As an important contributor of the Truesoul and Drumcode collective, we have been looking forward to the return from Ida Engberg for quite some time now. Ida Engberg is back with her first EP in six years, a transcendental five-track offering titled ‘Return To Consciousness’.

Everything happens in perfect timing. And no one knows this better than Engberg; innately aware of the creative space and the time a project needs to bloom. A work almost 12 months in the making, ‘Return to Consciousness’ is her transcendental five-track return to music creation. Alongside touring globally as an in-demand DJ, she’s an activist working towards a better future for the world. She was recently made a United Nations ambassador, and is committed to a number of important issues such as the environment, social justice, animal rights, and speaking out against abuse in the dance music industry.

How did the release come together and what inspired your creative process in making it? (Q via MixMag)

When it comes to the creative process, there is so much happening in the moment and it never ends up as you thought it would. Which of course is the beauty of it. My music reflects where I’m at mentally; plant medicine, inner healing work and of course the magical musical journey that spans over so many years. To me it’s a warm soulful release and I hope that translates.

‘Reverse Time (Intro)’ is ritualistic in intent, a two-and-a-half-minute ambient opener that sets the tone for what’s to come. The title track is sublime cosmic house, brought to life by lush pads, swirling arpeggios in the break and a delicate vocal that amplifies its message. ‘House of Colours’ is a delicious tribal roller, driven by a chanting vocal line that yanks us towards the dancefloor. ‘The 8th Fire’ embodies an undeniable old school early morning spirit, with its distinctive melodic hook. ‘Reverse Time’ is a searing late night techno composition that builds the energy to fever pitch, before bringing us back down to a sated state. All in all, a career-best work and well worth the wait.

Your hopes for dance music and the world in 2021? (Q via MixMag)

My biggest hope is that we can unite through music and dance together again soon. It’s incredibly powerful how music connects people and how it’s breaking down boundaries. If we can transform the festivals and clubs into sustainable ones it would be a dream. Little big steps like serving only vegan locally produced food would make a huge impact, plus supporting the local businesses instead of the global co-operations would be beautiful to see and truly inspire people. At the moment the festivals leave me with a bittersweet taste. We can improve a lot and I believe it would have massive support. No single use plastic, refillable water bottles, leave no trace policy etc. 2021 is the new start we needed and we have had enough time now to plan for the changes. I honestly feel more hopeful than ever for the future or our planet. Something that would be beautiful would be if the festivals could be combined with restoration, for example planting trees. One Tree Planted is a great organization that team with Zoo Project in Ibiza, for example. For every ticket sold one tree is planted. Imagine what a difference we could make as a community if that became the norm! All we need is passion and compassion.