Enchanted Moura

For this exclusive Œditorial, we spoke to electronic music artist BIIA about her upcoming EP Human Skin, shapeshifting persona and Portuguese culture

Emanating from Iberian mythology, Enchanted Mouras (Moura Encantada) are supernatural beings believed to guard liminal spaces and hidden treasures. Appearing only at dusk or during the summer solstice, folktales often depict them near caves, fountains and wells, adorned in jewels, combing their long hair. Though captivating, a cloud of melancholy hangs over Mouras as they wait to be freed from the spaces and occult spells they are bound to.

Legend has it that if a man stumbles upon one of these ethereally beautiful beings, he will be tasked to break the enchantment. In reward for completing riddles and challenges, the Moura will grant him treasures or even her hand in marriage. If he fails, she will evaporate into a veil of air, leaving him wondering if she was only a figment of his imagination.

Whether seen as cursed princesses or pagan deities in disguise, Mouras remain timeless symbols of mystery, transformation and the enduring allure of Portugal’s landscape. Their stories – sometimes romantic and other times tragic – have been passed down through generations, evolving with each retelling. Even today, they continue to shape literature, music, and art across Portugal.

Raised in Marco de Canaveses, Portuguese electronic music artist BIIA (Beatriz Soares) credits her homeland’s rich storytelling culture for her nostalgic spirit. One treasure she is still fiercely guarding is her new EP, Human Skin, which she plans to launch soon. Human Skin is an ode to her shapeshifting nature, traversing her coexisting personas and the spectrums of trance and techno. Released on 2 May, the first of the four tracks, ‘Angelo’, reflects BIIA’s more dreamy and melancholic essence.

Given the synergy between these two divinely feminine figures, for this Œditorial, we have envisioned BIIA as an Enchanted Moura.

ABOVE
Jacket – Yaspis
Corset – Haderlump
Boots – Sia Arnika
Necklace – RM Atu Gelovani
Tights – Falke

To get started, could you tell us how Beatriz Soares became ‘BIIA’?

I can’t recall the exact moment I knew I wanted to pursue a professional career in electronic music, but it was a desire of mine from around 13 or 14 years old. Every summer, I would visit my cousin who had a DJ shop in Porto. He sold equipment and ran classes for aspiring DJs and Producers. I guess that’s where it all began.

I started DJing professionally seven years ago, after I finished college. Before that, I was scared to take the risk as it’s not the most stable profession, and at the time, I needed financial stability. When I graduated, I started working in the marketing sector, so I had my weekends free to invest in my DJ career.

My first few jobs were in clubs and bars, where I worked as a barmaid and would play from time to time. When we would wrap up for the night, there was always an after-party, where I could listen to electronic music. At the parties, people would ask me: ‘What’s in your water bottle?’… (Laughs). But there was nothing in there, I was always sober. I just appreciated the music so much.

Having mastered the fine art of sober raving, what are your thoughts on this trend gaining traction in recent years?

From my experience, I know it’s possible to go raving sober and still have lots of fun. But I do understand you can have an elevated experience with the music by taking certain drugs. I think there is a time and a place to do it. It shouldn’t become the only reason you’re going out.

If you do it every time you go out, and that is every weekend, it can become dangerous and tricky not to fall into addiction. So yeah, I understand if people want to party that way, but people should consider their choices wisely.

LEFT/ABOVE
Jacket – Yaspis
Corset – Haderlump
Boots – Sia Arnika
Necklace – RM Atu Gelovani
Tights – Falke

Having spent most of your youth working in nightlife, how has the Portuguese scene shaped your current soundscape and taste?

We have a lot of clubs in the region where I grew up, so music was always present on my nights out. There are some very cool underground clubs in Porto, where the style is always classic – more minimal, hypnotic and deep sounds. They try very hard to maintain that ‘original techno’, which was great because I learnt a lot about the purity of the genre. These clubs have worked very hard to preserve this and I admire them for that because they stay true to what they believe in.

But on the other hand, these clubs rarely develop their sound or cater to different audiences. A lot of clubs are closing as ticket sales are declining. The younger generation goes out more frequently and pays for tickets, so if they don’t appreciate or understand this kind of sound, it puts rave culture, as a whole, at greater risk.

