Berlin-based artist BERF recently released her latest single, Ritmo Acido, which features a collaboration with Luigi Borelli’s AI-powered project, GPU, and was released through the Berlin-based AI art platform Made By Robots. Driven by her passion for languages and acid sounds, BERF has cultivated a unique style that merges both. In Ritmo Acido, she blends lyrics in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian into a seamless, unified sound.
In our interview, BERF opens up about the creative process that fueled Ritmo Acido, including insights into her ongoing collaboration with GPU and interest in AI technologies. She also reflected on her background in multilingualism, her fascination with acid’s psychedelic tones, and her goal to connect listeners through a universal language rooted in music and body movement.
Where did your appreciation for languages begin, and when did you know you wanted to write a song featuring multiple languages?
Growing up in a multicultural neighborhood and having family spread across different countries, I was exposed to multiple languages from a young age. Language was always a bridge, a tool, and a rhythm to connect with diverse cultures. My journey into language was almost subconscious; I absorbed words and expressions like they were pieces of a global puzzle, something that gradually shaped my identity.
At a certain point, I started exploring music as a way to express my uniqueness. Realizing that I could communicate in more than seven languages and understand even more felt like discovering a hidden superpower. This linguistic diversity became my signature, and I knew I had to weave it into my music. By blending languages, I wanted to challenge the norm—this idea that cultures should remain separate or compartmentalized. I wanted to create something that broke down these invisible boundaries, inviting listeners to experience language and culture as fluid, intertwined threads in a larger tapestry.
Ultimately, my goal is to redefine what global music can be—a fusion of words, sounds, and perspectives that speaks to a universal humanity while honoring individual heritage.
What was your writing process like when blending multiple languages in “Ritmo Acido,” and how did you decide which ones to include?
The writing process for blending multiple languages in “Ritmo Acido” was an exhilarating journey that unfolded during a jam session with GPU. We wanted to capture the essence of acid sounds while showcasing my multicultural background. We started by tossing out phrases in different languages and experimenting with rhythms that felt right. Then, we created phrases within a Latin language group (French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese), with AI helping us find words that sounded similar across languages.
In the end, “Ritmo Acido” became a celebration of diversity, with each language bringing its own flavor to the track. It’s a testament to how music can transcend linguistic boundaries, and I couldn’t have achieved this vision without GPU’s collaboration and insight.
Did you experience any pushback or confusion for wanting to create a song that mixed so many languages in one track?
Definitely. Mixing multiple languages in one track sparked a lot of questions and raised a few eyebrows. Some people wondered if it would be “too much” or hard for listeners to follow, especially when the lyrics shift between languages so freely. There’s always this idea that songs should stick to one language, one vibe—but I wanted to challenge that. I think music should be a space where different cultures and expressions can collide, creating something new and unpredictable.
What made this project so exciting for me was that each language let me embody a different character. In one part, I’m cheeky, then desperate, then fierce—you can actually hear it in my voice as I jump from one emotion to the next, all while switching languages. It was like stepping into different roles, and this contrast brought an energy that really drove the track. Playing with these voices gave me so much freedom and made the whole process incredibly fun.
Can you tell us how your collaboration with Luigi Borelli and GPU began?
To be honest, I met GPU on my birthday. It felt like fate, as I’d been hoping to connect with someone who not only had years of experience in the industry but could also mentor me and grow alongside me. When GPU told me about his new label, Made by Robots, I was instantly intrigued. He was diving into AI in a way that resonated with my own interests, and knowing that Made by Robots is one of the world’s first AI-driven labels made me even more excited. I’m a big fan of innovation, and being part of something that pushes boundaries and embraces new directions is exactly where I want to be.
What drew you to using acid sounds in your music, and what do you think they add to your tracks?
After years of producing music, I don’t know, I just realized that acid sounds have this incredible ability to ignite a track in ways nothing else can. Those rolling, hypnotic basslines and sharp tones feel almost alive, like they’re shaping the music themselves. Acid brings a rebellious, unpredictable energy that breaks all the rules, and that’s what I love about it. It’s like pouring raw emotion into the beat; it twists, mutates, and reshapes itself as if it’s breathing along with the track.
For me, acid isn’t just a sound; it’s an experience that pulls listeners into a whole other dimension. It gives the music this surreal edge, something unexpected that keeps you on the edge of discovery. That’s why acid sounds keep showing up in my work—they’re endlessly versatile and add that spark that makes both me and my audience come back for more.
How has Berlin’s music scene influenced your creativity?
Everything started when I was 16 at small room parties in Bielefeld’s Forum. The sound of techno was insane back then! My creativity has been shaped not only by Berlin but also by my experiences in different cities. When I moved to Paris at 18, it became a huge creative influence. Living there opened my eyes to diverse artistic expressions and unique sounds; it was a vibrant melting pot of culture.
From Paris, I moved to Hamburg, where I absorbed the city’s raw energy and underground vibe. Then I found myself in Berlin, where the music scene pulsates with innovation and freedom. Each city has contributed something distinct to my creativity. Since 2022, Barcelona has added its own flair with its lively atmosphere, vinyl culture, and minimal acid influences.
All these experiences have woven together, creating a rich tapestry of sounds and styles that fuel my music. Each place I’ve lived has inspired me in different ways, providing me with a broader perspective and an endless source of inspiration.
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Do you plan to incorporate more languages in your music, and are there any new cultures you’re excited to explore?
Absolutely. I already have a ton of new productions featuring incredible language combinations that you might not expect to fit together. It’s all about breaking boundaries and exploring new sounds. I’m particularly excited to dive into the underground scenes in Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea. I’m currently planning a tour for next year and hope to find some amazing clubs where I can showcase my productions that blend Japanese and French. If anyone reading this is connected to the music scene in those countries, I’d love your help in making it happen! It’s all about collaboration and sharing unique experiences, and I can’t wait to connect with new audiences and cultures through my music.
Are there other artists (or technologies) you’re interested in exploring for future collaborations?
Absolutely. I’m increasingly interested in collaborating with AI technologies, especially with GPU and his label, Made by Robots. What excites me about AI is its potential to redefine creativity in music. It’s not just about using AI as a tool; it’s about exploring how it can inspire and influence the creative process itself. Imagine co-creating with an AI that understands the emotional nuances of different cultures and languages. We could push the boundaries of sound and storytelling in ways we’ve only dreamed of. I want to experiment with AI-generated sounds and rhythms, merging them with organic elements to create something entirely new and unexpected.
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What do you hope listeners take away from “Ritmo Acido” and your music as a whole?
I hope listeners take away a sense of joy and curiosity from “Ritmo Acido.” I want them to feel like they’ve just stumbled upon a hidden treasure map that leads them to unexpected places. My music is like a funhouse mirror—distorted yet vibrant, inviting you to explore different facets of sound and emotion. I want people to dance like nobody’s watching, laugh at the unexpected language twists, and maybe even scratch their heads in confusion at times. If they can groove to the beat and think, “Wow, I never thought those two languages would work together!” then I’ve done my job.
Ultimately, I hope my music sparks conversations and connections. Whether it’s at a club in Berlin or a cozy café in Tokyo, I want listeners to feel like they’re part of a larger story—one that celebrates diversity and creativity. So, let’s shake things up and enjoy the ride together!
Purchase BERF – Ritmo Acido via this link
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