Bringing some UK sound to Berlin’s clubs, Amy Dabbs’ rich and dynamic mix of garage, jungle and house has been a welcome addition to the city’s nightlife. Her love for music began at a young age, thanks to her Northern Soul-loving father. Wanting to turn her passion into a thriving career, the producer, DJ and label owner swapped London for Berlin, where she can now be found behind the decks at Renate and other bass-loving clubs across the city. Dabbs has spent recent years building up a community of FLINTA* producers and DJs and releasing a slew of new tracks on her label Dabbs Traxx. We caught up with the up-and-coming talent to find out what the secret behind her success is.
When did you move to Berlin, and what inspired your move?
I moved to Berlin in 2018. I’d visited Berlin a few times before, and it felt like a place where I could develop as both a DJ and producer, while becoming part of a wider creative community.
Where does ‘Dabbs’ in your label and DJ name come from?
Dabbs is my actual surname, so I’m going to say my dad.
Some of your best releases have been in the jungle and drum and bass genres. How would you describe the scene here in Berlin?
Small but passionate. I actually ran Renate’s first jungle night a few years back, which did really well. These days, I’m mostly playing house and UKG [UK garage], and it’s been amazing to watch the wider UK-influenced scene grow in Berlin. The garage scene in particular has come on massively since I first moved here.
How did you start working with Renate? And how did you feel when it was set to close before they extended the lease?
I became a resident at Renate in 2023, which was a huge moment for me. It was a club I’d spent years dancing in and somewhere that helped shape my musical journey in Berlin, so being asked to join the team felt incredibly special.
Hearing it was set to close made me really emotional. I ran around my flat screaming when I heard it was staying open.
What has been your most memorable Berlin show?
One of my most memorable gigs was a Dabbs Traxx collaboration at Sisyphos’ Wintergarten. It was a beautiful day, and that room never fails to get me emotional!
If there’s one thing you could change about Berlin, what would it be?
Winter. Six weeks of sheet ice this year nearly broke me.
What are your next goals?
I’m ready to get a ton of tracks out over the coming months. I’m also going to keep growing Dabbs Traxx, and I plan to start some more pop-up events in Berlin and the UK. I’d love to start signing more artists to the label, too.
Last but not least, I want to keep creating opportunities for FLINTA* artists. I’m already in discussions about some potential FLINTA* collaborations with other collectives, which I’m really excited about.
Finally, what’s one thing that people don’t know about you?
I’m completely obsessed with chillies. I put hot sauce on pretty much everything, and I’m always chasing something a bit spicier.
Follow Amy Dabbs on IG @amy_dabbs
