Fresh off her electrifying set at Sound Bar in Chicago, German DJ and producer Pretty Pink continues to prove why she’s one of Europe’s most compelling electronic artists. Known for her atmospheric soundscapes and refined aesthetic, she blends music and fashion with effortless charisma.
IFM caught up with her to talk about her Chicago debut, her creative process, and the role style plays in her artistry.
Music & Performance
You just played at Sound Bar here in Chicago last night. What was the energy like, and how did the city vibe with your set?
The energy was honestly incredible. Chicago has such a deep connection to electronic music, and you can feel that the moment you step into the club. The crowd was super warm and open, really tuned in to the vibe. I felt totally free to build the set the way I wanted, and the response was amazing.
Your sets always carry this emotional, textured sound. How do you curate what tracks make it into a live performance versus your radio show Deep Woods?
Live shows are all about the moment. I pick tracks that feel right for the space, the people, the energy in the room. With Deep Woods, I go a bit deeper and slower. It’s more of a sound journey where I can include unreleased tracks, experimental stuff, and emotional layers that might not fit on a dancefloor. Both worlds inspire each other though. Sometimes I’ll test something live and then realize it’s perfect for the show, or the other way around.
From Tomorrowland to Ultra, you’ve hit some of the world’s biggest stages. How does an intimate club set compare to those massive festival crowds?
They both have their own magic. Festivals are pure energy. You look out and see thousands of people moving together, which gives you a huge rush. But in smaller clubs, it’s way more personal. You see people’s reactions up close, and you can take your time to build something deeper. I love having that direct connection. It’s like telling a story face to face instead of shouting it from a big stage.
Chicago is the birthplace of house music, and progressive house/techno owes so much to those roots. Did you merge any classic Chicago house sounds or tracks into your set at Sound Bar, or draw inspiration from that legacy when performing here?
Yes, 100 percent. Chicago is legendary, and you can’t help but be inspired when you play here. I didn’t play any classic house tracks in full, but I definitely included some grooves and sounds that were influenced by that era. I love warm, soulful basslines and percussion that gives a nod to those early days. It’s more about channeling the feeling than playing something obvious.
Fashion & Style
Your stage presence is as much about your look as your sound. Do you have a “performance uniform” or go-to pieces you wear while DJing?
I wouldn’t call it a uniform, but I do have my staples. I usually wear something black, clean and minimal but with a little twist. And in a dark club atmosphere sometimes a white accent. I like pieces that have structure or interesting textures, but I also need to feel super comfortable and able to move. Sometimes it’s all about the boots, sometimes a cool jacket. It depends on the night and how I’m feeling.
Shoes are everything for a performer. What’s your favorite pair to spin in, and what’s your off-stage footwear guilty pleasure?
On stage I go for platform boots or sleek sneakers. They give me some height and are comfy enough for long sets. Off stage I love chunky sneakers or cozy slides. After a gig, I just want something soft and easy. Total comfort mode.
Music and fashion both create worlds. Which designers, brands, or even streetwear labels inspire your personal style right now?
Right now I’m into a mix of edgy and minimal. I like designers like Rick Owens or smaller Berlin labels that experiment with shape and fabric. For streetwear, I often mix oversized pieces with more fitted ones. I like contrasts in style, just like in music. It always depends on my mood, but it has to feel authentic.
Whether she’s dropping a beat that moves the crowd or stepping out in a look that turns heads, Pretty Pink reminds us that music and fashion are cut from the same fabric — both powerful tools of self-expression. Her Chicago debut showed how seamlessly she channels house history into the future, one track (and one look) at a time.
Follow Pretty Pink on her journey @prettypinkmusic
