Name: Anne Karolczak aka Pretty Pink
Occupation: DJ, producer, label founder at Deep Woods Music
Nationality: German
Recent Release: Pretty Pink's “Downfall” is out now on Interstellar. Grab it on beatport.

If you enjoyed this Pretty Pink interview and would like to stay up to date with her music and current live dates, visit her on Instagram, Facebook, and Soundcloud.  



Do you think that some of your earliest musical experiences planted a seed for your interest in DJing?

Absolutely. Growing up in the Harz region, I was surrounded by beautiful nature, which became a significant source of inspiration for my music. My early musical experiences were deeply connected to the landscapes around me, and they helped shape my love for creating atmospheric, melodic soundscapes – so I guess.

Even before I discovered DJing, I was fascinated by how music could evoke emotions and transport listeners to different places, much like the natural environment I grew up in. This connection between music and emotion was a key factor in my decision to pursue DJing and production.

I have always loved club music, but I was not initially a dancer very much. What was this like for you? How does being – or not being – a passionate dancer influence the way you deejay?

Interestingly, I wasn't a dancer initially either. My focus has always been more on the music itself rather than the dance aspect. As a former competitive athlete, however, I do like movement in general and naturally let myself be carried away by the music and also move during my own sets.

However, this has actually been an advantage for me as a DJ. Not being a passionate dancer means I approach music from a listener's perspective, which allows me to craft sets that are more about creating a journey or an experience rather than just making people move.

I focus on the emotional and atmospheric aspects of the tracks I play, which resonates with both dancers and those who simply love to listen.

For your own DJing, what were some of the most important things you learned from teachers/tutorials, other DJs, or personal experience?

Much of what I’ve learned comes from a mix of personal experience and observing other artists. One of the most important lessons is the importance of connecting with your audience. This connection can turn a good set into an unforgettable experience.

Additionally, learning the technical aspects, like beatmatching and EQing, was crucial, but I believe the emotional side of DJing—knowing how to build a mood and maintain energy—is just as important. Over the years, I've refined these skills by playing various venues and observing how the crowd reacts to different tracks and transitions.

My own radio show called Deep Woods is another aspect that sharpens my skills - as I do a lot of digging for music and make time for promos. I also think that sense as a DJ - picking the essential tracks from a large crowd - is an important quality.

How do you approach digging, what are you looking for, and what were some of the best finds of the past few weeks for you?

When digging for new music, I'm always on the lookout for tracks that have a unique emotional or atmospheric quality. I often search through lesser-known labels or browse deep into genres like melodic house and techno but also progressive and deep house to find hidden gems.

Recently, I discovered some incredible tracks from up-and-coming artists on smaller imprints that perfectly align with the vibe I aim to create in my sets. These finds often become key elements in my performances, helping me bring something fresh to the dance floor.

But of course there are also a lot of bigger independent labels that I follow regularly and whose releases I like to support.

How do you experience "groove," and rhythm? What is the relationship between harmony, rhythm and melody?

For me, groove and rhythm are the heartbeat of any track—they're what give a song its energy and drive. Harmony and melody, on the other hand, provide the emotional depth and narrative. In my music and DJ sets, I try to strike a balance between these elements.

The groove keeps the energy flowing, while the harmony and melody guide the listener through different emotional states. It's this interplay that creates a compelling musical journey.

How would you describe the experience of DJing, physically and mentally? Do you listen – and deejay - with your eyes open or closed?

DJing is both a physical and mental experience. Physically, you're constantly moving, adjusting controls, and reacting to the crowd's energy. Mentally, it's about staying in the moment, being aware of the atmosphere, and making decisions on the fly.

I often find myself closing my eyes during certain moments, especially when I'm deeply connected to the music. It helps me focus on the sound and the feeling, rather than the visuals around me. But I also keep my eyes open to gauge the crowd's reaction and maintain that crucial connection with them.

In the end, everything goes with the flow.

How does the decision-making process work during a gig with regards to the inclusion of key records, the next transition and where you want the set to go? How far do you tend to plan ahead during a set?

I approach each gig with a general idea of the vibe I want to create, but I leave a lot of room for spontaneity.

The decision-making process is very fluid—I might plan a few key records that I know will hit the right emotional notes, but much of the set is shaped by the energy of the crowd. I pay close attention to how the audience is responding, and I use that feedback to decide the direction of the set.

