“I Almost Get Emotional Every Time I Play It”: Maite Dedecker on Music That Hits Deep

For Maite Dedecker, music always begins with a feeling. Long before she stepped behind the decks, she was immersed in classical ballet — a discipline that shaped her sense of rhythm, movement, and emotional expression. Growing up in Belgium and surrounded by trance, retro sounds, and storytelling-driven music, emotion became the common thread running through everything she does.

Today, that instinct translates into high-energy DJ sets that blur the lines between techno, psy, acid, and trance. Rather than following strict formulas, Maite lets her intuition guide her, alternating grooves and surprises based on the energy in the room. Her productions reflect the same approach, often drawing from personal experiences and moments of deep connection.

With a new release, “Waves of Emotion,” on the horizon, Maite continues to lean into that emotional core — exploring deeper, more experimental territory while staying true to what feels honest in the moment.

Q: Your DJ sets have a real sense of energy and momentum. When building a set, what do you usually focus on first — rhythm, emotion, or tension?

A: I usually focus on emotions first. I always start from a feeling, because for me, that’s one of the most important aspects of music. Everything I do comes from emotion, doing things from the heart, and following what feels right in that moment.

Q: You’re known for playing peak-time tracks but throwing in unexpected twists. How do you know when it’s time to surprise the crowd and when to keep them fully locked into the groove?

A: I like to alternate between groovy tracks and unexpected twists, for example, dropping something familiar at the right moment. I don’t overthink it. I feel when the timing is right and when a track needs to be played. It’s very intuitive and based on the energy of the room.

Q: Is there a track that still gives you goosebumps on a big system?

A: There are several tracks that still give me goosebumps. Ad Astra is very special to me… I wrote it as a tribute to a friend who passed away during a race. That track is very emotional and sensitive for me, and I almost get emotional every time I play it. Another one is Make You Move, which I wrote for my brother. We have a very strong bond, and that track means a lot to me. And then there’s White Line with DJ Ghost, an absolute banger and a beautiful start to our collaboration.

Q: You started out in ballet, with a lot of exposure to classical music, before fully diving into electronic sound. How has that physical and emotional discipline influenced the way you think about rhythm, movement, and flow today?

A: Ballet mainly taught me discipline. Because of injuries, things were never easy for me. I always had to fight for everything, and I still do today. That gives me the strength to never give up and to keep pushing forward. I think, unconsciously, my stage presence and sense of rhythm are still very influenced by ballet.

Q: Growing up with a DJ parent, what do you think you picked up subconsciously before you even realized this was the path you wanted to take?

A: Definitely Trance and retro music, but also the emotional side of music. I grew up surrounded by sounds that carried a lot of feelings and storytelling. I think that subconsciously shaped how I experience music today and why emotion plays such a big role in everything I do.

Q: Your sets and productions move between Techno, Psy, Acid, and Trance. When genres start to blur like that, how do you describe your sound?

A: I would describe it as a feminine sound that blends all of those elements together. Powerful but emotional, driving yet sensitive.

Q: Speaking of that crossover, your upcoming release “Waves of Emotion” fits right into this space. Did you approach the production any differently compared to your previous tracks?

A: No, not really. I always create based on what I’m feeling at that moment. Every track starts with an emotion, and Waves of Emotion was no different.

Q: Was there a specific feeling or message you wanted listeners to experience when this track drops?

A: I want listeners to feel carried by the track, like being taken on an emotional journey. It’s about letting go, feeling connected, and allowing emotions to move freely without overthinking.

Q: Belgium has such a strong electronic music heritage. How does that legacy inspire you, and where do you feel you’re pushing things in your own direction?

A: I think it’s important to take inspiration from many great artists and productions, especially from such a strong scene. But at the same time, I really believe in doing your own thing and staying true to yourself. That balance is where I try to push my own direction.

Q: What’s something producing has taught you that DJing alone never could? And what’s one DJ “rule” you secretly love breaking?

A: Producing has taught me patience and vulnerability. You really expose yourself through your own music in a way that DJing alone doesn’t. As for rules, I don’t really believe in strict DJ rules. If something feels right in the moment, I’ll do it, even if it’s not “supposed” to work.

Q: You’ve played everything from intimate clubs to huge festival stages. How does your mindset change when you step onto a stage like Tomorrowland?

A: It doesn’t really change. I feel the same everywhere. I don’t experience stress; I just want to show people and let them feel what I love doing most.

Q: Is it true that you’re thinking about building your own concept and eventually starting a label? If so, what would that look and feel like?

A: Yes, I would love to start my own label or concept one day, something where I can inspire and help others. I personally found it difficult to get support from bigger artists and to approach them, and I want to make sure that others don't experience the same difficulty. I already have the name of the label/concept, but I’m keeping that a secret for now.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see your sound heading next — harder, deeper, or more experimental?

A: Definitely deeper and more experimental. Exploring new layers while staying true to emotion.