label AXEPT which is insanely growing and allows me to play sets with 90% of only tracks from the label. I feel really proud of that and more inspired to keep building my community.
If someone asked you what your origin story was, how would you describe it?
Well, I’ve said this story so many times. Let me open some new details of it. Since I was little I always felt that I wanted to travel a lot and to be a public person. I was falling asleep with dreams about performing on TV and people clapped for me. A simple girl from a very small town made her dream come true. I started listening to house music when I was 11, and somehow I had this DVD with a set from Bora Bora Ibiza, which I was watching and repeated dance moves of people. I really don’t know how all this came to my life, I think everything happens I can easily prove for a reason and that all is a destiny and we all have prepared trail from the above.
Describe your style in 3 words.
Groovy, happy, funny.
What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe?
To me, the most important thing is very comfortable shoes. There were moments when I could not continue to play my set because my shoes were super uncomfortable. I am a really big fan of New Balance, all exclusive models and nothing compares to this comfort. I know they don’t look so sexy but I feel like if I wear a nice top for a show, New Balance will just improve my dance moves.
Which living person do you most admire?
I don’t really have one person, I have multiple inspirations. But in case we are here in a music magazine I would say – Nina Kraviz. It is really funny to see how many female DJs try to copy her. But to me, she is an icon and I really admire how talented, risky, simple and unique. One of the smartest people I’ve met.
What was the last book you read?
I really like to read books about self-improvement, relationships and psychology. The book “Attached” by Amir Levine. I really highly recommend checking it out.
If you could play at any venue, which one would it be?
I got pretty lucky so far and played most of the places I wanted but there is only one place which is for many artists is a challenge! Berlin’s Berghain… For me, that would be Panorama bar upstairs, my favourite room with only “house music.’ I’ve been dancing there many times but never played, it’s such a dream since the very first time I was there. Feels like the best place of freedom and non-judgment.
Where are you happiest?
A very simple question for me after 20 years of travelling – Home! I love to be home, without any stress about travelling, or anything else. I do miss my family so much and of course, it’s precious to be there with them. Especially on weekends which is so rare, you know…because I work mostly on the weekends.
Ideal 3-course meal?
Parmesan with dry tomatoes, soup (always), tiramisu.
Who would play you in the story of your life?
I am a very diverse person and it is hard to point to one person, one place, one moment. I think my mother is a person who gave me such a great education in life and invested in me. I always think about her, no matter what I’ve done, how my mom would like it, how my mom would say. I think idols, friends, and partners can change but mother always will be “the one.”
What’s one song that you’d like to listen to the first time again?
Florence and Machines – “You’ve Got The Love”
An underrated song/artist you love?
Yulia Niko – “Satisfaction” [laughs]
The track that describes your coming-of-age story?
E-xpress – “Lazy”
An album that you’d put in a time capsule?
James Blake – “Overgrown”
A lyric that you love and the song it’s from?
Sade – “Kiss of Life”
A track that reminds you of a happy moment?
Boney M. – “Sunny”
A song that you discovered recently that you love?
Mild Minds, Liam Mour – “Haunted (Liam Mour Remix)”
Best record to get you out of a funk?
Donna Summer – “I Feel Love”
A song you wish you wrote?
Metroplane – “Be Where I Am”
Catch Yulia Niko at this year’s Igloofest in Montreal which runs from January 16th to February 8th. Tickets are available now.