Story by Editor-in-Chief Carolina Ogliaro
There’s a particular kind of electricity reserved for artists who don’t just follow culture, but they bend it, stretch it, and occasionally set it on fire. Disco Shrine belongs firmly to that rare category.
At first glance, her universe is glitter-drenched, hyper-feminine, and deliciously chaotic, a place where irony and sincerity flirt shamelessly under strobe lights. But look closer and something sharper emerges: a woman reclaiming identity and turning self-expression into spectacle without ever losing control of the story she’s telling.
Raised between the polished drama of pop royalty and the raw pulse of underground rave culture, Disco Shrine engineers experiences through music. Her world is one where nostalgia collides with futurism, where maximalism is a philosophy, and where being “too much” is the point.
Disco Shrine offers something far more intoxicating: permission to be unapologetically everything. Below, she lets us into her orbit.
CM: For those who might be new to your world, how would you describe the essence of Disco Shrine?
Fun, campy, cunty, inclusive, unserious, and a little unhinged, all wrapped up in a shiny pink bow.
CM: Your moniker, “Persian Barbie,” is so distinctive. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind it and how it reflects your artistic identity?
Persian Barbie was born after a horrible breakup when I bleached my hair blonde and decided to go full pop star. That era was really about exploring my identity and reconnecting with my Persian roots, understanding my family’s sacrifices, and what it means to be a first-generation woman chasing big dreams in America. Now, I’m in my Disco Daddy era, which is what happens after you reclaim your identity. It’s power, chaos, confidence, passion… all of it turned all the way up.
CM: Your music blends disco, pop, and electronic elements, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and incredibly fresh. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how do they shape your unique sound?
My first concert was Madonna’s Confessions on a Dance Floor tour, which feels very telling. I grew up in a house with my mom and two sisters, so it was Madonna, Cher, Gwen Stefani on repeat. That’s where my love for pop comes from. At the same time, I was sneaking into Skrillex warehouse shows in downtown LA. So I’ve always lived in that duality: glossy pop and gritty rave energy.
CM: Fashion plays a significant role in your persona, from your vibrant stage outfits to your everyday style. How do you approach fashion, and what designers or eras inspire your aesthetic?
My love of fashion definitely comes from my mom. She designed her own wedding dress in Iran in the 70’s, it was a silk and lace ivory jumpsuit. Growing up, she had a relationship with a thrift store owner who would call her when new pieces came in, so I spent a lot of time treasure hunting and basically playing dress up with my mom and sisters. That really shaped how I approach fashion now. I love mixing and matching and finding one-of-a-kind pieces. Nothing is more boring to me than a plain t-shirt; I genuinely think I’m allergic to them. I won’t even sell them as merch. If it doesn’t bring me joy or make me feel something, I don’t want to wear it. I’ve always been drawn to maximalist brands like Betsey Johnson, Juicy Couture, and Guess.
CM: You’ve been incredibly prolific with recent releases like “Heart Eyez,” “Boom Boom,” and “Disco Daddy.” Can you walk us through your creative process when you’re developing new music?
I want my music to feel like a release, a space for freedom, chaos, and a little rebellion. If I’m having fun making it, people will probably have fun listening to it. So, I’m constantly writing down random phrases, ideas, or concepts in my notes app. That’s usually where it starts. Then I take that into the studio and let the music do the rest.
CM: Beyond the music, you’re known for your captivating live performances. What do you aim to evoke in your audience when you’re behind the decks or performing on stage?
I’m always thinking about the audience even when I’m making new music. I grew up being the girl in the crowd, so I feel like it’s my job to give people an experience they won’t forget now that I’m on the other side. I want to create a space where people feel free, hot, and fully in the moment. Like they can let go and be their most unhinged, best selves.
CM: The dance music scene is constantly evolving. What excites you most about the current landscape, and where do you see yourself pushing boundaries in the future?
I love how genreless everything feels right now. There are no rules, which is very exciting to me. Touring with Ninajirachi really inspired me. She blends pop and EDM so seamlessly. The little raver in me definitely wants to go deeper into that world.
CM: As an artist, what message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from your tracks?
I want people to walk away feeling hot and powerful.
CM: What’s next for Disco Shrine? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or aspirations you can share with us?
More music, more looks, more chaos & more from the Disco Shrine cuntiverse.
CM: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring DJs and artists who are looking to make their mark in the industry, all while staying true to their authentic selves?
Do what you want unapologetically and don’t wait for permission. Rules are meant to be broken.
What Disco Shrine offers is not escapism, but transformation. A reframing of what it means to take up space, to be seen, to feel everything at a full volume in a world that often asks to be quiet. Her universe may be wrapped in gloss and glitter, but its core is something far more radical: self-possession.
In stepping into her “Disco Daddy” era, she isn’t abandoning past versions of herself but she’s absorbing them, amplifying them, and daring anyone watching to do the same. And perhaps that’s the real allure of Disco Shrine: not just the music, not just the look, but the invitation.
To be louder.
Bolder.
Hotter.
Unapologetically, entirely yourself.
