Ukrainian DJ and producer Korolova, born Olga Korolova, has finally found her authentic connection to music. Known for her emotional and melodic techno, Korolova’s journey represents a full-circle moment that began with a life-changing experience in 2003.
It was then that she first discovered dance music through Gabriel & Dresden, whose soaring melodies struck a deep chord within her. Although she initially pursued mathematics, her passion for music took over, much to the concern of her parents. “They were worried. For them, being a DJ didn’t seem like a real profession,” she recalls.
Despite their doubts, Korolova immersed herself in DJing and toured the world under the alias DJ Da Queen. While she achieved success in EDM, she admits the style never felt right. “For me, it was too much hard bass. I wasn’t a very good producer of that music because I didn’t feel it.”
A Turning Point in Mexico
The defining moment came in 2017 at Daydream Festival in Mexico, where Korolova performed alongside EDM heavyweights like Yellow Claw, Oliver Heldens, and Afrojack. After her set, she stumbled upon a stage featuring Claptone, Boris Brejcha, and Kölsch—a sound that resonated deeply with her. She turned to her manager and husband, Andrew, and said: “This is music for my soul. We need to go in this direction.”
Even though she began experimenting with melodic techno in 2016, her busy touring schedule made it difficult to focus. Then came the pandemic. With gigs canceled, she finally had the freedom to reinvent herself. “It was time for me! I was so happy to have the chance to create Korolova. And it worked.”
Embracing Melodic Techno
Since then, Korolova has flourished in the melodic techno scene. She has remixed Tube & Berger, collaborated with Jan Blomqvist on Get Physical, and signed a project with Tiesto’s Musical Freedom. The collaboration is especially meaningful since Tiesto’s trance classics were instrumental in shaping her early love for electronic music.
Her artistry shines through not only in her sound but also in her visually stunning YouTube performances, filmed in breathtaking locations such as Love Valley in Turkey, an ancient castle in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine, and the Farsh Café cliffs of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. These sets, reminiscent of Cercle productions, bring her audience closer to her world.
The Human Connection
For Korolova, the intimacy of smaller venues beats massive festival stages. “I love to see the people, their reactions. They give me energy, and I give it back. I prefer small places where you can feel each other,” she explains.
Her dedication to creating music that speaks to the soul has finally been recognized by her team. “Now they understand what I was trying to say for 10 years. This is not just a project—it’s music.”
Korolova’s Latest Playlist: A Global Journey
Today, Korolova continues to expand her sound and reach. In her latest Spotify playlist, she showcases not only her signature melodic techno but also includes music from Cafe De Anatolia, a label known for its deep organic and ethnic house. This addition highlights her appreciation for global sounds that bridge cultures and emotions, reinforcing her mission to create music that transcends borders.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Korolova is stepping into the future fully aligned with her artistic vision—one where melody, emotion, and global influences unite to create music for the soul.