From the early days of a newly launched record store in Switzerland to playing stages around the world, Anaïs Liro has steadily forged her path with LEGRAM VG; the record store, label and DJ duo she co-runs with Oscar Conway. More than just DJ sets, as a creative hub, LEGRAM VG is redefining how DJs and diggers connect across Europe. We spoke with Anaïs after her performance at XP Music Futures to discuss the shop, her musical journey and how the project continues to influence her sound and vision.
“LEGRAM VG started with the shop, which was at first created by Oscar,” she explains. “Initially it was supposed to be a side project, a little pop-up. His friend was about to start a restaurant called LEGRAM and there was an empty room upstairs – Oscar saw it and thought ‘record store?’ He called it The Vinyl Garden which later became the VG.” That instinct quickly proved powerful. He purchased a record collection from Grant Dell, who had inherited all of the left over swag records stock from Liz Edwards after she passed in 2018. This brought early international attention and when Anaïs visited the shop to dig after it opened, everything shifted. The two began working together quickly after and laid the foundations for the expansion of LEGRAM VG – although they didn’t know it yet. “Organically we had joined forces.”
When COVID hit, both were forced into a moment of unexpected clarity – it made sense to commit fully to the shop. “We started doing surprise mystery packs, aka Digger Bags that you could order online, which took off and saw us through those tricky times.” Despite the disruption the pandemic brought, that period became formative. Switzerland was one of the few countries where events were possible for a short time, allowing Anaïs and Oscar to invite artists who’d usually be out of reach for a 120 cap venue. “DJs agreed to come and play, like Nicolas Lutz, The Ghost and Masda. I think a lot of people were wondering ‘How are these people having parties, what is going on in Switzerland?!’” Those moments helped establish the shop as a serious point of reference.
In 2022, the building housing the shop was set to be demolished, forcing another leap into the unknown. This led to a move to Lyon, a location chosen mainly for practical reasons; proximity to Paris (where they already had a large audience), Marseille and Lausanne. But it was also a feeling. “We didn’t really know the city,” Anaïs admits. “I’d played there once and had a great time, so I thought there must be a good scene. But really, we went in blindfolded, we didn’t really know if it was going to be right.” In hindsight, it seems they made the right choice. The space they found allowed them to fully realise their vision: a welcoming, comfortable record store where people could stay as long as they liked, free from the intimidation that can be associated with digging. “I think we create it well for this kind of niche, a place for people who have just started digging, as well as somewhere comfy for the diggers.” That said, they retain a drive to do even better – “a never ending project”.
Parallel to the shop, Anaïs developed her taste and with access to great collections of diverse flavours, it allowed her to refine her sound, something she and Oscar did together. “We had somewhat different tastes when we met and together, we kind of synced. When the parties really started again, our friend Oscar Faivre booked us to play a rave in the South of Switzerland and it went really well. This made me think it would be nice to play more together.” More bookings followed and playing together with Oscar became an even more natural extension. Their shared record collection, taste and experiences made joint sets feel authentic rather than forced. That said, while there was a period where they avoided solo gigs entirely, LEGRAM VG has since grown strong enough to stand independently of either individual. Through it all, their projects together continue to advance and today, balance is key. Between the shop, DJing and protecting their own energy. “We burned out many times, but now it’s starting to become a bit more clear! We’ve only just really found the right balance, so let’s see…”
As the conversation turns to XP Music Futures, Anaïs reflects on her first experience playing in Saudi Arabia. “It’s very far from home and I didn’t know what to expect. I also don’t know many people who played in Saudi, so I just went with instinct! And I’ve had a really special time. The artist hosting has been so nice from the very start. The crowd was great, open-minded. I didn’t know which direction I was going to play. I was ready to adapt if needed, but I didn’t need to compromise in the end. I really enjoyed it – thank you!”
In a broader sense, performing internationally has provided lessons and inspiration. Venues like Closer in Kyiv, where the crowd is fully attentive and the environment allows a DJ to build a journey, remain benchmarks. “I feel we can express ourselves completely over there.” Festivals such as Chant des Oiseaux in France are very special to them too. “It’s just an amazing gathering of loads of friends and as we also have our own pop-up there, it’s a whole bigger adventure for us.”
Anaïs’ influences span decades and styles. “One artist who truly impacted me early on is Onur Özer where Oscar and I had our first night out together. When I heard him play, I realised what kind of music there is out there. Especially in the early days when I was still finding my own sound.” Back then, they booked Masda three times. “Every time listening to him was a powerful musical shift for me.” When asked what advice she has for young DJs and producers, Anaïs is clear: “I’m only 28, ask me again in a few more years haha! But someone else’s wise advice which resonates with me is to be yourself and play a sound that represents you while remaining open-minded. Trends come and go, but your own voice is what stays with people.”
Whether digging in the shop, performing solo or with Oscar as LEGRAM VG, Anaïs exemplifies an approach rooted in curiosity, dedication and authenticity. She’s not just shaping sets, she’s shaping the next generation of listeners and diggers along the way.
More info on Anaïs Liro
Instagram | RA | SoundCloud
