Grace Dahl
Grace Dahl
VAULT SESSIONS BLOG SERIES
Behind the Decks ALL NIGHT: chatting with Grace dahl
(Elizaveta Schneider Photography)
Grace Dahl has quickly become one of the most captivating forces in the scene carving out a sound that’s uniquely her own. Ahead of her highly anticipated all-nighter at RADION on March 29th, Grace opens up in this candid interview about her journey, musical influences, and the challenges she’s faced as a woman in the industry. From Coffee Company manager to full-time DJ, producer, and record label founder: Grace’s story is one of growth, resilience and artistic authenticity. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Read on to discover more about Grace— and get ready for March 29th.
(Sander van de Ven Photography)
During your time as a Coffee Company manager in Amsterdam, was there a specific “a-ha!” moment that pushed you toward music full-time? Was this transition gradual or more of an immediate leap?
It was a bit of both. I started my journey into music when I was 17, and by the time I was 19 I had started working as a barista, juggling shifts while slowly building my DJ career on the side. I became a manager at 21, and honestly, during the pandemic, that full-time job was a blessing. It gave me stability at a time when gigs had completely disappeared, and I’m really grateful for that.
But even while working full-time, I never stopped working on music and took it as a chance to focus on production. Then, when the pandemic restrictions finally lifted, something in me just said: Now or never. I wasn’t fully financially stable yet from DJing, and a lot of people thought I was taking a huge risk, but I just couldn’t wait around any longer.
So, it wasn’t an impulsive jump, it was a decision that had been growing for years. The timing finally aligned, and I trusted myself enough to take the leap. Now I can say it definitely was the best decision I could’ve made.
(Sander van de Ven Photography)
Navigating the scene as a woman has definitely come with its own set of challenges, some more visible, others more subtle. There’s a kind of pressure that comes from being hyper-aware of how you’re perceived. That kind of environment can be both exhausting and motivating.
But I’ve learned to see it as fuel. These experiences have shaped me into someone who doesn’t wait for permission to take up space. I’ve always been confident in carving out my own path, staying true to my sound, and trusting my instincts, whether that means playing something unexpected or experimenting in the studio without worrying if it "fits" a mould.
As a Vault Sessions resident, that mindset has been essential. It's a platform that values individuality, and I’ve been lucky to grow in an environment that supports artistic freedom. I also see it as a responsibility not just to represent, but to show up with integrity, support others, and help shape a more inclusive culture where everyone feels like they can belong and thrive.
As a woman in the techno scene, have you faced any unique challenges or experiences that have shaped your journey as a DJ and producer? How have these experiences influenced your music and your role as a Vault Sessions resident?
Your parents organized electronic music events in Budapest during the 90s. How did their involvement shape your musical tastes and decision to pursue a career in techno?
Their involvement definitely planted the seed early on, even if I didn’t fully realise it at the time. Growing up hearing stories about underground parties in Budapest in the 90s left a strong impression on me. There was this sense of passion and freedom in what they were doing, which I think carried over into how I approach music today.
Even though I discovered techno in my own way later on, my musical foundation was already shaped by that energy. It made the idea of pursuing a path in electronic music feel natural, like it was part of my DNA. It also gave me a certain respect for the roots of the scene and the importance of building something with integrity.
When starting out, what was more crucial: perfecting your skills or networking? Any advice for young artists just beginning their journey?
In the beginning, practicing my skills definitely came first. I think it’s important to build a strong foundation, developing your taste, figuring out what kind of artist you want to be.
There’s so much noise in the scene, and if you don’t know who you are yet, it’s easy to get swept up in what everyone else is doing.
That said, once you have that foundation, networking becomes essential. Not in a superficial way, but in the sense of building genuine connections. The scene thrives on community.
My advice to young artists is: be patient, stay curious, and don’t rush the process. Focus on honing your craft, not just your image. Build relationships naturally and most importantly, have fun with it!
I can’t think of one dramatic moment where everything went wrong, but I think that’s also because of how I approach this career mentally as well.
Minor issues happen all the time, whether it’s tech-related, strange booth setups, or just reading a crowd that’s perhaps not reacting the way you expected. Over time, I’ve learned to adapt quickly and keep things flowing without letting it throw me off.
That said, there was one pretty funny moment. I once played a set where the monitors were so loud in lows, they literally made the CDJs shake off the table. I had to keep one hand on the mixer and the other steadying the gear just to keep the setup from falling apart mid-mix. It felt like I was DJing and playing Tetris at the same time.
But honestly, moments like that just remind you that things rarely go perfectly, and that’s okay. The unpredictability is part of the job and part of the fun.
