Roni @ Veneno

Parisian-Malaysian DJ, producer, and label founder RONI is making waves in the global electronic music scene with her high-energy sets and eclectic approach to sound. Known for blending techno, bass, jungle, and breakbeat influences, RONI’s artistry pays homage to the rich rave and underground club culture that has shaped her musical journey. Drawing inspiration from her father’s diverse collection of jazz, rock, and Caribbean records and her mother’s vibrant love for dance culture, RONI’s deep connection to music was evident from a young age.

Her teenage years saw her traveling to London, where she immersed herself in the city’s vibrant musical subcultures, taking cues from pioneers like Gilles Peterson and Benji B. These experiences fueled the development of her dynamic style, which seamlessly bridges diverse genres. A resident DJ at Rinse France, RONI gained global recognition through her bi-monthly shows, which led to performances at iconic venues and festivals, including Fabric London, Positive Education, Boiler Room, and Waterworks Festival.

In 2021, RONI launched her own label, Nehza Records, dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and celebrating club culture with a focus on nature preservation. With support from industry heavyweights like Pearson Sound and Bradley Zero, Nehza has quickly established itself as a beacon for innovative electronic music. As RONI steps into music production, her tracks are already turning heads, with forthcoming releases on Fever AM and Rhythm Section.

With upcoming performances across Europe and a Boiler Room session on the horizon, RONI’s reputation as a trailblazer continues to grow. Her Veneno Radio set on December 11th promises to be yet another electrifying showcase of her bold, boundary-pushing sound. Get ready to dive into the mind of one of electronic music’s most exciting talents in this exclusive interview.

You mentioned before that your journey into music is so rooted in your childhood and your parents’ influence. Can you tell us more about how those early experiences shaped your sound today?

I grew up with a dad that listened to all types of music and a lot of music all the time: Jazz, Classical, rock, but also Caribbean, Indian Music or Brazilian. Of course, I imprinted in all of this, and I feel you can hear it in my music. I love percussive stuff, but also sounds that feel more global with various influences. I always look for the sound that has this little touch and is going to bring that global feeling.

You’ve mentioned how London’s music scene played a big role in your artistic development. What about the city’s underground culture captivated you the most?

I guess it’s diversity, freedom & experimental approach around music and culture. It felt like everyone was accepting all types of culture over there. Whether you were a punk or into electronic music, everyone had their space and respect and are taken seriously, encouraged.
I also felt any artist would be legit as long as they create which is to me different from the feeling we can have in France where you have the feeling that you have to prove yourself over and over before becoming legit.

I also noticed the UK had a great sense of community around art & music which is also so inspiring and heartwarming. I love the fact that people really get together on a regular basis.

Your sets seamlessly blend genres like techno, jungle, and breakbeat. How do you approach creating such dynamic and versatile mixes?

Honestly, I just do it. What I play is strongly curated around what I really love, about a feeling it gives me. I also like to surprise and change directions during a set. I’m quite eclectic. So, I guess I just listen to my inner flow and take risks.

Nehza Records has quickly gained recognition for its focus on club culture and nature preservation. What inspired you to launch the label, and what’s the vision behind it?

I really wanted to contribute to the electronic music scene. I love pushing upcoming artists and shedding light on them. It’s also a great way to express what I love and to make more space for this music. The idea is to release any type of music that express my vision of club culture and all its form of diversity.

As a producer, you’re stepping into a new creative space with just released releases on Fever AM and Rhythm Section. What can listeners expect from your production style?

I’m crafting my sound and experimenting new stuff like using my voice and creating different types of vibes. So, a blend of Bass Music oriented, global sound inspired, definitely hitting with lots of bass.

Your track “Angel” incorporates your own vocals, which is a new layer to your artistry. How did that track come to life?

When Rhythm Section asked me to do a track for their 10th anniversary, I realize this was giving me the opportunity to do something more personal and also more Melodic. I follow the record label since its beginning, so I knew their heritage was around musicality. My dream as a kid was to be a singer. So, this was my chance :) Using my voice for the vocals. I also had just lost my mother from cancer and was going through so many deep feelings and experiences. I was trying to connect with her on the other side, was questioning myself about where her soul was. I guess I tried to embody this challenging quest into this song.

You’ve played at some iconic venues and festivals. What has been your most memorable gig so far, and why?

It’s a tough question but I guess my first Boiler Room is probably the most memorable in terms of emotions. I had been nervous and had stomach pain for a month until I reached 3 days before the show and realized actually one of my dreams was becoming true and that I should enjoy and stop worrying about what people were gonna think or if I was able to do the job. I went to the studio where I learned how to DJ and suddenly all my fear disappeared. I did this gig extremely cheerful, grateful and had the best fun time. What is important is the journey. That was a strong turn up and lesson I received.

How do you see the role of DJs and labels in shaping the future of electronic music, especially in supporting emerging talent and fostering inclusivity?

We have such a strong role and often don’t realize the impact we have on people’s lives. Nowadays the focus is about how many streams, how many likes and followers but what nobody is able to measure is the deepness of the feeling we give to people around us, how we impact the audience. A like or a view is not a feeling, a feeling has so many different ranges and it can bring joy but also sadness and still be a good feeling. I feel DJs and labels have a big role of Education and discovery. That’s the first reason why I do this. I love artists who educates me and help me expand my vision and my knowledge of music culture. And supporting emerging or being inclusive is opening our vision space, it’s also making our ability to love wider, it’s about shaping the future and creating space for new forms of art.

Your label, Nehza, focuses on protecting nature, which is quite unique for a music platform. How do you connect this mission with your work in electronic music?

It’s very difficult especially as a DJ who travels a lot, but It has a grounding effect, it also allows me to never stop questioning myself on how we live on this planet as humans and pushing away our selfishness. It’s like, how do we make people see what we forget everyday? Nature has such a deep role in my balance and mental health, so I wanted to incorporate this in my work with the label and use it to keep questioning myself.

The rave and underground club culture has heavily influenced your career. How do you think these scenes have evolved, and where do you see them heading in the future?

I think it’s even richer than before as there are so many collectives who are self-made & organize independently their own night and curation. And I think this challenges big venues. It also influences positively the music scene and reveal new visions. I think covid has badly damaged the relation young generations have to these spaces, but I have faith and hope with time it will regenerate.

We now experience a society where everything has to be controlled and people are also getting extremely lonely, but I feel it won’t last. We need these spaces of freedom for our sanity and I’m sure it will keep growing. I also see so many people investing their energy in spreading this culture that it can only reach new communities. Life is a cycle.

Veneno audiences are in for a treat with your upcoming set. Without giving too much away, what vibe are you bringing to the decks on December 11th?

I have no idea yet ahah, but I guess global sound, UK-bass oriented and maybe with a touch of Latin & funk as this is what being in Brazil inspires me.

What’s next for you in 2025? Are there any exciting projects, collaborations, or performances we should keep an eye on?

I am working on an EP, so definitely new music, I’m also working on a demo with Mu540 so maybe a track together :) A new Boiler Room in March, playing Outlook festival and lots of surprising b2b!

Info:

🇫🇷 RONI’s visit is supported by the French Embassy in Brazil. @franceaubresil

📸 Estelle Chauffour @ellet.s