From spinning records in her father’s living room to launching one of the most exciting indie electronic labels in Latin America, DIVA [AR] has carved out her own sonic universe. As the co-founder of Black Roulette Records, this Mar del Plata-based DJ and producer channels dark basslines, hypnotic synths, and raw emotional energy into every set and studio session. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her roots in the Argentine electronic scene, the creative spark behind Black Roulette, and how she’s redefining what it means to be a woman, artist, and label owner in today’s dance music world.
Dive into the journey of an artist fueled by authenticity, groove, and a relentless drive to share her voice with the world.
Connect with DIVA on Soundcloud / Instagram
Hello Fernanda, can you tell us about your journey in electronic music and what led you to found Black Roulette Records?
My life has been connected to electronic music ever since I stepped into a club. In my city, there were several clubs with more than one dance floor, like Sobremonte and La Caseta, where you had the chance to hear the first sounds arriving from The Island (Ibiza). I was always attracted to it; I liked seeing how the people who consumed that music looked more relaxed, more free, more disconnected from the real world, and more connected to the music.
By 2004, I attended my first rave to listen to Tiësto, and that year, it was love for that genre. Over the years, it mutated more towards the techno of Matador and the progressive of John Digweed. I never fully closed myself off because I considered and still consider that good music has no genre; it’s either good or it’s not. You may like it or not, but that’s another matter.
I loved listening to music, playing with my Dad’s records, where I found varied music ranging from Queen and The Doors to national rock like Soda Stereo.
In 2002, I started my National Announcer career, and all my practice programs were about electronic music. I liked studying the genres; I wanted to know the terminology DJs used. That’s how, after graduating as a National Announcer, I worked for the best electronic music radio stations in Córdoba, where I lived for 5 years, interviewing and playing sets by local and international DJs. When I returned to my city, still working in the same field, I noticed that live music was more entertaining and started thinking about the possibility of learning to mix so I could play the music on my show.
Life led me in 2021 to meet GALØ, an Argentine DJ/producer, and dazzled by the sounds he played, I discovered melodic techno and the artists and labels that now influence my musical search for Black Roulette, as well as the sounds that would identify me as an artist. In 2022, we put together Cultura Dreamers, a high-flying electronic music and culture radio show, managing to interview the best DJs in the world.
By 2023, I was already playing and studying music production. Everything happened very quickly: my first gigs already with Indie Dance, some hints of techno and melodic techno as my sound, my first record labels, and that’s how BLACK ROULETTE was born, from the idea of creating a new challenge with GALO, with whom we share not only a love for music but also for bringing all those crazy ideas we come up with to life.
What is the core philosophy behind Black Roulotte Records?
The central philosophy, at least for me, is musical inclusion. While many people send us demos, from day one, we both knew what we wanted: that Black would not only be a “top level” but also the birthplace of the best producers in the world and the home of producers who are currently and have been our references.
Unlike other labels, we are usually the ones who seek out producers who have the sounds that move us, and the greatest pride comes when they approach the label telling us they love what we are doing and that they made tracks especially to be part of Black Roulette.
What kind of artists and sounds are you passionate about supporting?
I lean more towards finding underground artists or new talents who I believe deserve to be recognized, and Galø goes for the “tough cards,” those incredible artists we’ve been listening to for years, who we didn’t think could ever be part of the label, and what he sets out to do, he sooner or later achieves.
In this way, we form a beautiful team that seeks a balance between new and globally recognised talent, but sets aside commercialism. When searching, we choose original tracks, full of power, that differentiate themselves from other labels and at the same time don’t lose the artist’s identity. We choose pieces that we would play in our own sets.
How do you balance your roles as an artist and a record label owner?
Super easy! What DJ doesn’t dream of having new, original, and unique music at their fingertips when playing? Before having the label, we spent hours listening to music, selecting tracks, building playlists, and buying the latest tracks if we didn’t have them. Now, we continue to do the same, but with the possibility of helping other artists release their music and introduce them to the world through our performances. It’s a new and challenging world. Every new release feels like our own; every new artist is a new member of the Black family. We feel their excitement and support them throughout the process.