Portugal also has a strong psytrance history and presence. In Idanha-a-Nova in the south, we have Boom Festival, one of the biggest psytrance festivals in the world. All of this exposure has considerably shaped my soundscape, knowledge and taste.

ABOVE
Dress – Haderlump
Rings – Mean Goddess
Bangle, Necklace & Shoes – Talent’s Own

For this Œditorial, we have envisioned you as an Enchanted Moura. The devout author of Portuguese culture, Consiglieri Pedroso, referred to them as ‘feminine water genies’. How do you echo this energy?

As a very nostalgic person, I have always felt entwined with water because my country is. As leaders in the Age of Exploration, and with our Western and Southern coasts surrounded by water, Portugal has lost a lot of people at sea. So historically within Portuguese culture, there has always been a symbiotic relationship between the sea and death.

There is a Portuguese word that is impossible to translate – ‘Saudade’. The closest would be ‘missing’, but it has much more depth than that. It’s a melancholic longing for someone or something, from the past and even the future. It’s present throughout Portuguese art, literature, music and even monuments. This exposure has shaped me into being a very ‘Saudade-filled’ being. I think it’s so beautiful and represents my country perfectly.

Although the word ‘Saudade’ doesn’t directly relate to water, in Portuguese art and culture water is often used as imagery to reflect that feeling. For example, Fado is a Portuguese genre of music with so much depth, you need to decipher it like you’re reading a poem.

Enchanted Mouras are also known to guard hidden treasures and shapeshift. One treasure you’re still guarding is your EP, Human Skin. Does the title reflect your shapeshifting disposition?

Exactly that! I called it Human Skin because it reflects my two sides, both musically and personally. I have days where I feel dreamy and introspective, and then I have days where I’m in a more groovy, provocative and sexy mood.

There are trance elements as there are in previous EPs I’ve produced, but I still think it’s a continuation of my signature sound. So, you’ll also find spoken lyrics. I never sing, but I do enjoy delivering a hidden message for my audience to decipher. I think it adds an air of mystery…

LEFT/ABOVE
Dress – Haderlump
Rings – Mean Goddess
Bangle & Necklace – Talent’s Own

Out of the four tracks on the EP, which is your favourite and why?

Sound-wise, I would say ‘Gospel’ is my favourite. If I had to characterise my sound in one track, it would be that. It’s fun and a bit trippy. But I think the first track, ‘Angelo’, will probably please more people – it’s more meaningful.

Congratulations on releasing the first track, ‘Angelo’, on 2 May! What makes it ‘more meaningful’?

‘Angelo’ is about appreciating the time spent with people while they are still with us. Because one day, we will search and call for them, but they won’t be there. I watched a video of a tragic love story in Italian, and the lyrics really stuck with me. I knew I wanted to incorporate them in one of my new songs, so that’s where the lyrics – you can hear me reciting – came from.

ABOVE
Dress – Fetico
Necklace – RM Atu Gelovani
Rings – Mean Goddess

Generally speaking, electronic music artists think of themselves primarily as DJs or producers. Of course, there are unicorns, who divide their time equally between the two, but they’re rare to find. Where do you picture yourself?

I love DJing, but eventually, it disappears. As an artist, it’s your music that you leave behind. It’s a mark of your work – an imprint of yourself that stays forever. That’s one reason why I want to produce more.

When I make music, I discover more about myself and what I like. Firstly, as an artist and secondly, as a human. It allows me to stay true to myself. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen as we’re influenced by the market or label, shaping our work around what sells records.

Lately, I haven’t had much time to dedicate to it as I’d like to, but it’s something I hope I can do until the end. I’d also love to collaborate more with other artists, in and outside the techno scene. I know it sounds like a bit of a cliche, but I truly believe the main ingredient to keep moving is to keep trying and never give up.

With that main ingredient in mind, which artists have you pinned on your manifestation board?

In the techno scene, probably Nina Kraviz. I also really like Dax J. Maybe for a back-to-back! And obviously, the pinnacle artist I would love to work with is Jeff Mills.

As for non-techno artists, I would love to collaborate with Arca or Sevdaliza. My favourite singer is Lana Del Rey, but I don’t know how realistic that is… (Laughs).

