Following the success of Boy, crush and recent singles with over 1 million streams, ASA 808 returns with a heartwarming new EP, ‘Let ur heart breathe’.
Berlin-based ASA 808 is a non-binary producer and DJ known for blending electronica, ambient, house and other genres into a uniquely warm and connective sound. Recently featured in Mixmag, Inverted Audio, BBC 6 Music, Berliner Zeitung, and in the documentary Exzess Berlin about the city’s club scene on Germany’s biggest national TV channel ARD, ASA 808’s work has captured widespread attention.
Their new three-track EP blends electronica, ambient, and house into a delightfully warm and playful mix that encourages listeners to embrace life with a little more lightheartedness and joy.
With the EP out now, we caught up with Asa for a chat about its creation.
The title of your EP, Let Ur Heart Breathe, suggests a deep emotional and introspective message. How did this concept shape the creative process for the EP, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
The EP is an invitation to slow down, catch a breath and reconnect with yourself and others. This idea and feeling guided every step of the creative process, from the warm, open soundscapes to the messages of vulnerability and connection embedded in the music. My hope is that listeners feel a sense of warmth, freedom and relief, as if they’ve just received the most amazing hug, taken a deep breath and let go of what’s weighing them down, making room for love, curiosity, joy, and openness.
The track “If U Can’t Be Cheesy, U Can’t Be Free” draws inspiration from a Buddhist quote. How did the philosophy behind this quote resonate with you, and how did you translate that into sound?
The title comes from a Buddhist teaching shared in a Dan Harris podcast. The idea is that embracing “cheesiness” – being unapologetically sincere and large-hearted (especially when wishing others well) – can free us from the fear of judgment or self-referentiality. That philosophy resonated deeply with me because it speaks to the liberation that comes with embracing Muditā (empathetic joy) and vulnerability without overthinking. Musically, I tried to capture that freedom with playful melodies, lighthearted rhythms, and uplifting energy, creating tracks that encourage listeners to let go and lean into openness and connection.
You’ve mentioned that the EP is an invitation to slow down and connect. How do you balance creating music that encourages introspection while still being engaging for the dancefloor?
I think the balance comes from layering introspection within textures that feel alive and rhythmic. Each track has an emotional core, whether it’s joy, vulnerability, or openness, but it’s framed in a way that invites movement and energy. For example, “Building Bridges” is contemplative in its essence but structured with dynamic beats that keep the dancefloor in your heart engaged.
Your work often blends genres like electronica, ambient, and house. What draws you to these intersections, and how do you ensure a cohesive sound while exploring such diverse influences?
I love working at the intersections of genres because it mirrors the fluidity of my identity and the interconnectedness I try to create in my music. Electronica, bass, leftfield, ambient, house and techno bring so many ways of expressing emotional depth, spaciousness, and groove. To maintain cohesion, I focus on a consistent sonic palette and let the emotional tone guide the production process. It’s less about sticking to genre boundaries and more about creating a soundscape that feels authentic and whole.
How do your personal identity and experiences shape the music you create and the messages you want to convey through it?
My identity as a non-binary artist and my experiences in queer spaces are central to my music. They inform the themes of fluidity, freedom, and connection that I explore. Being part of a community that values authenticity, solidarity and awareness pushes me to reflect those values in my work. My music is a space where I can be fully myself, and I hope it creates the same sense of safety and liberation for others.
Your TOYS Residency on RinseFM/SWU has featured a wide range of artists. How has curating this platform informed your own creative vision, and what role does collaboration play in your music?
Curating the residency has introduced me to a wide range of sounds and ideas, which keeps my creative process fresh. Collaboration, whether through guest mixes or working with other artists, is an important part of my work as it brings new perspectives and energy into the process. It’s about co-creating something bigger than any one person, which is what I strive to do in all my music.
With “Building Bridges” as the first single, what is the story behind this track, and how does it set the tone for the rest of the EP?
‘building bridges’ is about connection and healing. It was inspired by the idea of finding common ground in divisive times and reaching out to others with compassion. The track’s melody and rhythm reflect that duality: a gentle, reflective beginning that grows into something powerful and unifying. It sets the tone for the EP’s themes of openness, joy, vulnerability, shared experiences, and positive connection.
With the year drawing to a close, how do you reflect on 2024, both professionally and personally?
2024 has been a year of growth, connection, productivity and creativity. I’m grateful for all the collaborations with friends, clubs, NGOs and collectives – and for the inclusive spaces I’ve helped create with many friends through TOYS and Cute Laune. Our fundraisers and advocacy for refugee rights and queer solidarity have been especially meaningful, as they’ve allowed us to support important causes while bringing people together through music. It’s been a year of balancing artistic work with a deeper commitment to community and activism.
What can we expect from ASA next year?
Next year is about building on what we’ve created. I’m excited to release more music, explore new collaborations and organize events that foster meaningful connections. TOYS and Cute Laune will continue to grow, with even more focus on creating inclusive spaces that celebrate joy, solidarity, and community. Expect a lot of surprises and stay tuned!
Let ur heart breathe is out now on TOYS: https://asa808.bandcamp.com/album/let-ur-heart-breathe
The post “I love working at the intersections of genres” ASA 808 interview appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.