Belaria: Leading The Charge In The French Electronic Underground
From resident DJ to label boss, a convo with the rising star.
If you haven’t heard of Belaria yet, consider this your wake-up call. The Paris-based DJ and producer is making waves in the French electronic scene, blending high-energy beats with hypnotic grooves that keep dance floors moving till sunrise.
She’s been a resident DJ at Badaboum since 2022 and has played at legendary venues like Rex Club and La Machine, sharing stages with icons like Laurent Garnier and Krystal Klear. And if that’s not enough, she’s also a resident for Rinse France, solidifying her place in the underground club circuit.
Now, she’s making even bigger moves with the launch of her own label, Binding System. The first release? Acidulant’s My Vision Of Space, featuring a remix from Belaria herself. A bold start for what’s bound to be a game-changing imprint.
Curious? We sat down with Belaria to talk all things music, nightlife, and what’s next for her.
Joining Friendsome in 2018 and being named by Beatportal as one of "the 10 artists at the head of the French underground revolution" in 2021 are major milestones. How have these experiences shaped your perspective on the electronic music scene and your role within it?
Being recognized by Beatportal at just 21, after producing music for less than a year, was an immense honor—but it also put a lot of pressure on me. I was still in the early stages of discovering my artistic identity and understanding where I fit in this vast and dynamic industry. Back then, I didn’t even know if I wanted to pursue a career as a DJ and producer. Suddenly having a spotlight—especially in France, where the scene is both vibrant and competitive—felt overwhelming.
I was navigating everything: refining my taste, figuring out my sound, and learning what kind of artist I wanted to be. It was exciting, but it also highlighted the importance of taking time to grow organically. These experiences taught me to embrace the process and to focus on authenticity rather than rushing.
Now, looking back, I see how they pushed me to mature both personally and artistically. They’ve shaped my commitment to creating music that resonates deeply, while also reminding me to prioritize my passion over the pressure. They’ve also given me a deeper appreciation for the underground scene—its diversity, its history, and its power to connect people on a raw, emotional level.
Your music spans a fascinating range of genres, from Italo-Disco and EBM to New Wave and Synth Pop. How do these influences come together in your DJ sets and production, and what draws you to such an eclectic mix of styles?
The eclectic mix of genres in my music—Electro, EBM, New Wave, Synth Pop—stems from my deep love for the iconic 80s sound, influenced by bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Duran Duran. In my DJ sets and productions, these influences blend in a way that balances intensity with melody, darkness with light. The raw energy of EBM, for example, gives my music a visceral punch, while the melodic, emotive qualities of New Wave and Synth Pop bring a sense of vulnerability and nostalgia.
What draws me to these styles is their timelessness and their ability to connect on different levels. EBM, Electro, and Techno create an unstoppable force on the dancefloor, while Synth Pop and New Wave offer moments of reflection and emotion.
In my sets, I aim to take listeners on a journey through these contrasts, building a narrative that feels both dynamic and cohesive. In production, I love layering these influences to create something fresh—whether it’s a pounding beat paired with lush, dreamy synths or a hypnotic bassline offset by melancholic melodies. For me, it’s all about creating an atmosphere that resonates deeply and builds pressure in the club.
As a resident at Badaboum and Rinse France, you’ve curated spaces that blend past and present sounds, even revisiting tracks from your childhood. How do you approach crafting these mixes, and what message or mood do you aim to convey to your listeners?
Revisiting tracks from my childhood brings a sense of nostalgia that I love blending with contemporary sounds. It’s a way of honoring the music that shaped me while pushing boundaries and introducing something fresh to my listeners. I want to take people on a journey where they feel connected to the music that inspires me, while also surprising them with new interpretations and directions. It’s not just about mixing tracks; it’s about creating moments that evoke emotion—whether that’s euphoria, introspection, or raw energy on the dancefloor.
EBM, Electro, and Techno. The focus is on creating intense, dancefloor-driven energy. On the other hand, Rinse France offers me the chance to experiment with more varied selections. I love curating journeys that span genres and tempos—incorporating 90s gems, ambient racks, and downtempo selections.
At Badaboum, I dive into high-energy club sets —from New Beat to This flexibility allows me to showcase different sides of my musical identity, whether it’s through introspective, atmospheric sounds or upbeat, club-focused energy.
Your involvement with Vénus Club highlights your commitment to promoting female DJs and producers in the French electronic scene. How has this work influenced your own journey as an artist, and what changes would you like to see in the industry moving forward?
I was part of Vénus Club in its early days, and it was an amazing experience that contributed to shining a spotlight on so many talented women in the French electronic scene. While I’m no longer directly involved, I’m proud to have been part of something that helped amplify female representation in a space that was, for a long time,
predominantly male.
Since the pandemic, I’ve noticed a significant evolution in the industry, with a much stronger presence of female DJs and producers. There’s more diversity on lineups, and the conversation around gender equity in the scene feels more active and productive than ever.
Looking ahead, I’d love to see this momentum continue. It’s important to normalize diverse representation not just as a trend but as an integral part of the scene. I’d also like to see more structural support—such as mentorship programs, residencies, or production workshops—focused on helping new talent, regardless of gender, to grow and thrive. The more we create spaces for artists to develop their unique voices, the stronger and more inclusive the electronic music scene will become.
With the launch of your new label, Binding System, alongside your remix work on Acidulant’s My Vision Of Space, what can fans expect next from you in terms of releases, collaborations, or other exciting projects?
I’m incredibly proud to have worked on the launch of my label, Binding System, and to have had the opportunity to kick things off with such a stunning EP from Acidulant. My Vision Of Space is a project that perfectly aligns with the ethos of the label: a blend of
electro, acid, and techno that feels timeless yet forward-thinking.
Having this EP as our first release is truly special, and it’s been amazing to see how it resonates with listeners. Working on my remix for the title track was a thrilling challenge—it allowed me to put my own spin on Acidulant’s vision while staying true to the spirit of the original.
I’m so excited for what’s to come this year with Binding System. We’ve got two more EPs lined up, plus release parties to celebrate them! Spoiler alert: the next EP on the label will actually be mine. This project has been a dream to work on, giving me complete creative freedom to choose the tracks and craft a true storytelling experience. To make it even more special, the release will feature two remixes from French artists I deeply admire. It’s set to drop between May and June, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
For the third and final EP of the year, we’ll be looking toward autumn, and I’m thrilled to say it will feature an artist I absolutely love. We’re also collaborating on a track for this release, which adds a whole new layer of excitement and creativity to the project. It’s shaping up to be an amazing year for the label, and I’m so grateful for all the support so far. Binding System is all about creating meaningful connections through music, and these upcoming projects are truly a reflection of that vision.
Thanks for the interview Belaria!
Belaria isn’t just part of the French electronic underground; she’s leading its charge into the future. Listen a below:
Photography by Timothée Chambovet ©
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