FEATURE:
Spotlight
Alycia Bezgo
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IT is not only…
artists who I include in Spotlight. I also like to throw a light on D.J. queens. I am new to the sheer brilliance of Alycia Bezgo. I love her energy, aesthetic, ethos, mix of sounds and her phenomenal sets. I have watched videos of her deejaying and performing to crowds. Such a passionate and exhilarating performer, I did want to acknowledge her here. I will bring in a few recent interviews with one of the best D.J.s in the world. Still gender inequality when it comes to headline sets, festivals and pay, women like Alycia Bezgo show that things need to change. With few who are as captivating as her, do go and follow her if you are not already. I am going to throw in some mixes and videos through this feature. I am starting out with EDM Tune and their chat from earlier in the year. Among other things, Alycia Bezgo discusses how to craft a perfect set and going viral:
“Belgian hard dance artist Alycia Bezgo has fast made a global name for herself with her high-energy sets, crammed with hard groove, techno, 90’s nostalgia-tinged trance. Years of competitive hip hop dancing pre-DJ-career breakthrough distilled into her vibrancy and energy behind the decks; add to that, her forward-thinking track selection, clean mixing, visual performance style, and startling knowledge of music, it’s no wonder she’s getting international attention. We caught her in a brief down moment ahead of a summer jam packed with massive festivals and intimate club gigs.
Hey Alycia, thanks for speaking with us! You’re from Belgium, a country with some of the biggest techno/electronic artists to its name. How did you first get into electronic music as a raver, and was there a pivotal moment that made you realise you wanted to do this for a career?
I am lucky enough to live in the same country as many inspirations in the electronic music scene, and as a teenager that really shaped my view on music! I first got into music through my father; he was a DJ in his younger years, so music has always been important in our household. When I was about 16 years old, I went out for the first time to ‘Decadance’ a legendary club in Ghent. There, I discovered all kinds of techno music, and it opened up a completely new world for me. At that time, Charlotte de Witte (then known as Raving George) was one of the first women in Belgium to become big in the techno scene. From that moment on, I realised that I also wanted to pursue a career as an artist in electronic music.
You’ve been working hard at your craft for a while and building gradually, but it was your HÖR set last year going viral that really put you on the map. It’s up to 400K + views! How did/does that sudden level of recognition feel?
It still honestly feels unreal that this set became so viral. I never thought it would be such a big turning point in my career. It’s funny, because this set actually happened by accident as someone else’s slot opened up, and so they asked me to fill in without realising how big of a deal it would be. I’m incredibly grateful to have had the chance to showcase my sound, and that so many people believed I deserved that spot. Before HÖR I only played in Belgium and the day after this set I was asked to play all around the world!
Music has always been a part of your story, you used to be a competitive hip hop dancer right?
When I was 5 years old, I started dancing, and that remained my passion for about 14 years. After that, my interest naturally shifted towards mixing and exploring music in different ways. Every time I’m about to start a gig, I switch into “performance mode.” That level of focus and dedication I feel is something I really developed through dancing.
You’re now touring globally, playing your techno, trance and hard groove to crowds all over the world at festivals, clubs… What are the best things about playing at a festival, and about playing at a more intimate club space?
For me, the difference between a festival gig and an intimate club gig is all about connection and energy.
At a festival, you’re playing for a much bigger crowd, so your set tends to be more direct and impactful. You have to grab people’s attention quickly and keep the energy high, because not everyone is there specifically for you. It’s more about big moments, strong transitions, and creating a powerful overall vibe. In an intimate club setting, it’s a completely different experience. The connection with the crowd is much closer and more personal. You can take more time to build your set, experiment, and really read the room. I feel like I can go deeper musically and create a journey, rather than just focusing on high-impact moments”.
I discovered Alycia Bezgo through a Metal Magazine interview. I am going to finish off with that. The penultimate interview I am sourcing is from Numéro Netherlands. They spent some time with someone who is an “emerging talent in the electronic music scene, known for her passion and innovative approach. Based in Brussels, she skillfully blends the driving rhythms of hard groove, techno, and trance to create engaging performances that resonate with audiences”:
“Your sets blend groove, techno, and trance with a nostalgic ’90s touch. What track always gets the crowd moving no matter where you play?
I would say Brazilian Pulse by Cara Elizabeth. It's a mix of tropical sounds with heavy kicks and always gets the people dancing!
Dance& Electronic Music
How would you describe your fashion style behind the decks? Do you have a go-to rave accessory?
I love wearing statement pieces—bold, sexy, and mostly dark. You’ll always see me with lots of rings and necklaces. My style behind the decks is all about confidence and attitude. I like to shine while I play!
If your WECANDANCE outfit had a soundtrack, what three songs would be on it?
The Pussycat Dolls – When I Grow Up
Justin Jay, XKYLAR – Do You Like to Party?
