tINI: 10 Key Moments

The first time I saw tINI was way back in 2010, at a midweek event in Berlin’s Watergate. Back then, she was still very much playing second fiddle to Loco Dice, who she was supporting at one of his Desolat parties. Though their paths cross less often these days, it’s tINI who’s delved deeper into the underground; in the process earning a reputation as one of the scene’s most astute and daring selectors. 

Born in Munich and deeply influenced by an early exposure to hip-hop, itINI has forged her reputation as a DJ as opposed to a producer; a true rarity in today’s scene - but also a testament to her keen understanding of dancefloor dynamics. She’s also someone who’s repeatedly given back to the scene, as evidenced by her free parties and the countless emerging artists she’s supported over the years. 

tINI’s vision is particularly notable in Ibiza, where she stands out as a true force amongst the increased commercialism of the island. With all this in mind, we felt it a nice tribute to the lady herself to recount some of her most pivotal moments to date. Roll on summer 2025 with tINI & the gang! 

Discovering house music 

Traditionally speaking, Munich isn’t a house and techno hotbed in the same vein as other German cities a la Berlin, Hamburg or even Cologne. Which perhaps explains why it was the more global aesthetic of hip-hop (as opposed to house and techno) which first caught tINI’s ear. 

Introduced to the sound by her brother, her transition to electronic music started in earnest after she encountered Moodymann’s classic track, ‘Amerika’. An experience of course, that would radically alter the direction of her life...

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Artist Alife 

Yaya. Guti. Martin Buttrich. tINI. It’s safe to say that Loco Dice’s Artist Alife agency was pretty instrumental way back when. Closely aligned with Dice’s Desolat label (an imprint tINI repped for years as a globe-trotting DJ), the label guaranteed exposure and helped introduce tINI to a whole new global audience. 

The mixes

tINI's commercial mixes are somewhat thin on the ground. But then that's hardly a surprise: after all, she's a DJ who's forged her reputation on the dancefloor as opposed to from studio mixes. All that said, the few mixes she's turned in have been seriously impressive, with each one hinting at her obsession for unearthing rare gems. Her Resident Advisor mix is a case in point (with choice picks from the likes of Oshana and a killer closing track from Marco Zenker. Naturally though, we've plumped for Nightclubber 038 as our favourite mix of hers. Probably because we've played it on repeat for years!‍

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The Tessa LP

tINI’s only LP to-date, Tessa is named after a music-loving friend of tINI’s who supported her evolution as a DJ and producer. Heavily inspired by Ibiza (where the record was supposedly produced), it features a host of well-worth checking tracks, including ‘Fail Better’, a real tease of a track that really does sound of its time. Delightful stuff.

Ibiza

Back in 2010, the idea of a free party in Playa d’en Bossa was pretty novel - maybe even more novel than it is now. Following in the footsteps of Luciano’s Cadenza and Enzo’s FUSE gang before her, tINI and the Gang started in earnest back in 2010 at a time when Ushuaia was far from the ghastly hotel it is now. 

The event quickly became a beloved fixture for workers in particular. And anyone who’s spent time in Ibiza over the years will all tell you the same thing: it’s the workers who always have their finger on the pulse. tINI’s investment in the island is definitely one that’s paid off in spades. 

Underground

It’s testament to tINI’s spirit and dedication to the White Isle that her party is still running a decade later. It also speaks volumes of her continued appeal, too. After several relocations (the idea of a free party in PDB seems almost outrageous these days), tINI and the Gang found a permanent refuge at Ibiza Underground; a club that neatly suited tINI’s ethos of authenticity. It’s here perhaps, where the party has really blossomed into something special. But even that one wasn’t to last… 

That B2B session with Bill Patrick at Sunwaves (2019)

One of the most memorable moments in tINI's career was a spontaneous 31-hour (yes, that’s right) B2B session with Bill Patrick at Sunwaves. This marathon session not only showcased her endurance but also solidified her deep connection with Patrick, with the duo performing the world over under their Rolls n' Do moniker.

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Meeting Enzo

Talk about a reciprocal friendship. tINI has been a regular at FUSE parties in London and Ibiza for over a decade now, while Enzo has long been a staple of tINI and the Gang events. That their two parties have blossomed in tandem with one another is indicative of the fact that it's always better to work alongside musical friends that against them. These two have long boasted an impressive chemistty behind the decks, creating numerous unforgettable experiences on the dancefloor. Another artist who tINI seems to love going B2B with.

Commitment to Supporting Emerging Artists

From the beginning, tINI has been dedicated to discovering and nurturing new talent. Her platform has become a springboard for many upcoming artists, providing them with the opportunity to tour and perform alongside her, staying true to her vision of inclusivity. Even a casual glance at her rollcall for this summer's Gang parties proved a case in point: alongside more established names such as Nicolas Lutz, Dungeon Meat, Dyed Soundorom & Shonky are the likes of Fonte, Nesta, Tunik, Charlotte V and more. Expect to be hearing much more from all these DJs over the next while.

The View EP [Mood Waves] 2024

Berlin crew Mood Waves - headed up by DJ Tjizza & Shaque - have put out some killer records so far, with their funky little wave icon adorning work by the likes of Jhobei, Data Memory Access, Locky Mazzucchelli and more. Their most recent outing came courtesy of tINI herself, who returned to the production sphere with a comeback that was definitely worth the wait. 

The View EP boasts four cuts, with each one boasting the sort of dancefloor oomph that you could easily slot into a tINI set. Our pick - and it’s a tough one - is the brilliant sounds of EX-PECT, with its brilliantly bouncy bassline exactly the sort of track you’d expect the woman herself to pull outta the bag. Aside from this one, there’s been other brilliant tracks this year from tINI, not least ‘What IF, Then What?’ on DC10’s Circoloco label as well as the Derailed EP for the Partisan crew.