In light of our limited collection in collaboration with Operator, we've approached DJs representing different aspects of Rotterdam nightlife and talked to them about what brings colour to their lives. For this edition, we spoke to Emma Baas, aka Monica Electronica. Many Rotterdammer will remember her from nights in Nighttown, Off-Corso and Now&Wow, but her reach in the 00s went worldwide. Monica has an opinioned way of selecting and bringing her music, both crowd teaser and pleaser combining Westcoast Electro, New Beat, Dark Disco, New Wave and Techno. These days she also spends her time working on her platform Zainha.Describe yourself in three words.
Restless, sweet, creative.
Where are you now?
I'm in the best time, aware and grateful for everything in my life.
What's always in your bag when you go to a gig?
I carry multiple genres at all times; I don't want to commit myself to one.
Even after 19 years of experience, you still never know how a party will turn out.
What ecological measures would you take if you ruled the world?
I would stop the bio industry for animals at once, tackle multinationals worldwide and abolish fossil fuel as much as possible so they can make the transition to clean energy as soon as possible.
How do you brighten up your existence?
Doing fun stuff with my children, listening to music, meditating, taking long walks in nature, reading and listening to books about personal development, learning how to be a better cook, and working as much as I can next to my other jobs to start up my own company: Zainha, a platform for personal development.
Describe your perfect night out.
Parties at home with my best friends.
What is your biggest loss?
My mother. She passed away in 2008. And on top of that, years later, I lost the engagement ring she gave me. This was my only heirloom from her.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Eating a lot of boiled eggs with Hellman's mayo and salt during the week.
Which music have you been listening to recently?
I have listened to Radio Meuh a lot lately, such a great radio station!
Also, some nice Italo stuff, classic Rave from the 90ties and New Beat. And I am preparing my set for a gig in Antwerp in November, where I play Electro from back in the days.
What is your ultimate destination?
Life itself, this journey is the ultimate destination.
Emma is wearing The New Mixed Bag at Nighttown.
Photo by Jan Bijl.