A former Google software developer abandons her successful tech career to reinvent herself as a DJ, navigating the vibrant world of electronic music and personal reinvention.
About the Project
Uncoded tells the story of Anastasia Denisova, a software developer who, after seven years of a successful career at Google, made the life-changing decision to leave the world of tech to pursue her true passion for electronic music. Her story of personal transformation is both a bold testament to following one's heart and a deeply relatable exploration of the risks and rewards that come with walking away from a stable career for an uncertain dream.
The documentary follows Anastasia's journey from the polished, structured life of a Google employee to the dynamic, unpredictable world of a DJ. Along the way, the film explores the emotional challenges she faced, including the fear of failure, the financial insecurities of a creative career, and the pressures of building a personal brand in the competitive electronic dance music (EDM) scene. Through intimate interviews, energetic festival performances, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her creative process, "Uncoded" delves into the essence of what it means to leave behind societal expectations and embrace a life of artistic freedom.
Sound Recordist
This documentary focused on electronic music culture, with a strong emphasis on techno and underground rave scenes. As the Sound Recordist, my role was to authentically capture the unique sonic environments that define this world — from pulsating club sets to ambient street sounds and candid conversations with artists and attendees.
Recording high-quality audio in dynamic, often unpredictable environments Capturing live techno performances and crowd ambience in real-time settings Ensuring dialogue and interviews were clean and well-balanced despite high-volume surroundings Coordinating closely with the director and camera crew to adapt recording techniques to each location and context
Creative Process
The audio dimension of this project was crucial in reflecting the raw, immersive energy of rave culture. I worked to preserve not just the music itself, but also the atmosphere surrounding it — the reverb of warehouses, the subtle shifts in crowd energy, and the contrast between intense musical moments and quieter personal reflections.
Technical & Environmental Challenges
Recording in high-decibel environments like underground raves required real-time monitoring, careful mic selection, and quick adjustments to avoid distortion while still capturing the emotional essence of the scene. This pushed me to refine my live sound techniques and develop a flexible, responsive approach to field recording.
What I Learned
How to balance technical control with artistic intuition in sound recording The importance of mobility, speed, and adaptability in fast-paced documentary settings Deepened understanding of electronic music soundscapes and how to represent them authentically in film This experience taught me how sound can be more than just a technical layer — it's a powerful storytelling element that transports viewers directly into the heart of a culture.
Final Thoughts
This project was a significant step in my career as a sound recordist. It allowed me to explore the vibrant world of electronic music and the unique challenges of recording in diverse environments. I learned how to adapt to different situations and capture the essence of a culture through sound.
This experience taught me the importance of mobility, speed, and adaptability in fast-paced documentary settings. It also deepened my understanding of electronic music soundscapes and how to represent them authentically in film.