PUSS PUSS In Conversation with Victoria De Angelis

Beanie Stolper: Hi Victoria, how are you doing this morning? I know you’ve been traveling and it’s all a bit hectic!
Victoria De Angelis: We’re finally made it! I’m back in Rome for a couple of days, so I’m enjoying life!

BS: Oh my God, I’m so jealous. And you just played Drumsheds in London on Saturday!
VDA: Yes, it was amazing. The venue is insane to be honest, and it’s so cool to play in a space where so many amazing artists have been. The crowd was amazing, the lineup was amazing. I stayed and listened to Salome and a SPFDJ, they were fantastic. It was a really fun night, or day I should say. I played during the day, which was also nice! I even got some sleep for once in a while.

BS: Do you see a difference between the London crowd and others?
VDA: They were really open, UK bass is such a big thing here. I did some digging beforehand to prepare and play in that era a bit, but they were receptive to everything I played! From straight techno to baile funk to experimental sounds. It was really fun and really cool!

BS: How did you dig?
VDA: I go on SoundCloud or Bandcamp and find good labels or tracks, then explore from there.

BS: You mentioned baile funk. Listening to your work, it’s all hard-dancing techno which is raw and uncompromising but also beautiful. What draws you to that edginess?
VDA: I really love Latin club music, and I’m inspired by amazing producers and DJs from South America. They make incredible music. I like to blend heavy techno with baile rhythms that keep it moving. It doesn’t feel repetitive, and it makes the groove alive. It’s fun, physical, and sexy, and I love playing this type of sound.

BS: Is there a different kind of control over the audience in comparison to when you were in the band?
VDA: In the band, we play our own songs and follow a set list each night, with some room for improvisation, but it’s limited because of stage production and lights. DJing is different, every night is unique. You can experiment, adapt to the crowd, and change things up for yourself and the audience. You have to consider the venue and pace your set a bit, think about the city you’re playing in and who’s playing before you.

BS: You’ve recently gone back-to-back with VTSS and Partiboi69. They’re very different energies. What do you look for in a back-to-back? Chaos? Chemistry?
VDA: I love playing with both of them. Even though we each have our own influences and slightly different sounds, we all enjoy energetic, fun music. We have a lot in common. I loved that we had tracks we both liked. They have amazing energy performing, and they’re all about having fun and aren’t controlling, and don’t take it too seriously. Playing back-to-back, especially with friends, lets you inspire each other. You push in one direction, they push in another, or you both go one way. It’s really fun, and it’s a completely different experience.

BS: What makes a set unforgettable for you?
VDA: It’s all about the connection that you can create with the crowd. When the audience is open and receptive, I feel free to experiment and play unusual things. That’s what makes a set unforgettable. All my best sets are when the crowd is vibing and connected, so you feel like you can take them anywhere. Even if there’s a short break, they stay with you. That’s the difference!

BS: The visuals, lighting, and stage design play a big part. You’re very into art – what visual references are shaping your world lately, or artists you’d love to collaborate with?
VDA: Oooo yes there are many! I don’t have one main inspiration. I take inspiration from everything; movies, paintings, other artists, video clips. In the electronic world, I really love Arca. Everything she does is amazing. FKA Twigs is doing incredible video clips and visuals. Even though it’s a different type of music and world than what I play, it’s really inspiring for me.

BS: Onto fashion, you DJ’d at the Dolce & Gabbana a/w25 show. Let’s talk about that!
VDA: It was crazy! It was really fun and unexpected. They gave me a lot of freedom. They said, “Play what you want and have fun.” Usually during shows, they study the music carefully and they didn’t want that at all, they just let me play. I was grateful for that freedom. It was amazing to mix my world with high fashion.

BS: Did you see the looks beforehand? Any prep?
VDA: Only the day before, during rehearsals. I got the call up a week before the show, it was last-minute, but I loved it!

BS: And your own style? Are you a trainer girl, loafer girl?
VDA: I was never a trainer girl, until two years ago, I didn’t even own a pair of comfy shoes or trainers. I used to wear heels everywhere; to the airport, the park, wherever. Now I’m more chilled, and some days when I’m tired, I just throw on trainers. When I go out, I usually wear boots, but if I’m running errands, I wear trainers now!

BS: Seeing yourself on a Times Square billboard must be insane. You’re also a Spotify Equal ambassador, does that change how you think about your role in culture?
VDA: It’s really hard. These things are so huge and crazy to understand. It feels like a fever dream. I don’t feel much pressure from it, but it makes me proud of where I’ve come, and it gives me strength and inspiration to keep pushing. With all the experience from the band, when everything blew up, we tried to stay grounded. Being connected as a group helped us navigate the craziness. I see it as a positive thing, and I try not to get too caught up in it all!