What’s one unexpected problem you’ve encountered during a set, and how did you overcome it?
Besides your parents' influence, who else encouraged you to pursue DJing and music production?
I’ve been lucky to have a few key people in my life who believed in me from early on. In the beginning, my close friends, the ones who listened to my first mixes and came to my first gigs. Their encouragement meant a lot, especially because I didn’t have many connections in the scene at the time.
But above all, my partner has been a massive source of support. He’s been by my side through the highs and the lows, constantly encouraging me to trust my instincts and go all in, even when things felt uncertain. Having someone close who truly sees your potential and reminds you of it when you doubt yourself makes a world of difference.
Was there a set or event that completely shifted your perspective on techno and made you want to pursue this as a career?
Absolutely. One of the most defining moments for me was attending the UK “Hard Special” edition of Awakenings at Gashouder in 2017. I’d been into electronic music for a while, mainly going to Drum ’n Bass nights in Amsterdam like Major League and 50Hertz, but that night at Awakenings completely shifted something in me.
It wasn’t an immediate switch to “I want to do this for a living,” but it lit a spark. It made me want to dig deeper into the genre, start mixing seriously, and eventually try my hand at production. That one night laid the foundation for everything that followed.
(Julia de Keijzer Photography)
Vault Sessions = home to me. From the very beginning, they saw something in me and gave me the space to grow, not only as a DJ but as an artist finding her voice. What makes them so special is that they don’t just book artists, they invest in them. They gave me opportunities early on when I was still shaping my sound, and they’ve continued to support me through each new phase of my journey.
As a resident, I’ve been able to experiment in ways that would’ve been difficult elsewhere. Exploring different time slots, rooms and countries together all pushed me to become more versatile and intentional with my sets. I’ve learned how to challenge myself and how to take risks while staying true to my artistic identity.
Vault Sessions is a collective that genuinely values authenticity, and that kind of environment is rare in a scene that often prioritises trends over substance. Their support gave me the confidence to keep evolving, and for that, I’ll always be grateful!
"There have been two unconditional support systems that hold a special place in my heart; Vault Sessions and RADION." Can you elaborate on how Vault Sessions has impacted your growth as an artist?
You’ve mentioned the importance of infusing your sets with your creative signature. Is there a track you can’t stop playing? Could you share some of these signature tracks with us?
Definitely, there are a few tracks that always seem to find their way back into my sets, no matter how my sound evolves. Some of them just capture the energy I love: rolling, unpredictable, slightly off-kilter but still totally functional on the dance floor.
One that stands out is Underworld – King of Snake (or anything by Underworld to be honest). It’s a timeless classic, and it always creates a moment, whether people know it or not, they feel it. It’s also a personal favourite I share with my dad, so it carries a bit of sentimental value too.
I also keep coming back to David Moleon’s older work, especially tracks that have that cheeky, groove-led intensity. There’s something bold and unapologetic about them that aligns with my approach to DJing.
(Alex B Photography)
You’ve integrated singing into your productions, fulfilling a long-held aspiration. How has this transformed your creative process and personal connection to your music?
Incorporating my own vocals into my productions has been a really empowering step. I’ve wanted to do it for a long time, but there was always a bit of hesitation. But once I let go of that pressure, it opened up a whole new layer of expression for me.
Using my voice makes the music feel even more intimate and emotionally connected. The process becomes more vulnerable, but also more complete. That’s something I’ve really come to embrace.
I’m not entirely sure when I’ll incorporate my voice again in future releases, but it’s definitely something I’d love to explore more. It adds another dimension to my sound, and when the right track comes along, I’ll know it’s time to bring that side of myself back in.
The idea for Serial Disc Touchers came from a very personal place. Over the years, I often felt like I was expected to stick to a certain style in order to be “marketable”.
But the truth is, I love too many different genres and approaches to ever fully commit to one lane and one lane only. I’ve always wanted a space where I could share music that excites me, regardless of whether it fits into a specific box.
That’s really what SDT is about: creating a platform where freedom comes first. The first release was House-inspired and included my own vocals, while another one of my releases like I Like 'Em Sexy [on WIGS] leans heavily into Electro.
I want the label to be a space where both myself and others can show different sides of ourselves, and not feel pressured to follow trends or expectations.
What inspired you to launch your label, Serial Disc Touchers? How does it reflect your commitment to artistic freedom and genre diversity?
If you had to define your sound in three words, what would they be?
Energetic, dynamic, unapologetic.
(Cle FW Photography)
(Alex Verhalle Photography)
(Alex B Photography)