Joining the dots with Bella Sarris

Image: Tim Jones

For most people, a trip to Ibiza changes their life in one way or another, whether its their outlook, taste in music or friendships, but for Australian native Bella Sarris it would be her time spent on the White Isle that would go on to shape her musical career forever. After becoming captivated by parties like Fuse and reeled in by DJs such as tINI, Bella took up DJing and landed a PR job at ENTER. 

Her infectious beats spanning from thumping techno to dreamy tech house, and her equally as infectious energy behind the decks didn't go unnoticed, and it wasn't long before Bella was picked up for sets. She has an impressive knack for warming up, and the ability to draw in crowds from the word go.

A resident for Richie Hawtin's ENTER. and a regular at tINI and The Gang events, Sarris is part of two of the island's most influential club nights, both of which give her talents the platform they deserve. We grabbed a quick interview with her ahead of her UK gigs this Spring. 

You'll be returning to Leeds to play Mint Club alongside Nick Curly in April. Are you looking forward to partying in the city again?

Man I love that club. The Leeds crowd has no limit I swear. I'm excited to get sweaty in there again, probably alongside some familiar faces from Ibiza.

You'll also be playing at Tobacco Warehouse this April alongside Richie Hawtin, Adam Beyer and Hot Since 82. It's set to be a big one. What do you enjoy about most about playing ENTER. events?

ENTER. is known for pushing mixed and varied line ups like this. It’s really cool to play these parties because they attract crowds that are open minded and are up for experiencing new sounds. I already feel comfortable in taking risks in what I play in the UK, so even more so at its first ENTER. event.

We know you used to do PR for Enter, how did you make the transition to resident DJ?

Put a lot of dots on people. Easy! 

For anyone who hasn't seen you in action before, what can they expect from your sets?

The more tequila, the more smiles. If you mean musically, it’s hard to say. I guess it’s a big venue, so maybe I'll get a little harder, who knows? Maybe you’ll meet techy belly. But for sure the after party gets weird.

You're also a key member of tINI's gang (check out Bella in action above). Those parties look pretty special, what has been your favourite tINI and The Gang gathering?

The boat party in Miami last year with all the Peruvians was one of my favourites. At one point I was 'feeling it’ a little too much and almost got sent downstairs for dancing on the ‘podium’ at the back of the boat. I was really lucky to not be locked away, or fall into the ocean. 

How does the Australian club scene compare to the rest of the world?

I haven’t spent that much time there recently, but I have heard of a lot of cool stuff happening. Really interesting bookings and parties. Sad to be missing out, but I’ll be back home in December to see what's going on.

It’s no secret that we love a good rave. I've been realising more and more that we have this reputation so I guess I have the responsibility to uphold it. Hasn't been a problem before, I survived Leeds the last time!

What are your plans for this summer?

Looks like a lot of time in dark rooms and airports and no time on the beach. Just the way I like it. Can’t wait to lay across the seats in Ibiza airport again. Apart from that, I need to spend some serious quality time with my studio, getting to know my new toys.

So production is on the cards now?

Yes absolutely. My hands are exploring all kinds of new buttons and slidey things. But until they make something that I would play, they better keep exploring!

And finally, hypothetical question... You have the power to curate your perfect party. You can play alongside any DJ past or present. Where would you have it, who would join you and what record would you play to define the evening?

A never ending after party at Rosa (my flat in Berlin), b2b2b2b2b2b with all the usual suspects. And sounds like ­‘India In Me' ­ Cobblestone Jazz (listen above). 

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