Sabinē was born Chirchik, industrial town in Uzbekistan. Now she is Riga-based DJ, producer, promoter, sublimation.id co-head. In her words, her biggest achievement is that after 29 years of living in a Muslim society she has allowed herself to do what many women in Uzbekistan are afraid to do.

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Hi! Let’s first talk about music. What is music for you? What do you listen to?

 

For me music is a way to convey my inner state, and I strive to show that there are no boundaries, it can be different. If you've never heard techno and after the event you're interested, that's a success for me. I'm convinced that music can bring people together, it's not about politics, religion or discrimination. I like all sorts of music, from Uzbek folklore to UK techno and industrial.

 

Who inspires you? Which artists you'd like to collaborate with?

 

Absolutely Perc, Paula Temple, T47, these artists inspire me a lot. There are also a lot of talented young artists I'd like to collaborate with. For example, with an artist from Uzbekistan, Xyarim, we already had a b2b in Tashkent, we have similar views in music and I like his desire for new things.

 

Speaking about Uzbek music and culture, how is it different from the other parts of the world?

 

Like any culture, Uzbekistan also has folk music and traditional instruments. I love the sound of the Karnay, the sounds are stunning. I love to listen to traditional music and implement it in my DJ sets.

 

You live and work in Riga. Why did you leave Uzbekistan?

 

I wanted to leave since I was a child, but it happened only when I was 26 years old. I realised that I didn’t have much perspectives in my country apart from happy marriage and couldn’t deal with the fact that most Uzbek women just followed those scenarios and didn’t ask for more. My parents allowed me enough, but at the same time conservative part of our family and the society gave me a lot of pressure. It still makes feel sad.

 

Are there any of your character strengths and sides of your mentality which you are thankful for?

 

Hospitality, helpfulness, respect of elders and parents. Uzbek people are very open and kind-hearted.

 

You don’t belong to queer community, however you support it. Could you tell us, how your own perception of queerness has evolved?

 

People don’t raise this topic in my birthplace. Even today in traditional European society stereotypes are still very strong. I’ve been into arts, that’s why I’ve been always curious, accepting and tolerant. Now I have many queer friends and I really enjoy friendship with them. Speaking about Uzbekistan, people are mostly Muslim there, so it’s hard to say about any significant change in their minds. However young generation are more tolerant these days. They browse Instagram and “watch” different lives, they realise what they truly want and give it a try. Once you try to be true “you”, it’s really hard to turn out of this way. This is really cool.

 

What is freedom for you?

 

For me, freedom is when I have space for myself and my lovely job. Even though it's very difficult for me, but I try. I want to develop myself, producing music and organize events, visit different cities, don't stop discovering new experiences.

 

Sounds like music and DJing are not typical for women in Uzbekistan. How did you manage to start doing it?

 

It was a long way. I started when I was 28 years a lot. It’s quite late, and of course I had a lot of self-doubts. “It’s too late to begin!”, “You can’t do it because have kids!”, “What will others say”. There were tons of questions. I just switched them off and called a DJ school. I had a first lesson and then just started getting into music deeper and deeper. My family supported me and it gave me confidence of course.

I can’t say that it’s super easy for me. I face difficulties sometimes like everyone does. I think my main transformation happened when I got rid of stereotypical thinking — “What people will think”. I take the full responsibility of any decision I make on my own, because it’s my life in the end. I wish all women to get rid of their doubts and start doing what they really want to do.

 

What should happen to people to become more tolerant about female roles in the society?

 

Nothing major. I believe one day everyone will realise that freedom is a universal right of every person despite of gender, age or nationality. Categorical thinking and pseudo values shouldn’t be imposed on women. Just let them speak up.

 

Tell us about your mix for LVBZ?

 

It was a mix of different tracks that I played recently. There were a lot of people there who weren't interested in techno, so my aim was to get them interested. Because the energy coming out of them affects not only me but everyone around me.

 

What is your favourite track in the mix?

 

Introversion - Inosensu To Batō

 

Finally, tell us some interesting fact about Uzbekistan, which may surprise others?

 

There is a tradition of making pilaf at 5-7 a.m. on the occasion of weddings or funerals.  In Uzbekistan. It is also customary to always have hot tea, even in 40-degree heat!

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Enjoy a fine selection of Uzbek tracks which Sabinē kindly selected for LVBZ.