Cue Points: DJ Gigola

This is Cue Points, a series where DJs get granular with current tracks in their sets, giving us the low-down on what makes them work.

Best known for her genre-blending sets and high-energy tracks that mix big room sounds with techno, trance, minimal house-tech and more, LIVE FROM EARTH collective member DJ Gigola has found her own niche in and beyond her hometown of Berlin. Her latest project, Bigroom Sensual II, marks the second chapter in her evolving Bigroom Sensual EP series – an ongoing project that makes space for her own sonic exploration. “With this EP, I wanted to explore how I could weave EDM into my core sound without compromising it,” she said of the two-track release. “I became fascinated by the idea of cracking open that sound and finding a way to play with it. Both tracks on the EP incorporate EDM elements without fully crossing into the genre; instead, they oscillate between my personal big room sound and EDM – each in its own way.”

Lead by a sense of curiosity and a willingness to experiment and play, DJ Gigola’s sets are as explorative as her projects. Ahead of her upcoming London show at LIDO festival, here she breaks down five tracks on rotation in her sets right now.

Roman Flügel – Geht’s Noch? (DJ Gigola Remix)

When I first heard the original version, I immediately fell in love with its minimalist yet bold, anthem-like lead melody. It’s been a staple in my sets ever since. However, the original tempo of 122 BPM made it challenging to incorporate into my high-energy sets, as pitching it up to around 140 BPM would diminish much of its original groove. So, when Roman approached me last year to remix Geht’s Noch? for its 21st anniversary, I instantly agreed, as I’d already been thinking about creating my own edit for some time. I adjusted the drums, increased the tempo, and reworked the rhythm, resulting in a personal, Gigola-style version at 148 BPM. It’s energetic yet retains an electro-house feel, making it perfect for vocal-free peak moments in my sets. Although I altered the lead synth rhythm, it still captures the same killer melody that made the original so iconic 21 years ago.

TSVI – Ultimo Impero

There are tracks that become seasonal hits and tracks that you might label “tools,” but in my opinion, it’s often the latter that stay with you. TSVI is one of my favorite producers because their music consistently sits at the intersection of trance, minimalistic drums, techno, and tech-house – always exciting me. Their tracks’ minimalist approach makes them feel like versatile tools, timeless and adaptable, which is why I enjoy playing them repeatedly. Ultimo Impero exemplifies this: the tribal drums, minimalist build-up, and hypnotic trance line culminate in a breakdown that draws power from its hypnotic progression rather than an aggressive drop. Its unique groove and driving energy work effortlessly across diverse contexts (crowds, clubs, genres…). It’s perfect for genre-bending transitions, maintaining momentum, providing breathing space after big drops, or even just for layering, thanks to its groovy yet reduced rhythm.

DJ Babatr – Are You Ready (Raptor Groove)
I’ve always been a huge fan of DJ Babatr and their signature raptor house sound, and this track exemplifies it perfectly, exuding an uplifting and positively charged energy. The vocal “are you ready” is very tongue-in-cheek, adding humour to the dancefloor – an element I genuinely appreciate. Its driving rhythm, the catchy vocal, and prominent synth stab make it ideal for signalling a change of energy, transitioning between different vibes, or kicking off the very start of a set (“are you ready?”). I particularly enjoy looping the drum pattern, as its simplicity and compelling drive contribute significantly to building momentum in combination with other tracks.

Brutalismus 3000 – Scee (The Dare Remix)

The Dare has been in the spotlight ever since Charli xcx’s Guess came out last year. I adore their music style – this fusion of rock ‘n’ roll spirit, a fresh vibe that reminds me of 2007 LCD Soundsystem and exceptional production quality. I was immediately excited when I saw The Dare contributed a remix to Brutalismus 3000’s latest remix compilation, Goodbye Saló. The track is delightfully nasty, perfectly balancing Brutalismus 3000’s relentless energy and The Dare’s distinctive sound. It’s gnarly, high-energy, and pop-infused, yet undeniably clubby. I love opening my sets with this remix because it establishes an energetic and playful atmosphere. At 140 BPM, it also gives me the flexibility to either steer my set towards tech-house or delve deeper into a techno/trance-driven direction.

Luke Hovey – Whistle Tool

This track encapsulates everything I love: driving momentum, organic percussion, and undeniably badass energy. Its effectiveness lies in its minimalism. The dramatic breakdown elevates the track from being a functional tool to an outright banger. Its versatility allows me to use it in whatever context I need it. If I need a high-energy transition between drop-centric tracks, I can simply skip the breakdown via hot cues or use it as a standout moment within a hypnotic techno set, where the dramatic shift offers a refreshing surprise. Alternatively, it can be featured prominently between genre-defying tracks, making it a highlight of a high-energy set. Additionally, it’s excellent for layering due to its minimalist groove, although caution is advised with the whistle element to avoid overplaying it.