Brina Knauss’ path has always been guided by emotion over formula. She is a classically trained pianist who smoothly evolved into a world-class DJ taking over some of the biggest stages out there. With the release of her new EP Take Me Higher, that philosophy comes full circle. A project that moves from the self-assured opener “No Sacrifice” to the euphoric title track that closes it out. It’s a body of work about trust, transformation, and letting go of the idea that progress requires compromise.
The EP is released on Brina’s own imprint called EMPATH, built on the belief that music should forge real connection rather than just fill a dancefloor. In this conversation, we talk about finding a personal voice (literally), building a label from scratch, staying creative on the road, and why (despite the AI conversation sweeping the industry) nothing replaces something that feels real.
Your new EP Take Me Higher opens with “No Sacrifice” and closes with the title track, what was the inspiration behind this EP and what do these title names mean to you?
This EP is about growth and trusting yourself. Every track has a different feeling, but together they tell one story. “No Sacrifice” is about believing in your path without feeling like you always have to give something up to move forward. “Take Me Higher” is the end of that journey. It’s about positive energy, freedom and letting the music take you somewhere else.
Your voice appears again in the productions here. How has your relationship with using your own vocals evolved, and are you planning to do any live performance of your own songs?
Using my own voice has become a natural part of my productions. At first it was more of an experiment, but over time I realised it gives my music a personal signature and makes it feel more authentic. I’m not planning to perform my own songs live at the moment. For now at least, but who knows what could happen in the future.
You chose to release this on your own imprint EMPATH, what was the defining moment when you decided you needed your own label rather than continuing to work with others?
I wanted more freedom. After releasing on different labels, I felt it was the right time to create a place where I could release music without limits. Not only my own music, but also music I really believe in. EMPATH gives me the opportunity to build something that represents my taste and my vision.
Why EMPATH as a name? What does that word mean to you personally, and how does it capture what you want the label to represent?
EMPATH comes from the idea of empathy. I chose the name because I want my music to create a real connection between me and the crowd—to share emotions and take people on a journey. I wanted the label to have that meaning from the beginning.
As you grow EMPATH, are you thinking about it purely as a home for your own work, or is there an A&R vision taking shape, artists or sounds you’d want to bring into that world?
The idea was never for it to be only about me. Right now I’m building the identity of the label through my own releases, but I definitely want to work with other artists. I hope EMPATH becomes a place for music that feels honest and emotional, no matter who makes it.
Running a label while maintaining a demanding touring schedule is a lot to manage. How do you protect the creative energy when time is constantly under pressure?
It isn’t always easy. Touring takes a lot of energy, so when I’m home I really try to slow down and spend time in the studio without pressure. Sometimes the best ideas come when you stop forcing them.
You came up as a classically trained musician and a vocalist in a pop group before finding your way into DJing and production. What made you change your music path? Was there a specific artist / DJ or event that inspired you?
Music has always been part of my life. Classical music gave me a strong foundation, but electronic music gave me another way to express myself. I loved the energy in clubs and festivals, and I realised that electronic music could be just as emotional as classical music. That really inspired me.
How much does your classical training actually inform the way you build a DJ set or construct a track in the studio? Is it something conscious, or has it just become instinct?
Yes, I think so, even if I don’t think about it all the time. It’s probably become instinct now. I pay a lot of attention to melodies, harmony and how a set or a track develops emotionally.
There’s been a lot of conversation in electronic music about the role of AI: in production, in mixing, in visual identity. Where do you stand on it, and do you see it as something that changes the landscape you’re working in?
I think AI can be a useful tool, but it shouldn’t replace creativity. For me, music is about emotion and personal experiences. Technology will always change, but I think people will always connect with something that feels real.
Beyond the EP and the touring run, what does the rest of 2026 look like for you and is there anything you’re working toward creatively that people might not expect from you yet?
There is a lot of new music coming, both for EMPATH and other projects. I’m also excited to keep growing the label and start releasing music from other artists. At the same time, I’ll continue touring and developing my sound. I always want to keep learning and trying new things.