Claudia Lovisa: “It’s easy to get sucked into all kinds of fun but there needs to be a balance to maintain credibility and respect.”

South Africa may be renowned for a lot of great things but in spite of the country’s great musical history, house music probably isn’t one of them. Increasingly, however, that’s changing thanks to the likes of Black Coffee and Culoe De Song. Another producer making similar waves on the international circuit is Claudia Lovisa. A native of Durban, Claudia cut her raving teeth on the floors of Ibiza’s DC10, and it’s safe to say that the island has had a pretty influential influence on both her musical outlook and her outlook on life. After taking a musical hiatus recently. Claudia’s been back in the studio recently, with her debut for the Ibiza-based Mental Genius label giving us a tantalizing view of her talents. We checked in with the lady herself recently to find out more…

I want to start by asking about South Africa. What’s your take on the house music scene at home?

I was in two minds about moving back to South Africa after 14 years in Europe but when I did, almost 2 years ago, I was blown away by how much the electronic music scene had grown all over the country. Living in Cape Town has been inspiring on so many levels and having heard the countless talents within the local community, it is beyond impressive. There is something special about the dancefloors back home. We have such a diverse audience who are so eager and so excited to be part of the electronic music culture, and that energy is definitely felt behind the booth from the dance floor.

Although the scene is still relatively new, I feel that what we have to offer so far is quality DJs and producers, as well as a refined scene that can compete with any where else in the world. Artists such as Culoe De Song and Black Coffee represent the unique African sound and have given the world a taste of what we have to offer, but there are still so many more artists to be exposed and show just how ‘on the map’ we really are. We are very spoilt living in such a beautiful country and the promoters take full advantage of the scenery here, throwing parties at the most breathtaking outdoor venues. A lot of effort is put into creating our own special African vibe and it’s become contagious to the global market. I guess this is apparent in all the quality international artists that now come here, and the dancers that are wanting to visit and play to the locals.

Yeah, it seems like a lot of South African producers are starting to make a name for them selves on a global level recently. Why do you think it took so long for this to happen?

It’s all about timing I guess. We’ve been in the background for so long and it’s not because we’re lacking talent, but because there has not been enough interaction between SA and the rest of the world or showcasing of our local artists. Many SA artists, especially the ones coming from the townships, have not been exposed on an international level but fortunately now there are people like Valentino Barrioseta who have created platforms such as Bridges for Music which connects the South African scene to the rest of the world.

Where do your influences come from? Was electronic music prominent when you were growing up?

To be honest, I don’t come from a very musical family and being an early teenager in the 90’s, where the likes of Britney Spears and the Spice Girls dominated the radio, it is was not where my love for music comes from at all. The one person who did influence me a lot is my uncle Tony, whose music knowledge is second to none when it comes to rock, soul, funk, Jazz and reggae and those where predominately the genres I listened to. He also introduced me to the darker side of music, which is what resonates most with me. You’d never think that going on what I’ve released so far but that’s changing. From the age of 16 when I started hanging out in clubs I was exposed to house music and later in 2000 I went to Ibiza and danced on the terrace at DC-10 for the first time. That was my life changing moment with electronic music.

And what do you listen to in your spare time?

I listen to all sorts. I’m just not into Death Metal because I can never understand the lyrics though (laughing). No really, I love hip hop, the more old school sound like the Roots, A Tribe called Quest and Eric B and Rakim. I also love rock, mostly English Rock and alternative vibes like Portishead – my absolute favorite – Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Pink Floyd and PJ Harvey. I also indulge with chilled beats like Silent season, Sadhu Sensi and Metro Area.

So tell me about your production career so far. What’s been the highlight for you?

My highlight hasn’t happened yet. I feel that I’m still to release the one track that really satisfies me. I haven’t released enough as a solo artist and I think the time I spent as ‘Amelie’ with Sophie Oliver was like building blocks towards finding the sound that truly is me. I must say though it was cool seeing a boiler room video of Jamie Jones dropping my track ‘Nightrider into his set. That was dope!!

A bit of recognition from the Welshman never goes a miss! You’ve released on Supernature too. How do you know the Audiofly guys?

I’ve know the guys for years from the scene in London, hanging out at The Cross and Secretsundaze. When I teamed up with Sophie, after doing a course at SAE, we sent our first release over to the guys and they signed us which was a huge step in the right direction and really kick started our careers as DJs.

And the Mental Genius release. Is it typical of your work do you think?

This is such an important question. Up until now it is typical of my work but I can honestly say that it’s not the sound I was going for. In previous interviews I’ve spoken about never going into the studio with an idea, I just go with the flow and put down what ever comes to mind but It’s mad how the music I love to play and listen to is much more moody and that is essentially what I’d love to create. I’ve made a couple of tracks which I’m in the process of finding the right label to release on and I’m so excited as they are typical of my work to come.

And the artwork is very distinctive, too. Do you think artwork is often overlooked in this day and age?

I played vinyl for 13 years and that’s one of the things I loved most, second to the beats obviously. The artwork really helps identify with the sounds and gives the tracks extra personality. I think it’s really important that we don’t loose that creative side with digital releases and keep the fun factor and creativity flowing from all angles.

Indeed. What’s your ultimate ambition as a producer and DJ? Do you set yourself goals?

I’d love to become really fast and decisive in the studio. I want to learn to play the keyboard and drums and be able to record live elements for my tracks. I want to travel the world and play music because I’m happiest when I’m behind the decks.

Aren’t we all! Can you tell me a bit about how the tracks were constructed? What did you use?

I used Logic x and various synths. Nothing really worth talking about; pretty standard stuff. I’m not classically trained but I do have a good ear and just play around with sounds but if I played an instrument or used hardware this answer would be much longer.

What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing up and coming DJs and producers in this day and age?

Being unique and staying healthy. We are so consumed with music and everyone nowadays is a DJ/producer and it’s super challenging to create a sound that really draws attention. The DJ lifestyle is nothing if not extravagant and it’s easy to get sucked into all kinds of fun but there needs to be a balance to maintain credibility and respect.

Are you full-time in music then? Or what else takes up a lot of your time?

When I was part of Amelie I had a taste of a full time career in music and they were the best years of my life. It’s been almost a 2-year gap between my first solo release on Supernature and the latest one on Mental Genius as I had personal issues to sort out and that definitely held me back. In the meantime I’ve been working in restaurants which I have done all my life with my family owning a few in Durban which I spent my youth running around in. It’s great as it gives me the freedom to work the hours I want in order to still focus on the music. I’ve also been involved with some exciting new projects and music events here in South Africa.

Claudia Lovisa’s Sent to Somewhere EP is out soon on Mental Genius