IN CONVERSATION WITH BASHKKA & OGAZÓN

words THORE DAMWERTH

BASHKKA and Ogazón are two artists who approach DJing with passion, precision, and a deep respect for the dancefloor. While their styles reflect their individual experiences and influences, they share an intuitive approach to mixing that thrives on spontaneity, energy, and connection. Their upcoming b2b set at Sónar Lisboa 2025 promises to be a moment of raw synergy, where groove meets grit, and ballroom fierceness collides with sleek selections.

BASHKKA, whose name translates to "different" in Turkish, embodies an unapologetic presence in electronic music. Whether through her infectious, high-energy sets or her vocal advocacy for queer and SWANA representation, she brings a bold and empowering energy to every space she occupies. With roots in New York’s ballroom scene and a firm grip on European dancefloors, her sound is equal parts sensual and defiant, blending house, techno, and high-drama moments into an intoxicating experience.

Ogazón, on the other hand, is a master of subtlety and deep immersion. Her meticulous approach to DJing allows her to navigate the vast landscape between house and techno with ease, dissolving genre boundaries to focus on the journey she creates for the audience. Every track she selects is a statement, carefully woven into a broader narrative that keeps the dancefloor pulsing in sync with her vision.

In anticipation of their Sónar Lisboa b2b, the two artists sat down to interview each other, offering a glimpse into their creative chemistry, philosophies on DJing, and the unique dynamic they will bring to their collaborative set.

BASHKKA interviewed by Ogazón

What’s one track you always keep in your USB, no matter what? 

Lil' Mo & Yin Yang's - “Reach.” Classic. Timeless. Always gives me Goosebumps.

How do you usually prepare for your B2Bs?

I’m not one for a lot of prep when it comes to sets—I thrive on spontaneity and the thrill of the unexpected. That said, when diving into a B2B with someone new, I like to get a feel for our shared wavelength. A quick chat about the vibe, maybe a little record swap—just enough to sketch an audiovisual blueprint without boxing us in.

What’s the most unexpected place you’ve ever played a set?

In some kind of barn, turned into a club, in the middle of the deep woods, full of queer ecstatic individuals.

What’s your pre-set ritual—do you have any habits or superstitions before going on? Brujaaaa

I don’t have a ritual per se, but my USBs have evil eye stickers on their back, and I wear a little one on a chain that never comes off. A subtle safety net, just in case the bad juju is around.

What’s one thing you’ve learned from playing b2b sets that you wouldn’t get from solo sets?

Allowing yourself to give away control and to trust—being there for each other and moving as one while playing. When that moment of synchronicity hits, and two artists seamlessly blend into one, it’s something special. I wish that was more common—but sadly too many people in our Scene choose to B2B with their own ego and insecurity instead while DJing really is sort of a public service for the dancefloors.

What can people expect from our set at Sónar Lisboa?

I have a pretty strong feeling it’s going to be sexy, groovy and steamy!

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had while touring?

I was recently on tour in Australia, and I have to say—hands down—some of the best meals I’ve ever had, anywhere. The produce there is just on another level.

If you had to describe your DJing style as a fashion trend, what would it be?

Trends come and go—I’m more into what leaves a mark. If I had to describe it, think of Thierry Mugler’s Haute Couture Fall/Winter show of 1995. Iconic Shit!

If you could have dinner with two legends—dead or alive—who would you choose?

FML! Hard one. But I'd say Grace Jones and Whitney Houston.

Describe your ideal non-music-related day—where are you, and what are you doing?

I am in the comfort of my home, in my ugliest and comfiest clothes, looking through interior design sites or binge watching my favorite shows.

If we had to start a non-music-related business together, what would it be?

Would love to start an anonymous website to roast celebrities and scene folks who take themselves way too seriously. It would be a full time job to remind them they’re not walking on water.

If you had to create a cocktail that represents your DJ style, what would be in it, and what would you call it?

Hmmm… something spicy and punchy, not too sweet yet delicious. I’ll call it “Wig Snatcher” hahaha

Ogazón interviewed by BASHKKA

What’s a track that never fails to bring a certain emotion out of you no matter how many times you hear it or play it?

Mr. G – "Got That Swing." No matter how many times I play it, I don’t get tired of it. I love that you can play it in both house and techno sets.

What is the most rewarding part to you of playing a b2b?

The element of surprise—hearing new tracks, experiencing different mixing styles, and being pushed in fresh directions. When the energy clicks, it creates a unique flow that wouldn’t happen in a solo set, making it super inspiring.

Pick one record store other than in your home base Berlin that you are obsessed with and can’t skip when you’re in town.

Killacutz in Amsterdam! The second-hand selection is great, and the bins are always updated with gems. Richard, the owner, makes the digging experience even better—his passion and recommendations are gold.

A production detail in a track that makes it a dream to mix?

A long enough intro and outro where not too much happens. It gives me the opportunity to layer tracks for a longer period and make a transition between two tracks feel like a whole.

What are you most excited for when it comes to our b2b for Sónar Lisboa?

Spending time with you! <3

We are currently both touring Australia. Can you share your go-to remedy for fighting jet lag or a good self-care practice?

Go out and explore for as long as possible so you’re naturally tired by nighttime! I love walking around and soaking in the city—it helps reset my body clock. Also, having a big feast before crashing is key so I don’t wake up hungry in the middle of the night!

If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Probably French! Just because it’s got so much variety and very often consists of comfort food. And most importantly, because of the cheese—I’m a total sucker for it and could never ever give that up.

What’s a totally useless piece of trivia you’ve memorized that somehow sticks with you?

A group of flamingos is called a “flamboyance,” how fab is that?

If there’s an adventure you’d love to do with me that you’ve never done with anyone else, what would it be?

Skydiving! Just imagining us screaming through the mountains and then having a debrief cocktail after sounds like loads of fun.

If you could teleport anywhere right now to live, where would it be?

Tough one! Honestly, I’m one of these rare specimens who's really happy in Berlin, even after all these years. But maybe one day, I’ll end up somewhere warm with a big garden, a cute lil sausage dog, and endless good food—Spain sounds like a solid option.

Could it be argued that the push for more female-identifying DJs only highlights a select few, creating the illusion of progress while leaving others behind?

Unfortunately, yes. A few names get put in the spotlight, which is great, but it doesn’t mean the playing field is truly equal. Real progress is about consistent fair bookings, more opportunities at all levels, and breaking industry biases—not just celebrating the same handful of artists. There’s still a long way to go.

Catch BASHKKA and Ogazón at Sónar Lisboa 2025 from April 11-13 for their b2b set and secure your tickets now here!