CME Sit-Down : Charlotte de Witte

If there’s one DJ about to take the world by storm, it’s Charlotte de Witte. Never shying away from a challenge, always malling her career and music the way she envisions it. And scorching through a myriad of uncompromising, agressive techno sets across Europe every single weekend. Charlotte recently completed her maiden India tour, playing to a packed club in Delhi and Pune. We were in awe of her energy and passion for her craft and we sat down for a heart to heart chat with her after her gig in Pune. Read the full interview below.

Welcome to India, Charlotte. This is your first time here. How does it feel? Had the Charlotte from a few years back ever thought she would one day be touring India?

Little Charlotte never expected to become a DJ in the first place! Being here feels pretty amazing. Ever since I was a kid, I loved to travel and explore the world. Being able to do this, combined with playing music feels absolutely wonderful. I’m a very lucky girl.

Tell us something about your baby ‘Playground Charlotte de Witte’, how did it happen and how has the radio show helped to shape you as an artist?

I became a Studio Brussel resident in 2011 after winning a Tomorrowland DJ Contest curated by Poppunt and Studio Brussel. The formula of those radio shows has changed throughout the years, and I became a weekly resident, hosting my own show, about four and a half years ago. Doing those shows really taught me how to DJ on a technical level.

Could you tell us about the electronic dance music scene in Belgium? Growing up in Belgium which artists influenced your sets and your productions?

Belgium has had a massive impact on the electronic music scene back in the 80's and 90's with New Beat. Bonzai Records turned 25 this year so there’s a huge revival on even a global level of that kind of music, which is an amazing thing to see. I’m proud of my country and the impact it has had.

Why Techno? What was it about Techno music that made you feel an instant connection? Tell us more about the sound that defines Charlotte de Witte.

I love the stripped aspect of techno music. How you can actually lose yourself in myself that’s so pure and doesn’t consist of a lot of elements.

Outside of the studio, what inspires Charlotte? Is there any place you go to find that inspiration to compose a new track?

I believe that inspiration can be found anywhere. Design, nature, art, food, conversations… Literally, everywhere.

A few months back, you finally fulfilled your dream of playing at the Awakenings festival in The Netherlands. How did you feel achieving that dream? What’s the next goal for Charlotte?

Well I absolutely felt really happy and proud after playing there. The room was completely filled with people even though it was still early so that warmed my heart. There’s not just one goal, or one dream, but the idea and motivation is to keep on going and growing. I really love what I do, so I’ll try and go as far as I can.

As a female artist in a male dominated Techno Music space, how difficult was it to make your mark? What were some of the hurdles you had to overcome to reach where you are right now?

I had some difficulties in the beginning, that’s true. Things haven’t been easy and I experienced how ugly people can act towards others for basically no reason. I was a woman, true, but I was also very young. That has also played a big role in how people perseived me.

With 4 EPs already under your belt in 2017, what are your plans for the near future? Any new music coming out soon?

Lots of new music is coming early 2018 with a new EP on Suara and the recently relaunched NovaMute. I’m also extremely looking forward to head back in the studio after having been on tour for 3 months non stop.

Well, Charlotte has all the love and support of her Indian fans and we definitely would love to see her back on a bigger India tour soon.

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BY Rahul Rane

INTERVIEW / 2 years Ago

CME Sit-Down : Charlotte de Witte

SHARE WITH:

BY Rahul Rane

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