Meet Taiwaneese DJ based in Berlin, BB Deng.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Hong Kong and lived there until I was 11 years old before moving to Taiwan which is my homeland. I started to DJ and play in a rock band since I was a young student. In 2003, I moved to Beijing, China to pursue a degree in film directing while still continuing my career as a DJ. I moved to Berlin in 2018.

 

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Berlin is what we call the capital of Techno music. There are many clubs, records labels, and artists here.

 

Berlin is what we call the capital of Techno music. There are many clubs, records labels, and artists here.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Living in Berlin is very inspiring. You are surrounded by so many people working in the art industry. It’s an international city and you can feel very free to create your art and express yourself. At the same time, competition is huge and intense here. The electronic music scene has turned out to be more commercial nowadays. So being an artist here, you have to be patient and invest both your time and money to your craft in order to develop your possible career.

 

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Freedom. Inspiration. Tough.

 

How did you start your career in art?

I started to play music back when I was living in Taipei, I started to DJ in some local bars where I learned all the different music genres, music histories, and all the technical skills.

 

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

My family at that time worried a lot, which I understand. As a girl working in the nightlife and playing in a non-mainstream rock band, it was considered to be quite rebellious.

 

My family at that time worried a lot, which I understand. As a girl working in the nightlife and playing in a non-mainstream rock band, it was considered to be quite rebellious.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I have lived in China for 14 years and built up my music career there. If not for the challenges and the need to take the next step of my life, I would not have chosen to move to Berlin and start rebuilding everything. I’d really like to share my music worldwide and release more and more quality productions.

 

I’d really like to share my music worldwide and release more and more quality productions.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

I’m still looking for the best manager.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

In Berlin, I’m surrounded by many independent and creative women. They pay their bills, chase their dreams, and know their own value which is great.

 

In Berlin, I’m surrounded by many independent and creative women. They pay their bills, chase their dreams, and know their own value which is great.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

For females in the music industry, I always looked up to Electric Indigo and Ellen Alien.

Electric Indigo is an Austrian DJ who runs a platform named “ Female: Pressure”. I really connected with her many years ago in Beijing when I started chatting with her backstage at an event. She is not only strong and plays great music but she’s also very easygoing.

For Ellen Alien, I also give her a lot of respect. She’s been very actively DJing while also running her own labels, started her fashion line, and organized events.

Both of these ladies are in the business for around 3 decades. I always believe time will prove a person’s true qualities. Fast success comes and goes easily.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

It can be challenging. The more conservative the environment, the more challenging it is for women.

In the past, I’ve organized different Women Arts + music events in China in order to create more opportunities for the ladies in music and the arts. Nowadays women can get the same respect as men so I don’t try to focus too much about gender. In the music industry, what we should focus more is the music itself. I also think women shouldn’t take too much advantage of being women. That is only exchanging one power to another.

 

Dream big, be tough and let your actions speak louder.

 

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Dream big, be tough and let your actions speak louder.

 

 

Photos courtesy of BB Deng.