Spicy Mentality – Not a Shy Girl
You’ve mentioned your dad’s DJ background as an early influence; what do you think he’d say about the artist you are today?
He’s definitely very proud of the artist I’ve become. He’s been closely following this crazy journey with me, so in a way, it also feels like he’s watching his own dreams come true. I’m really grateful for his support—and for the musical genes he passed on.
What's something you've recently learned as a performer that changed the way you approach a set?
I’ve learned that the vibe really starts with me. If I’m having fun, the crowd usually follows. It’s less about playing the “perfect” set and more about letting loose, feeling it, and not being afraid to take a few risks. The more I enjoy myself, the better the energy gets!
When you’re not behind the decks, what inspires you creatively?
Fashion and makeup inspire me a lot—they’re part of how I express myself. I’m also really inspired by other creators and artists and their unique stories. Seeing how they bring their ideas to life always sparks something in me”.
Let’s end with Metal Magazine and their interview from May. They caught Alycia Bezgo at a very busy time. When she was hectic with gigs and this packed diary. It was a very packed time, “from Extrema Outdoor in Belgium to 44 Festival in Germany, before closing with a Face2Face set alongside DJ Guestlist at Pollerwiesen in Dortmund. She is also due back behind the decks at Paradise City, ahead of another run of dates across Europe including Blackworks Budapest, Terminal V Croatia, Tomorrowland and Aquasella Festival in Spain”:
“You also mentioned online that it felt like a turning point for you personally after a mentally tougher period. Did this weekend reconnect you with something you felt you had maybe lost for a moment?
After a period of heavy touring, you go through a lot emotionally. There’s the adrenaline of performing, the comedown after a set, the stress of travel not always going to plan, sleepless nights, and at the same time, all these incredible moments with fellow artists and people you meet along the way. It puts a lot of pressure on both your body and mind. I think I simply had a moment when I forgot to slow down and fully appreciate everything happening around me, which is only human. This weekend reminded me why I fell in love with this life in the first place.
Your sets feel incredibly physical and energetic, almost like movement is part of the music itself. How much of that intensity comes from your background as a competitive hip hop dancer?
Dance was my first love, and naturally, that came hand in hand with a passion for music. When I’m DJing, I love to physically feel the music and let my body move however it wants to. I genuinely can’t stand still behind the decks. Music can be experienced in so many different ways, and I think my dance background has shaped how I connect with it.
You’ve said before that discovering clubs and DJs in Berlin changed the way you experienced music. What stayed with you from that time?
Berlin was where I discovered underground music for the first time, and I completely fell in love with it. I was fascinated by the way people expressed themselves and by how DJs could tell a story through music. That experience shaped the way I approach my own sets today. It showed me that DJing is about so much more than just playing tracks. It’s about creating a journey.
One thing that feels refreshing about your story is that you’re still taking your time with production instead of rushing releases just because the industry expects it. Was it important for you to protect that process and do things your own way?
Absolutely. Production is a completely different craft, and I have a lot of respect for the learning process. I’m enjoying discovering my own way of doing things and developing those skills properly. Naturally, that takes time, and I don’t want to rush something just because there’s pressure to release music. I want to share something with the world when it genuinely feels ready.
Have you ever felt that some people in the industry didn’t fully take you seriously because of that? As if there is now an expectation that DJs constantly need to release music to prove themselves?
I’ve always focused on becoming the strongest DJ I could be first. In the beginning, I said yes to every opportunity I could, even when the travel was difficult. That experience helped me grow technically and showed people how committed I was to the craft. Of course, at some point, you want to take things further and create your own music, but for me, that comes from a genuine love for creating. Creativity isn’t something you can force, and I don’t think great music comes from pressure.
Belgium has such a strong electronic music identity, and you grew up surrounded by that culture from a very young age. Do you think being from Belgium shaped your ambition differently compared with growing up somewhere with less musical infrastructure?
Absolutely. Belgium has such a rich electronic music culture, and we’ve produced so many inspiring artists, especially women. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by electronic music, incredible artists, and some of the country’s iconic clubs and festivals. Being exposed to that world from such a young age definitely inspired me and made my goals feel tangible.
How would you describe the Belgian electronic scene to somebody who has never experienced it?
It’s iconic, passionate, and deeply rooted in electronic music culture. Belgium has its own identity; there’s a strong appreciation for both the history of dance music and the constant evolution of the scene.
A truly phenomenal D.J. and producer who I am new to but absolutely am in admiration of, go and follow Alycia Bezgo. One of the best D.J.s in the world, the more and more festival experience and exposure she gets, the better her sets get. She is this powerhouse who I feel is going to keep touring the world for decades more. This is a big reason why you need to follow…
A staggering human being.
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Follow Alycia Bezgo
