MINQ is a Berlin-based DJ, sound artist, and cultural producer. With roots in the queer underground, their work is by and for queerdos, weirdos, freaks and geeks and draws from a multiplicity of movements and spheres including DIY ethos and punk aesthetics. A self-identified queer, Black music nerd, their creative process is fueled by the belief that music is a place of connection, to the self, others, and the world. From non-fiction to fantasy, MINQ’s work is a mode of storytelling – stories from the past, present, or future.
MINQ is part of the Amplify Berlin creative development program for emerging musicians at ACUD MACHT NEU and will be mentored by R&S Artist Afriqua during January 2020.
FACTS:
1: Breathing helps.
2: Resting is productive.
3: Mint is a great color.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
The child version of me.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
I have a background in music from my childhood; playing trombone and piano. In 2019 I was pushed into doing Sound Design for theatre but at the time I was still very much a DJ making an attempt at Sound Design. After that I started going to music production classes at the amazing Open Music Lab in Berlin. During that time I got another call from the theatre to do Sound Design and thankfully I had much more knowledge and skills than before. So I guess I began both Music Production and Sound Design in 2019.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
The Writings on The Wall – Destiny’s Child
Channel Orange – Frank Ocean
The Black-Man’s Burdon – Eric Burdon and War
Tragic Kingdom – No Doubt
Arular – M.I.A.
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
Outdoor activities. Nature. Fries. Queer cuties. Night life. That yellow color of the Ubahn (and many other things).
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
Tempelhofer Feld.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Probably be miserable and write books.
7. What was the last record/music you bought?
Ooof….That’s a good question…. Usually it would be easy for me to answer this but now that I’m not gigging regularly I’m not consuming music in the same way. I’ll just say the last album I thought to buy but haven’t is Muthaland by Bbymutha.
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would like to collaborate with the interesting people I cross paths with.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
DJing at Buttons beach stage for 7 hours in Summer 2019.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
Very. Everything I use to make music is tech.
11. Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career/art?
I’m the youngest of 3. I don’t know if they are interested in my work but I think they think it’s cool I’m an artist for a living. My brother plays many instruments as a hobby and is always trying to get me to put him on a track (even though he never sends me samples when I ask him to).
Photo © Rafael Medina
