The first quarter of 2025 couldn't have been better for DJ Cringey. So far this year, the rising star of Berlin's electronic scene has released an album, Cringey Core, and is touring Europe, bringing her music all over the world. After presenting her breakneck single Heartbreak Duett, a collaboration with Sky Leon and DJ Kirby, in early March, the artist has just released her new mixtape, a project that reflects the messiness and fluidity of heartbreak in Berlin and the restlessness of trying to figure it all out.
“Cringey Core is super personal. All the tracks were made within two to three weeks, during a really intense emotional phase,” she tells us about this release, the most important one to date for her DJ project, which has helped her heal from a difficult situation, channel feelings, and learn more about herself. “It was also my first time making music, so in a way, it was a big experiment.” Now it's time to ask DJ Cringey about the collaborations featured in her latest release, the concept that inspired it, and her major challenge for 2025.
Berlin, Budapest, Munich... April is a very busy month for you, performing in front of crowds in many European cities. How are you, and where are you responding from?
I’m still in Berlin right now, but I’m super excited about the upcoming dates. Playing in Budapest will be really special, especially because it’s a long set — two and a half hours! I’ll be performing together with my friend and TTOXIMAMI as Hard Candy. I’m also playing at a wedding in Berlin this month, which I’m really looking forward to. It’s going to be a pretty crazy month in the best way. I’m doing great, and I hope it keeps going like this.
How are you experiencing these weeks of frenetic activity with no time to rest? Do you feel exhausted?
It’s actually okay! I really enjoy busy weeks and packed weekends. I try to get enough sleep; that’s super important. Sure, I’m a little tired sometimes, but it’s a good kind of tired — a sign that things are moving forward.
I guess it’s also stimulating being able to play your tracks all over the world in some of the best clubs surrounded by colleagues and musicians enthusiastic like you. What do you like most about this part of your job? And what show have you enjoyed the most to date?
To be honest, I’m still a bit shy about playing my own tracks during DJ sets. They’re more like songs you listen to on Spotify rather than club bangers. But I love playing the music I carefully select — that’s one of the best things about DJing. Hearing music you love in high quality, loud, and watching people go wild to it is just insane. Also, talking and connecting with other DJs is super inspiring. My favourite shows are always the ones where my friends are around, like at the SESH Parties — in Berlin or at festivals. It doesn’t really matter where it is; when friends are involved, it’s always the best vibe.
More than 25,000 people listen to your music every month on Spotify, and some of your tracks have more than 500,000 streams. When was the first time you felt your musical project was beginning to gain international recognition?
That’s a good question. Honestly, I still don’t really realise it. It always feels surreal when people recognise me or tell me they’re fans of my music. Seeing that I actually have regular listeners is crazy. I think I haven’t fully processed it yet. But I’m curious to see how things evolve — especially now that my lyrics are more in English and my voice isn’t pitched anymore. Let’s see if people still vibe with it!
You’ve just released your new album, Cringey Core. Would you say this is your most important project to date?
Yes, definitely — at least for my DJ project. Cringey Core is super personal. All the tracks were made within two to three weeks, in a really intense emotional phase. It’s actually a very different style than what I usually make. But that’s exactly how it came together, raw and honest. I really hope people enjoy it.
This album reflects the messiness and fluency of heartbreak in Berlin, the restlessness of trying to figure it all out. And you say it’s a manifesto that comes along with the release. Could you tell us more about the concept behind it?
Last year I experienced a big loss in my friend group and also went through a breakup I had to process. Everything felt really dark. I started listening to rock, metal, and darker electronic music again — that helped me a lot. That whole mindset and those thoughts inspired the album. It was also my first time making music, so in a way, it was a big experiment. But I’m proud of it, and it definitely helped me heal. The heartbreak is gone now.
From DJ Kirby to Sky Leon and Fanny, you collaborated with several artists on the album. Could you tell us more about these creative alliances?
Sure! They’re all friends of mine from Berlin. I’ve known Fanny for ages, and I’ve known Kirby and Sky Leon for a while now too. We vibe really well, and they were all part of that emotional time. I asked them if they wanted to be part of the project, and they were down — especially because it was a chance to try something new. Mixing genres was something different for all of us. We had a lot of fun, and I’m super happy with the result.
A few weeks before Cringey Core was released, you dropped your intense single Heartbreak Duett — a high-octane, genre-blurring club weapon. What was the process of creating that track like?
That was such a fun session! I was in the studio with Kirby and Sky Leon — we had been wanting to work together for a while. We had a super long day, went to Kirby’s place afterwards and kept working on it. We really wanted to put all kinds of emotions into the track. At one point it even had a gabber break! It was chaotic, emotional, and super healing for all of us.
Some of your latest tracks come along with music videos. Would you like to share some anecdotes from the shoots?
Yes! Actually, ever since the Contrast video shoot, there’s always been tequila involved — at least one or two shots to loosen up and stay warm. It really helped me get into the mood, especially for Contrast, which was a wild experience. We shot it in just two days with volunteer motorbike riders, and Fanny was there too. It felt like a real film set. Big shoutout to Alma Leandra — she basically organised everything with just a small team. Mostly women. Check the credits; it’s insane what they pulled off.
“Love to everyone involved and everyone who’s supported me,” you shared on social media the day before releasing Cringey Core. Besides all the artists and creatives you’ve joined forces with on this project, who else have been your main supporters throughout this exciting process?
Definitely my best friends TOXIMAMI and MCRT. They had to listen to a lot of demos! We had so many creative talks. Also my other creative friends, they gave me feedback, shared my stuff, and just had my back. Their support really means everything to me. I know I can count on them for future projects too, and that’s priceless.
If you could play at any club or festival in the world, which one would it be and why?
I’d say Glitch Festival — it just looks insane, and I’ve heard so many amazing stories about it. But honestly, I’m super happy with what I’m already doing. Everything else is just the cherry on top. I’m really excited for the future. And of course, festivals like Tomorrowland or Coachella would be a dream — I mean, who wouldn’t want to play there?
What’s your major challenge for 2025?
My next EP, Don’t Date Rappers. I’ll be working with lots of friends and amazing artists. Hopefully, you’ll hear more about it very soon!