While I might have certain transitions or tracks in mind, I prefer to let the moment guide me. A set like the one for the main stage at Tomorrowland will of course sound different to a mix in a club, for example. The surroundings, the reaction of the people and the location itself also play a role.



When you're DJing, does it actually feel like you're inventing something on the spot – or are you inventively re-arranging patterns from preparations, practice, or previous performances?

It's a bit of both. There’s definitely an element of improvisation where it feels like I'm creating something new on the spot. However, this is often informed by past experiences, preparation, and practice.

The best sets are those where you can blend these prepared elements seamlessly with the spontaneous energy of the moment, creating something unique that resonates with the crowd.

Do you engage with audiences/dancers - and how? Taking one of your online DJ mixes as an example, how does the experience and the way you deejay change when you subtract the audience?

Engaging with the audience is crucial. I try to feel the crowd’s energy and adjust my set accordingly, whether it’s picking up the tempo or adding a more melodic track to shift the mood.

When DJing for my radio show or a live video, without a live audience, the approach changes—I focus more on creating a narrative or journey within the mix, imagining how it would feel in a live setting. It's more introspective, but I still try to channel the same energy I would if I were in front of a crowd.

Collaboration is a key part of almost every aspect of music making, but it is still rare in DJing. Do you have an idea why this is? Tell me about your own views on back-to-back DJing, interactions with live musicians, or other forms of turning DJing into a more collective process.

Collaboration in DJing can be challenging because it requires a deep level of understanding and synergy between the artists involved. However, when done right, it can create a magical experience.

Interacting with live musicians can also add a unique, organic element to a set, blending electronic beats with live instruments to create something truly special.

I prefer to work with other artists in the studio rather than on stage, especially with vocal artists.

How important is dancing for our wellbeing on a personal and even on a societal level?

Dancing is incredibly important for wellbeing. It’s not just about physical exercise; it's a form of emotional release and expression. On a societal level, dancing brings people together, creating a sense of community and shared experience.

In the context of electronic music, dance floors are often spaces where people can let go, connect with others, and experience music on a deeper level.


Pretty Pink Interview Image (c) the artist

Especially in light of advances in AI, where do you see the role of humans in DJing versus that of technology? Can AI act as a collaborator or creative stimulus?

While AI can be a powerful tool in music production and even in DJing, I believe the human element is irreplaceable. The emotional connection, intuition, and ability to read a crowd are things that AI can't replicate. However, AI can act as a collaborator or a creative stimulus, offering new ways to experiment with sound and composition.

But at the end of the day, it's the human touch that makes DJing an art form.

Tinnitus and developing hyperacusis are very real risks for anyone working with sound. Do you take precautions in this regard and if you're suffering from these or similar issues – how do you cope with them?

Hearing health is definitely something I take seriously. I use custom earplugs during performances to protect my hearing without compromising the sound quality. It's important to monitor sound levels both in the studio and on stage to avoid long-term damage.

Fortunately, I haven’t experienced tinnitus or hyperacusis, but I’m always cautious to prevent any issues.

Do you feel as though DJing is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn't or wouldn't in more 'mundane' tasks?

Of course, it can also be an art form to prepare an exceptional coffee ;) But DJing is definitely different because it involves creating an emotional and immersive experience for others.

Through music, I can express complex emotions, tell stories, and connect with people on a deep level. It’s an art form that goes beyond the everyday and allows me to share a part of myself with the world, which is something I couldn't achieve through more mundane tasks.

Let's imagine you lost all your music for one night and all there is left at the venue is a crate of records containing a random selection of music. How would you approach this set?

This scenario brings me back to one of my earliest and first experiences as a DJ in my home town in the Harz region in Germany.

I remember a night when I was called in last minute to fill in for a DJ who couldn’t make it. The club handed me a crate of vinyl records, a completely random selection, and I had to craft a set on the spot. It was a challenging situation, especially as I was still finding my footing as a DJ, but it turned out to be one of the most valuable learning experiences of my career.

In that moment, I learned the importance of adaptability and creativity. Without my usual go-to tracks, I had to rely on my instincts and musical knowledge to piece together a coherent and engaging set. I focused on the vibe of each track, how they complemented each other, and how they could build the energy in the room. It forced me to think on my feet and connect more deeply with the music at hand.

If I found myself in a similar situation today, I would approach it with the same mindset. I’d see it as an opportunity to explore new sounds and challenge myself creatively. Sometimes, limitations can push you to discover new aspects of your craft.