Various Artists – DJ-Kicks: Sofia Kourtesis

For Sofia Kourtesis, joy is a living practice. It's evident in her effervescent stage presence and bombastic sets, which confidently traverse through house, electro-pop and melodic techno. The Peruvian DJ and producer has forged a vibrant and illustrious career that has taken her to all corners of the globe.

 Kourtesis's debut DJ-Kicks mix is a potent blend of the beautiful, complex emotional soup that has made her connect so deeply with her fans. But during the compiling process, Kourtesis grappled with one of the most difficult emotions she's ever had to endure: unbearable grief. "Losing my mother, my idol, knocked the wind out of me. But as the seasons shifted, I found myself back in Peru. Being there made me feel close to her again, like she was in the air. Slowly, music started to come back to me, not as noise, but as strength. It felt like reconnecting with her spirit, honouring everything she gave me. This chapter of my life has forever changed how I hear music. It's more fragile now, and in a strange way, it feels like a gift she left me; a reminder that even in loss, there's still beauty and connection."