Iva Bodul
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
I grew up in Bern, where I experienced what felt like love at first beat at my first rave. From that moment, I knew I wanted to create electronic music myself.
My journey began with turntables and house music, eventually leading me to Berlin, where I discovered my passion for downtempo, progressive techno, and other electronic music genres. In 2020, I started performing in Berlin and beyond, and later, a friend and I launched Verrücktentzückt, an event series in Berlin’s underground scene.
The drive to shape my own sound and perform live became stronger over time. By the end of 2023, I took the leap into live performances, debuting my first live set in early 2024. The response was incredible, which pushed me to refine my setup and produce more music. That same summer, I performed my first live festival gig at Bucht der Träumer and released my debut single with Wuza, followed by my first EP on Downtempo Rituals. Now, I’m thrilled to present my latest release with Cafe De Anatolia.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
I never set out to have a career in music—it all started with a deep love for the sound I experienced at my first rave. I initially created music just for myself, without any intention of playing in front of others.
However, after my first gigs, I realized how powerful the connection between music, the crowd, and the performer can be. It’s a magical feeling when the music takes over and plays you, rather than the other way around. One thing led to another, and now I find myself embracing this journey as a DJ, live act, and producer.
Electronic music isn’t just a genre to me—it’s a way of life. The vastness of electronic music allows me to experiment, mix different elements, and create my own unique sound.
How would you describe your style and sound?
My musical taste is diverse, and many different sounds have influenced me throughout my journey—including my Croatian roots, which shape my music. That’s why my motto is: It’s not about the genre, it’s about the feeling.
I produce both downtempo and faster-paced music, but the constant elements in my work are depth, variety, and strong emotions. Whether DJing or performing live, I aim to create moments where the music speaks for itself. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to deeply connect with the crowd, creating immersive atmospheres rather than just playing tracks.
My music is always evolving, and I’m excited to continue sharing this journey with my listeners.
About Your Release
Tell us about your latest release, Deep Lights.
Deep Lights originated from my live set, which already gave it a story before I even started refining it. As the name suggests, the track carries both depth and a certain lightness. The mix of deep sounds and shimmering elements creates a natural journey—one that feels both grounding and uplifting.
I didn’t follow a strict plan while producing it. Instead, I focused on capturing a specific feeling. I trusted that feeling, and Deep Lights was born.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release? Can you walk us through the creative process behind it?
The creative process behind Deep Lights was very organic. Since the track was originally part of my live set, it already had a natural energy and flow.
When I created the samples, I followed my intuition to evoke a balance between depth and lightness. I didn’t start with a fixed structure or concrete plan; instead, I let the sounds unfold naturally. I layered deep basslines with shimmering elements to create movement and contrast, aiming for an immersive listening experience.
A big part of my creative process is driven by intuition. I experiment with textures, rhythms, and sounds until everything feels right. Once the track’s energy was fully developed, I fine-tuned the details to ensure a seamless flow.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
One of the biggest differences is my continuous growth in technical skills and sound design. I always strive to evolve, and my versatility allows me to explore different sonic landscapes. With each release, I refine my production techniques, bringing a new level of depth and complexity to my music.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
One of the biggest challenges is visibility. There are so many talented artists, but breaking through and finding an audience in such a saturated industry can be difficult. Staying true to your unique sound while navigating the industry’s trends is a delicate balance.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
(Please mention your collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia.)
Events, collaborations, and labels play a huge role in an artist’s journey. They provide a platform for our music to reach a wider audience and create opportunities to connect with other artists.
Releasing Deep Lights through Cafe De Anatolia was an amazing experience. I was beyond excited when CDA liked my track and decided to release it. Their platform allows me to share my music with a global audience, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
As a producer and live act, I still consider myself a newcomer, but I’ve learned that staying true to your sound, vision, and values is crucial. In a world full of trends, it’s easy to lose yourself in trying to fit a certain image. However, the most authentic music comes from within.
Experiment, explore new sounds, and trust your creative instincts—but never compromise your artistic identity. Success doesn’t come overnight, so be patient, keep learning, and most importantly, make music with love and passion.
Technique and knowledge can be learned, but true uniqueness comes from being yourself.
What can your fans expect next?
There are some exciting things on the horizon! I have an upcoming release through Wuza—a remix I did with Reyneke of Malingula by B4to. I’m also working on a new live set and more tracks that will be released soon.
Additionally, I’m revisiting some of my older live sets and experimenting with new sounds. This summer, I’m looking forward to performing at The Island Festival in Croatia—it’s going to be an incredible experience! Stay tuned for more updates.