Last Friday, Anfisa Letyago released her new EP, Bubbledance. Just days before the drop, we had the chance to sit down with her to discuss the project, which she describes as her “personal storytelling through ambient textures and deep, hypnotic sounds that create a dreamlike atmosphere.” In the interview below, she reflects on the creative process behind the record, how she balances an intense touring schedule with personal life, the countries she believes are currently shaping the future of techno, and her upcoming single, due out July 11 on her label, NSDA.
Bubbledance, a four-track record, showcases a refined blend of ambient textures and hypnotic techno grooves. After nearly a year in the making, the EP marks another step forward in Letyago’s commitment to crafting a sound that is both intimate and deeply rooted in techno — bridging emotion and rhythm in bold, imaginative ways.
Anfisa, last week you played in Montreal and New York, and now you're headed to Toronto, where you'll be performing on Friday. Where are you now?
While replying to these questions, I’m on my flight from Los Angeles to Naples — I’m heading back home. My heart is filled with so much love after this very intense tour in North America. I’ve had amazing gigs in Montreal, New York, Toronto, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, and I’m so grateful for the energy I received from all these crowds. I’ll be back in the US at the end of August, and I’m already looking forward to it!
You spend a lot of time travelling, in airports, and on planes. What do you do when you're flying or waiting to board?
Sometimes I take the time to answer interview questions, like I’m doing now. Other times I watch movies or TV series, I’m a cinema lover! I also listen to music submissions from upcoming artists for my label. There are plenty of things to do while traveling!
Have you always loved travelling? Would you say it's one of the best things about your job?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve always loved travelling and learning about new cultures. It’s definitely one of the greatest sources of inspiration for my music and art in general. Immersing myself in other cultures and visiting new places is part of the creative process, so yes, it’s one of the best parts of my job. Of course, it can be tiring, especially since I usually spend only a short time in each city during a tour.
And what do you do when you have a week off (no shows and a slightly more relaxed schedule)? How do you spend your free time?
I like to spend time with my family and friends and enjoy being at home. I live by the sea in Naples, and just sitting on the terrace, watching the ocean with Mount Vesuvius in the background, is a cathartic moment; a perfect way to recharge after a tour. I also spend a lot of time in the studio, diving into new projects with all the creative input I’ve gathered over the past few weeks.
At the beginning of June, before starting your North American tour, you played in cities including Cagliari, Vienna, and Alicante. How was it?
It was a great start to the summer tour. I’ve played in all of these cities before, and there’s always such good energy. That really helped energise me and prepare me for the North American leg.
In July, you'll be back in Europe to perform at Awakenings, Electric Castle, and Free Your Mind, among other festivals. How do you cope emotionally with such a hectic schedule?
Eating and sleeping as part of my routine is essential for me to stay focused and bring my best energy to each performance. I feel emotionally strong every time I play, especially at big festivals like the ones you mentioned. It’s normal to feel excited before getting on stage; that adrenaline is part of why I, and many of my peers, do this job. Once my fingers touch the CDJs and the music starts, that excitement transforms into pure energy.
At these festivals, I’m sure you not only meet colleagues but also friends from the scene. Who do you love to see on tour, and do you get to connect with peers as much as you’d like?
I meet colleagues and friends from the scene often at festivals, and it’s always a pleasure to spend time together. When logistics allow, we grab a bite and try not to talk about work — just to enjoy each other’s company!
You're not only playing shows all over the world this summer, but you've also released your new EP, Bubbledance. What does this project mean to you?
Yes, I’m so excited! I started working on these tracks last year. It’s always thrilling to share something with the world that you’ve been shaping for months and that only a few people have heard so far. Bubbledance is my personal storytelling through ambient textures and deep, hypnotic sounds that create a dreamlike atmosphere.
“Immersing myself in other cultures and visiting new places is part of the creative process, so yes, it’s one of the best parts of my job.”
How long have you been working on Bubbledance, and what was the creative process like?
I’ve been working on these tracks for about a year. I never release music until I’m completely satisfied with it. The process begins in the studio but goes far beyond that. Playing my new tracks during gigs is essential — it helps me test whether the music creates the right connection with the audience. Then I return to the studio to make any necessary adjustments.
With this release, a refined blend of ambient textures, hypnotic techno grooves, and personal storytelling, you continue to carve out a sound that's both deeply personal and rooted in techno. What comes to mind when you think about your earliest releases?
My first thought is: How did I even produce that? I get shivers! I released my first tracks around ten years ago, and it’s clear how much my production has evolved. I no longer really see myself in those early works.
“The groove is definitely one of the most defining elements of Neapolitan techno music,” you said in a 2022 Billboard interview. How is the local scene evolving?
The scene in Naples is very stable. There’s a lot of experimentation, and electronic music continues to play a key role here — even though the clubbing scene in Italy isn’t going through its best moment.
Which cities or countries do you think are currently setting trends in the techno scene? Where should we be looking?
South America, in general, is a region to watch when it comes to electronic and techno music. In Europe, the eastern countries are making big strides: Romania, Albania, and Poland, for example, are doing really well. I also see a return to minimal music across the continent.
We'll also be watching In My Arms, your upcoming single set for release on July 11, a seamless extension of the EP’s dreamlike energy. What can you tell us about it?
In My Arms will be released on July 11 on my label, NSDA. This track marks the beginning of a new musical journey I started months ago, diving deeper into sound experimentation. It’s a crossover between dreamy and ambient sounds that creates an intimate and immersive, almost surreal atmosphere. I wanted to take listeners on a hypnotic sonic journey, and I think I achieved that by adding my own vocals to the song.
The single also comes with a stunning visual counterpart, right?
It does! The video was created using AI by a Milan-based creative duo, Supernova. It perfectly complements the song — a dreamlike journey into the subconscious of the protagonist, myself. The project explores the fragility of perception and identity, questioning the boundaries between reality, imagination, and digital simulation. The visual language is a continuous, delicate metamorphosis, translating inner states into cinematic space. AI played a key role in crafting hyper-realistic environments and surreal transitions that blur the lines between different layers of consciousness.
What message would you like to send to the world?
Put social media aside, notice the small things, and enjoy the beautiful moments in life — time moves too fast to miss them. And never stop dreaming.
And where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself in the same position I’m in now, but with a more relaxed approach to daily life.
