Rena Volvo loves records — she owns more than 600. And she loves the ’80s. She combines both passions in her DJ sets, which she has already performed at Klunkerkranich, Festsaal Kreuzberg, and Panke in Berlin. Listeners of the Italian station Radiomaster can also enjoy her selections every Sunday during her show »Nightlights in Cagliari«. She has also been a member of Berlin’s Italo disco collective Automaticamore since 2022.

Her music spreads joy, remaining timelessly light and untouched by world affairs. In the 21st century, she relies on decades-old records that still get people dancing. Her stage name is as creative as her sets. The second part, »Volvo«, refers to the car brand, which for her symbolizes »strength and robustness«, not, as many assume, masculinity. Additionally, the Latin root volvo means »to roll« or »to spin«, which she relates to turntables.

Unaffected by the world

»To this day, Italian music gives me strength in a world I grew up in but never fully felt at home in,« says Rena Volvo. That was one of the reasons she moved to Berlin 14 years ago. Initially, as a »rap nerd«, she went to concerts — but soon realized the scene was male-dominated: »I was being hit on to the max.« She found a sense of home elsewhere: »The disco community was so sweet. I was warmly welcomed there.«

Her transition from music lover to DJ came through her friendship with Marian Tone. A chance encounter at a party in 2017 laid the foundation. In August 2018, they played their first set together. »I haven’t been able to get away from it since,« she says.

What’s the goal of her gigs today? »If I can make people feel good on the dance floor — free them from a dull week at the office. If they have a few tears in their eyes because the Italians have once again written an incredibly good hook that makes them forget they’re not on a beach in Rimini in 1983 and that they’ll be back on the hamster wheel come Monday — then I’m happy.«