Beats on the Move: How Felicia Bianco Is Turning Cologne’s Streets and Trams into Dancefloors

DJ Felicia Bianco is bringing techno to the people—literally. With spontaneous sets on trams and in public spaces, she’s transforming everyday moments into shared dancefloor experiences across Cologne.

Beats on the Move: How DJ Felicia Bianco Is Turning Cologne’s Streets and Trams into Dancefloors

It is a regular evening in Cologne. You are on the line 4 tram. People are half-asleep, headphones in, looking down. Then suddenly, there is bass. Not from your phone, but from the middle of the tram. You glance up and see a folding table, a speaker, a mixer, and a blonde girl in sunglasses dancing behind the decks. People around you start filming. A woman across the aisle joins in and begins dancing. The whole carriage changes mood.

This is the atmosphere DJ Felicia Bianco creates. And for a few stops, everyone is part of it.

Felicia is a 24-year-old DJ and creative from Cologne. She became known for performing her sets in unexpected places. She brings techno and melodic house into public spaces like sidewalks, train stations and trams. “I could not stand recording at home anymore,” she says. “I needed real energy from people. I wanted feedback.”

She started DJing one and a half years ago. Since then, she has become a resident at Purple Vibrations Cologne. Her sound blends tech house with pop textures and sometimes a bit of rock. Her energy is bright and bouncy. “I always dance while I play,” she says. “I want to entertain and connect with people.”

From classical music to club culture

Felicia’s relationship with music began early. As a kid she studied ballet and figure skating. Classical music was her foundation. “Being on stage was always a thing for me,” she says. As a teenager she discovered club culture and started blogging about festivals. She began spending her weekends in clubs. DJing came naturally.

“It was never one big moment. Just a lot of small ones,” she says. “Conversations, favorite artists, moments at festivals. That is how I got into it.”

Outside of music, Felicia works as a freelancer in marketing and social media. Some days she is planning campaigns and editing content for clients. Other days she is out on her bike with her portable DJ setup, performing for strangers. She also makes time for running, which helps her reset.

Going viral, staying real

Her performances have gained attention online. On Instagram she has over 37,000 followers. Her most viral video was filmed at Barbarossaplatz. In the video, a woman passing by begins dancing to one of Felicia’s sets. The clip has been viewed over 700,000 times.

“That is what I love most,” she says. “Little reactions. Someone who smiles. Someone who joins in without thinking about it too much.”

Felicia does not mind criticism. Some people online are confused or even negative. She shrugs it off. “Art needs space and conversation,” she says. “Not everyone has to love it. But it should exist.”

No rules, just rhythm

Felicia is not trying to send a political message, but her work is a statement. “I think art should live outside of galleries. It should interrupt daily life. In a good way.”

When asked what is next, she smiles. “More randomness. More weird ideas. Maybe something with a bike again.” She does not want to overplan. “Spontaneity is part of the magic.”

Her advice to other creatives is simple.

“Do what feels right. Try it. See what happens.”

And her hope for the rest of us:

"More curiosity. Less judgement. Because sometimes one beat is enough to connect people who have never met."