EMJIE: From Brussels to Tulum, Finding Her Groove on the Global Stage

EMJIE is emerging as one of Belgium’s most exciting new producers and DJs, shaping a sound that bridges classic house textures, indie dance flair, and a retro-fueled pulse. With her vibrant energy and sharp sense for melody, she brings the same spirit to the studio that defines her performances on stage.

In this conversation, she reflects on her creative evolution, the moments that shaped her artistic path, and how she channels emotion, spontaneity, and groove into her music.

— You’ve been gaining momentum with shows from Brussels to Tulum. How has your approach to DJing changed as your audience has grown?
I started as a bedroom DJ in 2019 with little expectation; the main purpose was to enjoy myself and release the urge to create. Today, the purpose remains the same, but the link between my audience and myself grows stronger every minute. What has changed is the way I nurture this connection. It has evolved through my music and productions, and through the accuracy with which I’m able to transpose my emotions. The music I create today reflects my feelings more than ever, allowing me to attract the crowd and bring them on a journey.

— Your sets strike a balance between underground groove and big stage energy. Is that something you consciously craft or does it happen on instinct?
DJing is all about balance, finding the right way between expressing your own music and fitting the audience, the place, the time—even the weather. I never play the same set twice. My music is very spontaneous, just like the way I dress. My mood sets the vibe of the night!

— The “Love Generation” EP on Bar 25 Music feels both nostalgic and fresh. What was the mood or moment that sparked it?
The EP was born from a moody day. I remember going to the studio with low energy, not feeling very inspired. I started digging for samples on YouTube and found an interview with Green Velvet. The radio host asked him how he was feeling, and he naturally replied, “You wanna know how I feel? I feel good.” That instantly changed my mood and sparked the EP, combining nostalgic feelings with deep groove. I also love to use the classic M1—it just has a contagious happiness. You press play and you smile, instantly!

— You’ve got a strong identity rooted in house and indie dance. Where do you see your sound heading next?
I think those two genres already have a lot to offer. I grew up with pop rock; my favorite bands were The Cure and Simply Red, and of course the king MJ (my artist name is a tribute). Their songs saved me during tough times in my childhood. I started DJing electronic music with retro and rock influences, so being able to blend both worlds is a blessing.

But I love to say I have a wide spectrum of “sexy music”. I could play anything with a groove. Groovy techno? I’ll play it too. I love to surprise myself and the crowd. The more genres, the merrier!

— That B2B with Diplo at CORE Tulum was a standout moment. How did that come about and what did it mean for you personally?
Dreaming of something? Just go for it. I had never met Wes before that day. I handed him a USB stick with some demos for his label, not knowing what would happen. Later that night, I went back to the stage I had opened to pack up, when the stage manager asked me to stay—they were closing the stage with some B2Bs, and I was the only DJ left. I gladly accepted, and when I saw Diplo backstage, I asked if he’d be down for a B2B. He said, “If you play, I play with you.” That turned into the biggest night of my life. We played for an hour and it was surreal—it clicked immediately and left both the crowd and me speechless.

— You held a weekly residency at Studio Brussel throughout 2023. What did that teach you that festival gigs can’t?
At a festival, you play for a specific crowd. At Belgium’s biggest dance radio, you have to please a much broader audience—not everyone is musically educated like at festivals. The challenge was to balance my taste with theirs and do it regularly. It strengthened my digging skills and my beat-jumping skills live on the decks, so listeners wouldn’t get bored.

— When you’re building a DJ set, what drives the flow?
The tracks I dig or produce are always a mix of emotion and energy. I want the crowd to dance and have a good time. If I like a track for its feeling but it lacks energy, I’ll place it at the beginning or end. If it has energy but feels redundant, I’ll prep hot cues to beat jump if the crowd looks bored.

— Your productions always have this confident and catchy pulse. What’s your mindset when finishing a track?
I always road-test my tracks before releasing. The crowd is the best indicator. If people dance, the track is ready. A good mixdown is mandatory—it takes tracks from 2D to 3D. They literally come to life after being mixed.

— You’ve released on Bar 25 Music, Phisica, True Romance, and now Renaissance. How do you decide the right label?
I stay updated on what artists and labels are releasing. If I see potential between a track and a label, I make it happen. Sometimes it takes time, but it’s always worth it, especially when labels become good friends.

— Do you think there’s enough room for women in electronic music today?
There’s progress, but we still have a long way to go. It’s our common duty to embrace women in music, to trust them, and give them the spotlight they deserve.

I also think women should help each other more. Often I see competition between female artists, but we’re all colleagues. The more united we are, the better.

— When creating or playing music, who is it really for?
Creating music is an urge. I can’t control whether people like it, but if I enjoy myself in the studio and on stage, there’s a big chance it will please the listeners too.

— Brussels seems to be a solid home base for you. How has it shaped your sound?
Brussels’ scene is very underground, with a wide range of genres, clubs, bars, and festivals. Being able to go out every weekend in such an environment is a blessing. You meet people from different backgrounds, which makes inspiration even brighter.

— What excites you more, building in the studio or watching it land on a dancefloor?
Both! I love the quiet days in the studio where peace and creation collide, but I also love the chaos and adrenaline of touring. It’s the perfect balance I want to keep forever.

— As your audience grows, so do expectations. How do you deal with that pressure creatively?
Music should never be a burden or a source of negative pressure. Adrenaline is positive—it helps me focus, deliver, and sometimes even exceed expectations.

— What’s something you haven’t done yet that you’re itching to explore?
My dream is to set up an entire electronic concert with a live drummer, bassist, guitarist, and singer, and then tour with them as my road buddies. Let’s rock it, baby!