Does one facet influence the other creatively?
Of course. We learn from them, exchange knowledge, and help new artists through our feedback to improve their work when we know there’s talent, until they manage to captivate us with their sounds. We believe it’s fundamental to nurture each other to achieve the label’s goals, trying to keep them from getting discouraged and falling off during the process. At the same time, we find new sounds that inspire us to continue improving as producers and achieve incredible fusions and collaborations.
Being a woman in the electronic music industry still comes with challenges. Have you faced any particular obstacles, and how have you overcome them?
While women are super well-positioned in the electronic scene today, they have shown they can be on par with any male producer and sometimes are less influenced by the sounds we’re used to hearing. I feel they are more daring, and when they manage to stand out, they do so with great professionalism. But yes, there are times when I’ve noticed people are surprised when a woman is speaking to them. It’s like they instinctively assume that behind a label there’s a male head, and they’re taken aback. But I’ve always felt respected, and when I can’t reach the artist, I send GALO, hahaha! Somehow, we manage it.
When it comes to playing gigs, I see that many times men are put as the main act, and women are relegated to an opening or warm-up. But that depends on us, on choosing, on making ourselves respected, and on demonstrating our talent. Ultimately, those who choose are on the dance floor. I choose the music I play; I don’t let anyone tell me what to play or at how many BPM. Choosing my dates and seeing if it will benefit my career or not. I love what I do, I put a lot of dedication into it, and I’ve learned to value my work. I don’t want to be called because I’m a woman, but for what I create in each performance. Getting off the booth and having people ask me what genre I play. Or simply congratulate me on my set. For me, that is a winning night.
How would you describe your sound?
A mix of everything that has ever impacted me. Trying to make each gig unique. I seek to surprise; I seek originality above all else. Most importantly, I don’t want to sound like anyone else; I want whoever listens to my set to know it’s me, either by my musical selection or my mixing style. I am identified by dark sounds, powerful basslines, enveloping synthesisers, dark vocals, emotional lyrics, generating a rhythmic base that invites dancing, creating an enveloping and electronic atmosphere.
I try to make each gig unique. I seek to surprise; I seek originality above all else.
Are there specific emotions, stories, or energies you try to convey through your music?
While my musical genre, Indie Dance, is my banner, there are many styles and subgenres which I’m passionate about. And other genres don’t identify with me. Among those I enjoy playing, I could divide them into two: some performances incite more to dance, to Latin vocals, to a groovier, more inclusive sound even for people who don’t frequent electronic music parties, and other times I get super dark, more rock-oriented, and go out to “break legs” [a Spanish idiom for playing a very energetic set]. What I can tell you is that I build my set list by thinking if it would make me dance, and that works for me.
What has been one of the proudest moments for you since the launch of Black Roulette Records?
Without a doubt, remixing “Dancefloor” by BRK (BR), whom I admire a lot. Also, his label. Even more to release the music on Black Roulette Records. That was a dream come true.
Is there any emerging artist who particularly excites you right now, either on your label or beyond?
There are many. While some are new, they’re already making a strong impact. I enjoy the Mexican talent like Cabisbajo, Valmain, Chapa X Bad Wolf, Paco Disaster, to name a few. Outside of that, I appreciate the music of Tamer Fouda, Karpovich, AFFK, John K, Andrew Boy, Landeau, but it’s difficult because I go more for the tracks than the artists themselves. Many times, I play music from producers I don’t even know.
Many times, I play music from producers I don’t even know.
What’s new for you as an artist and for Black Roulette Records?
As an artist, I’m in a beautiful stage. I am super confident about the sound I want when producing, and always learning—it never ends. For Black, it’s infinite. Very powerful releases are coming, and we are very proud of what we have achieved in such a short time.
Any projects, releases, or dreams you are pursuing?
The dream I’m pursuing is to position myself as a global artist, to make my style and my music known. Also, to be able to travel the world, leaving something for the people who come to hear me at each performance. I continue working in the studio; it’s something I’m passionate about, but you’ll have to wait. I hope to surprise you!
Thank you.
