London-based DJ and producer Ammara has broken through with a high-tempo, rave-ready, sound that combines elements of hard house and happy hardcore with trance, techno and pop melodies.
With releases on Ministry of Sound and Patrick Topping’s Trick label, as well as being named a Radio 1 Future Star, Ammara is one of the most exciting new talents in dance music right now.
Born in the UK but growing up in Spain, returning to Britain as a teenager sparked a dance music obsession in her.
“I’d go to the Junction in Cambridge weekly with my friends,” she tells us. “And see all the big drum ‘n’ bass DJs. That really sparked something in me.” Moving to London in her late teens to study acting, Ammara found herself immersed in London club culture, heading to Fabric every weekend and delving into electronic music sounds across the board. Her studies in acting paid off, landing herself a coveted role at the Globe Theatre but juggling an acting career with a growing interest in DJing and producing soon led to a crux.
“I was doing well in the play but then we had two weeks off and I went to Ibiza partying,” she says. “I loved acting and being in the play, but I just knew deep down that music was what I really wanted to do.”
Knuckling down to hone her production and DJing skills, her career took a steep upward curve when she sent her track ‘Acid Fantasy’ to Patrick Topping in 2020. The track was signed by his label Trick and in 2021, the ‘Acid Fantasy’ EP was released, followed by Ammara becoming a regular at their parties. In 2022, she released the tough and uncompromising ‘Techno Tree’ with Will Clarke and 2023 saw her unleash the single ‘Honey Child’, which even featured a remix from her hard house heroes Klubbheads.
Known for her infectiously exuberant presence behind the decks, 2023 saw her play Creamfields, the main stage at Parklife, hold down an Ibiza Rocks residency alongside Ben Helmsley, become a regular at Amnesia, Ibiza and Warehouse Project and record a live stream for DJ Mag.
With a hefty release schedule already lined up for 2024, the next year will see Ammara take full creative control of her career.
“I want what I do to be about more than just the music.” she says. “I designed the cover for my release on Ministry and I want to bring the visual side of my art to the forefront. I want to do more videos, move into fashion, release more music and play as much as I can. I love all aspects of the creative process and can’t wait for what’s coming next.”