INTERVIEW: Thelma
In just a short time, UK-based DJ and producer Thelma has carved out a distinct space in the underground, building a reputation for dynamic, high-energy sets that weave between techno, breaks, and leftfield rave sounds. Her name’s been popping up everywhere lately—on stacked festival lineups, club flyers, and tracklists from heavyweights like Laurent Garnier, VTSS, Kettama, and Skin on Skin. Her latest release, The Higher Land EP, marks something of a pivot. Out now on ec2a—the Bristol label known for pushing UK garage, bass-heavy club tracks, and everything in between—the EP trades the infernal tempos of her past work for something groovier. But don’t get it twisted: Higher Land hits harder than ever. It’s a body-moving, peak-time record that draws from house and garage without ever feeling retro or soft. We caught up with Thelma to talk about the new EP, evolving her sound, and getting love from the greats. Let’s dive in.
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Can you tell us where you are in the world? What do you love about that place? What do you hate? What does your daily life look like over there?
I currently live in Barcelona after having spent the last 6 years living in England. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made: the weather is great, life is more affordable and people are always open to making new friends. There’s not much I hate about it to be honest! Except maybe the pickpockets hahaha
I spend most of my weeks working on the marketing side of my music and having meetings with my manager. I try to reserve one day with no distractions, no phone, where I can dedicate myself entirely to producing. During the week, as the city is walkable, I try to see my friends at least once/twice. This keeps me grounded before I head off for the weekend’s shows.
Your latest release on ec2a, The Higher Land, feels like a shift in sound—leaning into house and garage influences while keeping that high-energy groove. What inspired this direction?
This past year I’ve become completely and utterly obsessed with house music. I’ve always liked it, but recently this interest in the scene has grown, specifically with the sound coming out of the UK and Netherlands.
It has existed for decades, of course, consisting of trends that have gone in and out of style. These minimal tracks are nothing new, but I became drawn to how simple yet complex they were. I had also reached a creative block with my heavier productions, getting tired of recreating the same builds and drops. I needed music for my soul.
Credit: Nicholas Santini / @nicho.santini
A lot of artists struggle with finding their signature sound. Your music has evolved, but there’s still a clear you in it. What do you think makes a THELMA track, and how do you approach keeping that identity while experimenting?
The fifth chords! Hahaha
No but in all seriousness, the music I create is a reflection of the music I enjoy listening to. I can scroll through a playlist and spend 5-10 seconds listening to each song to figure out which ones I resonate with and which ones I don’t. I look for these same kinds of sounds when searching through a sample pack or designing my own sounds. There’s a certain feel or mood that I’m after and I’m really picky about it and how I want my track to feel. This, I believe, is what allows me to maintain a signature sound.
You’ve played Fabric, Sub Club, Creamfields—huge moments. Do you have a gig that stands out as a turning point, where you felt something shift for you as an artist?
Hands down, Else Berlin. I’ve rarely ever felt more connected to a crowd before. I played a three hour closing set there in the summer and the adrenaline/euphoria high from it lasted for what felt like days.
There was less of an obsession with the wow-factor, big drops and no need for edits to keep their attention. It felt like a very raw and real set. It wasn’t rushed and I was able to express myself freely and take them on a journey. It was one of the first times where I didn’t play what I thought they wanted to hear but what I felt they needed to hear. Sounds cliché, but it worked!
What advice would you give yourself if you were starting today? Or what advice would you give to a young musician or DJ starting today?
For starters, my practical tip would be to not underestimate the power of social media. Nowadays, to become a musician (or any kind of creative) you must also accept the responsibility of being an influencer. This is the reality.
But on a deeper level, I would advise artists to stay true to their sound and their instincts, instead of blindly following trends or the opinions of others (although it is important to receive constructive criticism sometimes). And most importantly, don’t put other artists on a pedestal or do things solely to win the approval of your favourite artist. Yes, receiving that validation can propel you forward in many ways, but this journey is about your creative expression, no one else’s.
What was the last track by another artist you were obsessed with?
Right now it’s got to be one of Skin On Skin’s unreleased tracks from his Sydney Boiler Room stream, which I believe features 3NDLES5. The reason I love it so much is because it sounds like music that is out of this world, ethereal, cinematic. The synths and pads have a very distinct mood to them, which is ingrained in his sound. It’s the kind of track that’s perfect for the club but equally hits during a late night drive on an empty motorway, or when gazing out the window on a flight, that sort of thing.
Credit: Nicholas Santini / @nicho.santini
Thanks for doing this interview! What do you have coming up in the next few months?
Many exciting things!
I’ve got a release on the legendary Alan Fitzpatrick’s label WATB next month and another with one of the biggest UKG labels in May. I will also be playing Terminal V Festival in Croatia this summer, right after releasing my house debut track on one of my favourite labels.
Lastly, later this year I’ll be making my Canada/North America debut which is a huge one for me as an artist, and I’ve got possibly the biggest announcement of my career so far for this summer, but I’ll have to keep that one to myself for now!
Photos by Nicholas Santini / @nicho.santini
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links, which means Internet Tattoo may receive a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.