IN CONVERSATION WITH CARLA SCHMITT
Interview by SAMO ŠAJN
Carla Schmitt is a promising young DJ, producer and coreographer that is bringing a refreshing vibe to the French techno scene. Both melodious and groovy, her music is complemented by a dark, sensual energy that creates a moving proposition. Building on this basis, she enriches her artistic universe with her multiple qualities, thanks to her background as a dancer and a sharp artistic sensibility.
1. Your music blends groovy and melodic elements with a dark and sensual energy. How do you strike that balance, and what inspires your unique sound?
I've found balance through various daily influences. My dance background gave me a keen ear early on, listening to experimental artists like Kangding Ray, Olafur Arnalds, Rone, and Gesaffelstein. In dance, we seek emotion, rhythm, and sensuality, which I aim to transcribe into my music, both in my sets and production.
2. As a self-taught artist, how did you develop your skills in both music production and choreography?
Before producing, I mixed a lot, starting at 16/17. Production came gradually, but I got serious in late 2020 after an accident ended my dance career. I turned to music for expression, starting with YouTube tutorials and learning from producers about Ableton. My first EP, "My Fears," released on KR Records in 2021, marked my real start in production.
Choreography has been part of my life since childhood. My dance teacher encouraged creativity, letting us add our style through solos and group pieces. I've always been creative in storytelling, painting, dance, and music. Everything clicked while filming with Kim Chapiron for Pink Noise's "Papa Belly" video in 2019. Inspired, I combined choreography and film, leading to projects as a choreographer and director. Linking music to image, image to body, body to emotion, and emotion to comedy is essential to me. Choreography complements my music, allowing full expression.
3. Your EP ‘Fragments’ features a variety of tracks, each with its own distinct vibe. Can you walk us through the creative process behind one of the tracks?
If I had to highlight one track, it would be "Echo". It reflects my influences and was a challenge to produce. I struggled with the techno scene's shift on TikTok, missing the 2010s' storytelling.
Inspired by Oxia's "Domino" and Café Del Mar's "DJ Kid Paul Mix", I aimed to modernize that style. Café Del Mar, rich with groove, emotion, rave, and cinematic air, tells a story that transports you.
This inspiration led to "Echo" and a natural collaboration with Proxyma. Despite different backgrounds, our similar universes brought us together. "Echo" emerged from our desire to create an auditory journey without barriers, blending our influences.
4. Did you face any challenges while producing ‘Fragments,’ and if so, how did you overcome them?
The most complicated tracks for me were "Tension" and "Echo". They required deep emotional involvement. "Tension" tells the story of a forbidden love, full of fears and unspoken attraction, causing suffering and forced distance. This led to many emotional moments during production.
"Tension" and "Echo" took the longest to produce and were the hardest to mix due to their complexity and numerous elements. My stubbornness to include all creative elements improved my technique and boosted my production and creativity.
5. What is the story behind the title 'Fragments'?
It's the story of a woman who shares fragments of herself. A bare exposure of her experiences and emotions.
Her feelings as a young woman in today's society.
6. As a choreographer, how does movement influence your music production process? Do you find inspiration from dance when creating your tracks?
I draw inspiration not just from dance but from observing life around me. As a DJ and choreographer, I watch people in clubs—their dance, dress, and silhouettes in different atmospheres. The body is a key source of inspiration, whether in intimate entanglement, a lingering street gaze, movements in a crowd, or an impressive posture.
7. Tell us about any memorable live performances or DJ sets you’ve done. What makes a great performance for you?
One of the most memorable events was the 25th anniversary of the Techno Parade in Paris in September 2023 on the 'No Gender' float. Seeing over 400,000 people in the streets, with different generations and genres coming together, was incredible
I felt strong emotions and a deep connection with my fans, even shedding tears. Closing after Sam Paganini, a major inspiration, was surreal. Another unforgettable moment was my first date with the Pisica collective in Paris. This event, in a hot car park, propelled me forward and allowed me to meet my audience post-confinement.
A good set is all about the connection with the audience. It's not just the tracklist but the energy shared between the artist and the crowd.
8. What advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to establish themselves in the electronic music scene?
Stay true to yourself. Listen to your instincts, be patient, work hard and don't let bad criticism pollute your mind, because there will always be people who don't want you to succeed.
9. With the EP set to release on Gears, a new label, what excites you most about this next chapter in your career?
It shows a more accomplished artistic direction on my part.
I'm proud to release this EP, which took a lot of hard work and reflects emotional involvement, perseverance, diligence and sincere feelings through raw music and a message that conveys sincerity.
This chapter opens a real door to what's to come in my future career, and I can't wait!
