Q&A: Soraya on Making Her Realm Records Debut with Seductive Club Cut “Danse de L’Amour”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
FILIPINO-AMERICAN DJ AND PRODUCER SORAYA has quickly become one of the most exciting rising names in the U.S. electronic scene, and now she’s marking a career-defining milestone: her debut on Gorgon City’s renowned Realm Records. Her new single “Danse de L’Amour” is a hypnotic late-night anthem that fuses indie-dance textures, French-Creole vocals and a groove-heavy pulse destined for dance floors worldwide. Already championed by tastemakers like Jamie Jones, Claptone and TSHA, the track solidifies Soraya as a bold new force in dance music.
We sat down with Soraya to talk about the story behind “Danse de L’Amour”, how it feels to join the Realm family and what’s next as she continues to shape her unique sonic identity.
LUNA: Congratulations on your Realm Records debut! What does it feel like to join such an iconic label and family alongside Gorgon City?
SORAYA: Thank you! Honestly, it feels surreal. I’ve admired Gorgon City and the REALM roster for years, so to be part of a label I’ve looked up to for so long is a huge honor. I’m incredibly grateful to join such an iconic family.
LUNA: “Danse de L’amour” has such a hypnotic, late-night energy. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the track and how it came together?
SORAYA: I started the track last year, building around these big, club-driven synths, but it felt like it needed something more. When I discovered the vocal sample, I immediately fell in love with it and everything clicked from there. I wanted to create something that could absolutely go off on a dance floor but still carry the ethereal, almost otherworldly vibe of the vocals– and I think this track really captured that balance.
LUNA: The French-Creole vocals really stand out. How did you decide to weave them into the track, and what do they add to the atmosphere you wanted to create?
SORAYA: The second I heard those vocals, I knew I had to use them. I actually double-majored in French in college, so I’ve always been drawn to French lyrics and textures. For me, they bring a seductive, almost transportive feeling to the track. Pairing that with the indie-dance stabs created a nice contrast– intimate and dreamy, but still driving enough for the club.
LUNA: You’ve already received early support from huge names like Jamie Jones, Claptone, and TSHA. What’s it like to hear your track in the hands of some of the world’s biggest selectors?
SORAYA: It’s honestly wild. Seeing that list of names come back with support was insane– many of them are artists I’ve been inspired by for years. Knowing they’re playing my music is humbling and incredibly motivating.
LUNA: Your debut single “Brain Delay” shot into Beatport’s Indie Dance Top 10 within 24 hours. How do you think your sound has evolved since then, and where does “Danse de L’amour” fit in that journey?
SORAYA: Even though I’ve been DJing for a decade, I’m still relatively new as a producer, so every release feels like a big step forward. ‘Brain Delay’ was more of a daytime track, while ‘Danse de L’amour’ is darker and made for the club. Both feel true to me, but this one shows how I’m honing in on a sound that feels uniquely mine.
LUNA: You’ve played everything from underground LA parties to major festivals. How do those different environments influence the way you produce and DJ?
SORAYA: I think DJing is all about reading the room and feeding off the crowd’s energy. Early on, I played a lot of opening sets, so I learned the importance of building a vibe rather than going full throttle. As my shows have grown and gotten a bit bigger, I’ve been able to go deeper and darker in my sets. That experience really shapes how I approach my productions– I always think about how a track will translate in different spaces.
LUNA: As a Filipino-American artist, do you feel your cultural background plays a role in how you approach music and storytelling through sound?
SORAYA: Absolutely. Working in music full-time for nearly a decade, I’ve seen how challenging it can be as a woman, and especially as a woman of color. It’s made me resilient, but also inspired me to be visible for others, especially young women of color, to show that there’s space for us at every level of this industry. If my music can inspire even one person to chase their passion, that’s everything to me.
LUNA: You’re joining the Realm Records takeover in San Diego alongside Gorgon City, AZZECA, and Kamino. What does it mean to you to celebrate this milestone in your hometown?
SORAYA: I am SO excited (and a little nervous!). Having so many friends and family there to witness this milestone will be really special. Sharing this moment with the people who’ve supported me from day one– it’s going to be unforgettable.
LUNA: Dance music is constantly shifting between underground grit and mainstream spotlight. How do you balance staying true to your vision while also reaching wider audiences?
SORAYA: For me, it’s simple: I make the music I believe in. For a long time, I struggled with feeling out of place in certain rooms, but eventually, I found my niche. I’d love for my music to reach as many people as possible, but hopefully never at the expense of my passion and the reason why I started. Whether it’s ten listeners or ten thousand, I hope that whoever listens to my music enjoys it and connects with it.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the upcoming months?
SORAYA: This fall, I’m focusing on writing a lot of new music and diving into collaborations with other artists. I also have a few shows coming up that I can’t announce just yet– but I’m excited to expand my horizons and bring my music to new places. :)
