Dutch producer VE/RA continues to make her mark on the harder side of techno with another standout release on Amelie Lens’ EXHALE imprint. Fresh off the release of ‘Out Of My Mind,’ we caught up with VE/RA to talk about the new track, the artists who shaped her sound, her career breakthrough, and her journey to the DJ booth.

WWD: VE/RA you’ve had a few releases on EXHALE, how does this new single on their 8th VA stand out from the rest?

First of all, I really love all the other tracks on the VA, and I think every artist brings their own story and energy to it. For me, this track stands out because it’s very dynamic and has a strong “surprise effect”, moving from an emotional breakdown into a powerful, hard-hitting drop. It combines elements like acid sounds, vocals, binary lead melodies, and screeches, creating a lot of contrast and energy throughout the track.

WWD: You are from The Netherlands, the home of the harder styles of techno. What clubs and artists influenced you to make your current sound in your early years?

I was more inspired by festivals such as Awakenings, Free Your Mind, and Loveland. Reinier Zonneveld was one of the first Dutch techno artists I discovered, and his sound really inspired me. Artists like Amelie Lens and Charlotte de Witte have also had a big influence on me, and they continue to inspire me today.

WWD: What was the turning point in your career that really elevated your name in the scene?

I think the turning point was in 2023, when my track “Love and Peace” with The Rocketman received a lot of support from major names in the scene, including Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte, Adam Beyer, Joris Voorn, and many others. Around the same time, I played Tomorrowland for the first time, and my social media started growing rapidly. It felt like everything came together at that moment.

WWD: You studied food technology, and now you’re  a DJ – that’s quite the change of direction. What made you choose music over a conventional career?

I really enjoyed my studies, but I realized that the work field wasn’t something I saw myself doing long-term. When I went to my first electronic music festival, I was completely fascinated by the music and the atmosphere, and I knew I wanted to be part of that world. However, I still wanted to finish my degree first, just in case my music career didn’t work out. Luckily, music kept growing and became my full focus.

WWD: Is there one track you love so much from another producer that you wished you made?

‘Not So Bad’ by D’Angello & Francis and Nikko. I’ve been closing my sets with this track lately, and it always gets such an amazing reaction. The energy and feeling of the track are just perfect.

WWD: Can you tell us something that no one knows about you?

I don’t eat meat. It’s something I’ve been doing for a while now, and it’s just become a natural part of my lifestyle.

WWD: Thanks for the chat 🙂 

‘Out Of My Mind’ is available here