LEFT/ABOVE
Dress – Haderlump
Rings – Mean Goddess
Bangle, Necklace & Shoes – Talent’s Own

After the shoot, you had to dash off for your debut HÖR set. Nice touch ending with Lebanon Hanover’s ‘Gallowdance’ (2013), that’s an old but gold classic! How do you think the set went overall?

Ending with ‘Gallowdance’ encapsulates that nostalgic feeling I was talking about earlier. It’s like one of my voices! (Laughs). I will admit, I was very nervous before my HÖR set… Because it’s online, you don’t know how many people will watch it. Your audience can be unlimited, right?

When I know something will be streamed, I always make sure to prepare myself really well. But sometimes, this level of preparation can also limit me. My goal was to truly show my range of skills, so I prepared my playlist and went with the flow. In the end, I think it went well. The reception from the audience was good!

You’ve been on lineups at Anomalie Art Club, Else and The Berlin Dance Music Event. Preparing to play in the mecca of techno must come with some pressure… How do Berlin crowds compare to those in other cities?

When you play in Berlin, you can really feel that it’s the OG place of techno, where everything originates. Wherever you go, you see people trying to simulate Berlin’s vibe. Whether through how they dance, dress, or plan parties. So you would expect Berliners to be a tough crowd, but surprisingly, I’ve found it to be the opposite…

I think Berliners’ approach to music is very fluid. They are way more open to hearing new sounds and meet you with a lot of generosity. I love playing in Berlin because I can be more explorative than usual.

ABOVE
Dress – Fetico
Necklace – RM Atu Gelovani
Rings – Mean Goddess

Every time we talk, you seem to be in another city. The jet-setting and jam-packed schedule of being a DJ looks pretty exhausting! How do you manage to find time for yourself between sets?

When I’m at home during the week, I try my best to be a ‘normal person’ and lead a ‘normal life’. Whatever that means… (Laughs). I have learnt it’s essential to maintain a routine and balance. Otherwise, it can be extremely exhausting. I wake up early, go to the gym, eat healthy, work at home, and try to find time to be outside in the sun, enjoying my new city.

Sometimes people think: ‘Ah, your life is amazing, you travel all the time!’ But in reality, most of the time, I don’t even get time to see the cities I’m visiting. I land, go to the club, play my set and return to the hotel. That’s it. If you don’t find time for normal things or socialising in your free time, this career can be very lonely…




You mentioned finding time to enjoy your new city… What led you to relocate to Rome?

I moved here about three or four months ago from Barcelona. I wanted to move somewhere else in southern Europe because I love the food and good weather, but it had to be somewhere convenient for my career. I love Porto, but there are not many direct flights, and they’re always more expensive because it’s in the corner of Europe.
 
I’ve experienced Spain and Portugal. Now I want to experience Italy. Rome is my favourite city in the world, along with Paris. I feel so inspired by the city’s beauty. So far, I’m very content with my decision, but I’m still struggling to find time to experience it properly. I’m not playing on Friday, so I’ve promised myself a day off to do just that.

ABOVE/LEFT
Dress – Fetico
Necklace – RM Atu Gelovani
Rings – Mean Goddess

Other than indulging in all that Rome has to offer, is there anything else you’re currently working on?

This year, I want to refocus my energy on my party series, Distonia, which I started three or four years ago. We held two events a few years ago and then I took a break. The most recent one I organised was in March and I’m currently working on another for the end of the year. In Portugal, I feel there is a shortage of techno parties. So this is something I want to give back to my people.

The concept of the party is to share my vision across all aspects, from my choices in lighting and visuals to the selection of artists I identify most with. While the main focus is music, we incorporate other art presentations at the party. All art forms are interconnected in my eyes. For the first party, we invited fashion designers to share their clothes and photographers for an exhibition. We’ve also organised sculpture and painting exhibitions before.

Organising a party requires a lot of time and can be very stressful. So I hope to find more time to dedicate to Distonia because it’s something I really enjoy doing. And people have a lot of fun there, which is most important part. Until now, I’ve only organised them in Portugal because it’s the market I know best, but eventually, I would like to expand abroad.

BELOW
Dress – Fetico
Necklace – RM Atu Gelovani
Rings – Mean Goddess