Hard drums, hybrid sets, and the face of Lisbon’s rising force - LICA
Lica isn’t interested in following the rules. Her sets are fast, percussive, and unpredictable — built more for the body than the algorithm. One of the most exciting names coming out of Lisbon’s next wave, she’s made her mark with a signature blend of hard techno, breaks, UK bass, and raw club energy, living in London for 5 years before making the move over like so much new talent in the scene.
Coming up through local collectives like Circa A.D. and making appearances at underground spaces like Desterro, Arroz Estúdios, and Outra Cena, Lica’s sound has developed in the pressure cooker of Lisbon’s no-frills DIY scene. Her mixes hit like a sprint: percussive rollers, acid flashes, rhythmic edits, and low-end that moves the room whether it’s packed or sparse.
She’s also built a reputation for hybrid live-DJ performances, often blending unreleased edits and hardware material into her club sets. There’s a looseness to her mixing — not messy, but alive. Nothing sounds pre-programmed. Every blend feels physical.
One of our favourite things about Lica is the energy she's bringing at sets, setting the mood with her hardcore moves behind the decks. We caught her recently at the launch of her new night Timelapse at A Sala Lisa which took the roof off of one of our staple late night venues.
Recent sets have included:
- Opening for SHERELLE at Lux Frágil
- B2B with BLEID at Planeta Manas
- Featured on Rádio Quântica with a guest mix full of speed and groove
- Played at the 2024 edition of Those Who Dance, closing one of the warehouse stages with a broken techno set that leaned heavy on polyrhythms
Production-wise, her llatest release Aerial Vue in 2024 went hard, with the titular song becoming an instant banger. Word is there’s a debut EP coming in late 2025, and early cuts blend UK rave textures with Lisbon-tuned drum work. The few clips that have surfaced show a sharp ear for detail — not just impact.
Lica isn’t trying to scale. She’s building something with depth. And if the current trajectory holds, she won’t just be a standout in Portugal — she’ll be one of its exports.
