Medusa Outdoor is a unique Belgian garden concept that combines quality artists in electronic music with a complete thematic experience. The open-air dance event takes place in the beautiful yard of a castle farm with a garden and swimming pool.
In the context of the release of our new thematic festival website, we had the honor to interview ANNA REUSCH, our headline act for Medusa Outdoor 2024. Anna has worked with renowned record labels such as Drumcode and Tronic, making her an exciting addition to our festival lineup. We caught up with her ahead of her performance on Sunday, 21st July at Medusa Outdoor 2024.
Introduction
Medusa Outdoor: Hi Anna, we are happy to have you with us. How are you doing at the moment? We saw you did a lot of gigs all over the world in recent years. How’s that going?
Anna Reusch: Hi, and thank you for having me! 
Summer has just started. It’s a wild time for us DJs because there are so many festivals coming up. I’m looking forward to it.
Career and Inspiration
1. Career Beginnings: Can you share the story of how you got started in the electronic music scene?
Anna Reusch: As a teenager, I went out partying every weekend. At some point, I met a DJ. When he jokingly suggested that I could replace him during his toilet break, I took it seriously, and a new DJ was born.
2. Musical Influences: Which artists or genres have had the most significant impact on your music style and career?
Anna Reusch: When I started, trance was very big. Then came classic techno, Schranz, and then minimal, tech house. Because I’ve been a DJ for such a long time, I’ve followed many trends. But the audience has always had the biggest influence on me.
3. Creative Process: What does your creative process look like when producing new tracks? Do you have any rituals or routines?
Anna Reusch: I spend hours browsing through websites where you can find samples, vocals, and loops. I pick out a few things and then see what works best for me in the studio. Sometimes you find real treasures, like the vocal sample in “Nasty.”
Live Performances
4. Favorite Venues: What has been your favorite venue or event to perform at so far, and why?
Anna Reusch: I don’t have a favorite. I’ve been able to play at some great festivals and in great clubs. They’re all fantastic in their own way. It would be a shame if it were different.
5. Audience Interaction: How do you connect with your audience during a live set, and what do you hope they take away from your performance?
Anna Reusch: Fun! That’s the key. When I start listening to my favorite songs out loud, I have a lot of fun. At my gigs, I try to make the audience feel the same way.
Technical Aspects
6. Sound Evolution: How has your sound evolved over the years, and what new elements are you exploring in your recent work?
Anna Reusch: I have always tried to keep up with the times. I am happy about new preferences because that opens up opportunities to try things out. Especially after the pandemic, it feels like everything is allowed. I am really happy about it and am experimenting a lot at the moment. There are many colorful releases coming soon.
Industry Insights
7. Industry Changes: How do you think the electronic music scene has changed since you started, and where do you see it heading in the future?
Anna Reusch: I’m noticing that music genres are merging. Sometimes classic peak-time techno is played on a large main stage, which isn’t bad. But sometimes, the audience mixes too, which isn’t always cool because the techno audience is very special—super nice, tolerant, always in a good mood, no violence. When people mix in who don’t take these values seriously, it often becomes uncomfortable for techno lovers.
Personal Reflections
8. Inspirations Beyond Music: Where do you draw inspiration from outside the music world?
Anna Reusch: Nowhere—I only get inspiration for my music while I’m on tour, interacting with the audience, labels, and colleagues.
9. Balancing Life and Career: How do you manage to balance your personal life with the demands of your music career?
Anna Reusch: I live very isolated on a farm at the North Sea in Denmark. When I’m at home, I’m at home. Of course, I work, checking emails, etc. But I also try to focus on my home when I’m there. My private environment is used to me being away a lot, and everyone is happy for me and isn’t upset when I can’t come to birthdays.
Future Projects
10. Upcoming Releases: Are there any upcoming projects or releases you’re particularly excited about?
Anna Reusch: Yes, I have a release on Electric Ballroom in July and in Autumn on Arcane. I am super excited because both are super fresh sounds for me.
11. Collaborations: Are there any artists you’re looking forward to collaborating with in the future?
Anna Reusch: I don’t usually do collaborations because I’m very individual. But now an artist has asked me to collaborate, and I just couldn’t say no to him. Stay tuned.
Event-Specific Questions
12. Event Significance: What does performing at Medusa Outdoor mean to you?
Anna Reusch: I’m very excited and looking forward to it. I don’t play in Belgium very often, so I’m excited to see what the audience there will like.
13. Set Preparation: How do you prepare your set for this event, and do you tailor your performance based on the event’s theme, background, style, or location?
Anna Reusch: I generally have a playlist that is structured according to intensity. But I always decide during the gig whether I might leave out certain genres. For example, I rarely play raw techno at open-air events. I like to play it more melodically. In clubs, it’s often the other way around.
14. Hobbies and Interests: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not making music?
Anna Reusch: I have an old farm that I am renovating, where my horses live. I also have three dogs that I like to walk on the beach with. So, I always have something to do.
Thank you, dear Anna. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Looking forward 