In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Cynthia Laclé, an exciting DJ and Producer who continues to make strides across the Electronic Music scene.
Having first made waves by winning the 2017 Dutch DJ Championship, Cynthia Laclé is making herself known for her dynamic and energetic style, incorporating Techno elements to set her sound apart and captivate genre lovers around the globe. As she remains passionate about her craft, Cynthia Laclé shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to strive towards offering high-quality music to fans and delivering impactful live shows to ensure her reputation and prominence within the genre keep growing.
Hi Cynthia Laclé! How are you today?
Hiii all, all good here!
Can you tell us, what was your first DJ setup like and how did you acquire your equipment?
Ooooh, I need a minute for that one because I used so many different programs in the beginning to find out what my preferences were. I think I started with Traktor and Serato. I did a lot of research, and I took a DJ course where I obviously asked a lot of questions. Later on, I went to different shops and just looked at a lot of different brands. I compared them all and then I tried them all out. But I realised that I really wanted a certain quality and that I better save up to buy the right one instead of different quality. I basically had a laptop and Pioneer controller and later on, I switched to Rekordbox.
What is one of your favourite memories of performing live?
There are several events, so many fun and epic moments. But I think I would have to say India. I was so nervous for that set, and I ended up killing it. It was definitely a set that I didn’t expect from myself to play like that.
How do you approach selecting tracks for your sets? What criteria do you use to determine whether a track is a good fit for a particular audience or venue?
First of all, it’s important to know at what time you will be playing, are you opening or who is playing before/after you. It’s not a rule but it is respectful to take the other artist into account. I just basically use my own method; if I don’t feel the track, I won’t play it. So, I guess I would have to say that I play on my feelings.
Where do you hope to perform in the future?
So many awesome places and venues. I think my list is too long, hahaha.
How do you hope audiences respond when they attend one of your shows? Are there any feelings or emotions that you try to create within your sets?
As an artist, you always hope that people understand your music and that they react how you would imagine. However, that’s not always the case, and it depends on so many things as well. I prepare my sets, always, because I want to create a certain vibe and feeling. What that is, is obviously different depending on the gig, but mostly I just have one goal and that is to share what music does to me.
Can you share a challenging moment during a performance and how you handled it?
Sure, so many. I really learned a lot the super hard way. From CD backups to equipment failure. From inexperienced skills to software problems. Or forgetting gear. Never having a challenge in this industry is impossible. And a lot of things behind the scene are not what you would expect from it. For me, a big thing was to stay calm in these situations because it gives me a lot of anxiety. I’m so stuck with all my emotions, my own pressure that I put on myself for always wanting to perform at my best. I am nervous for every gig.
And there is so much work and time put into every set that it really gets to me when it’s not going how I would like it to go. However, I manage to stay calm, and freak out later. If something malfunctions while you’re playing, you just have to deal with it in the moment, I mean the show must go on. And there is nothing that you can do otherwise in the moment. People understand it when something breaks, and it is okay. At the end of the day, you can’t do more than your best.
How do you stay inspired and keep your sets fresh and exciting for your audience?
The fun thing in my style, commercial Techno, is that I can play with different types of Techno in my set. So that way you’re not getting one type of Techno in my set, but several combined Techno styles (Hard Techno, Big Room, commercial, Techno) in one set. It creates a buildup in my sets. By playing for years, I have developed my own style for my sets and for me, it works perfectly. I love to create some tension towards the end of my sets and go out with a bang. So, I always put on several playlists when I work out or when I’m driving. And all the tracks that give me a hyped feeling, or that what I am looking for in the moment, I use for my sets. But it also depends on my mood. Sometimes I like to play a bit more mellow, or a bit more aggressive. But the set is made for that particular event. And I’m always listening to music, so I know which tracks to use for the event, but that it remains your style and signature. Still have a backup, and the opportunity to experiment with new tracks if I would like. And then you have your favourite artists that also give a lot of inspiration.
Are there any specific techniques or transitions that you find particularly effective when mixing live?
Not specific, but I am looking for the most flawless transition as possible. And it depends on the track before and after. Which part you’re using, or if you’re making a mashup. You learn tricks along the years, but I think you develop a style that works the best for you and the genre.
Finally, are there any techniques, gear, or sounds that you would like to experiment with next?
Sure, I would love to work more with the Pioneer 3000 and the Pioneer RMX-1000 station. That thing is really epic. And I think there will be a lot of new toys in the future. So definitely hyped for what is coming.
Cynthia Laclé’s journey from a passionate music lover to a talented DJ and Producer is a credit to her dedication and perseverance. Her original sound, combined with her enthralling energy, has cemented her as a unique force on the Electronic Music scene, marking her out as a talent to watch as she keeps pushing her creative boundaries and finding fresh ways to stand out. So, we end our interview by thanking Cynthia Laclé for her time and eagerly encourage you to keep following her journey by staying up-to-date with her latest projects, performances, and releases via social media.
Follow Cynthia on Instagram here, Spotify here and check her website out here.
