It all started with the double disc CD from Mykonos Greece, ‘Cafe Paradiso All Star Chillout’ in the year 2000. Violetta ( DINO ), heard Nightmares On Wax, Aphex Twin and curator Jose Padilla for the first time, and she was hooked.

“I felt like I found my space. A laid back tempo and rhythm that conjured images of the runway. It was a sound that matched the images in my mind.”

Violetta began collecting compilations from Greece and Ibiza every time she traveled overseas. After 13 years as an avid collector of the distinct “chill-out” sound, and during her career as a photographer, photographing musicians and dj’s, she was persuaded by one DJ in particular to buy a mixer and try mixing music herself. It came naturally but, Violetta never intended to play live anywhere and definitely not in front of anyone.

She was convinced to play an opening set for her DJ friend one night at a local lounge in May of 2013 and from there, music took a turn for the serious. DINO, (a nickname from childhood), became the alter-ego of Violetta’s photography persona. She began djing at coveted venues such as Flash, Tropicalia and Mate. Fashion shows, art happenings and high profile events soon followed.

In November 2016, Violetta became the DJ in Residence at The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown and The Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C in 2017, curating The Living Room,The Yard and Quadrant Bar. Currently she is the DJ in residence at The Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C and The Four Seasons Washington D.C.

She continues to play what she refers to as, “Beats & Beautiful Music”, creating mixes and live recordings that can be found on Mixcloud and on her weekly radio show at The Line Hotel in Washington D.C.

“The music I play cannot be categorized I feel. Simply, it is beats and beautiful music fusing soul, jazz, electronica, deep house, orchestral and instrumental elements. It is cerebral, elegant, soulful and sensual. My goal is to take the listener on a journey of self discovery. To offer them a sound they haven’t experienced before.”

Beats&BeautifulMusic is now on Full Service Radio at The Line Hotel in Washington D.C. every Tuesday from 6-7 pm. To listen to past episodes, you can listen on Mixcloud.

Go to Full Service Radio and hit “Listen Live” from 6-7pm every Tuesday for 60 minutes of sonic gems of every BPM.