Techno powerhouse Klaudia Gawlas has just launched her own label Illusion Recordings with her brand new single, ‘YDK’. To celebrate the launch, we asked her to join us for our rapid-fire Q&A.
Why music?
Cause music is my first love.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
I don’t know, in the end it was the one and only thing that I really wanted to do.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Believe in yourself.
What inspires you?
Nature, people, parties and travelling.
What’s the next big thing?
My new label Illusion and all the upcoming releases.
Best club experience?
As a DJ, it was in Bogota. The crowd was insane.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
I had many of them, but they taught me a lot and opened up a world of being able to buy music and explore new places.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
When new additions just get worse and worse.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
I was working at a hotel, but I went back to school to finish my diploma and also started to DJ at that time. I had a residency in a local club and had more and more bookings, so my path was determined.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Whitney Houston – ‘I Will Always Love You’ or Underworld – ‘Born Slippy’.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Practise, work hard and thereafter, work harder.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
Let´s just not talk about it haha.
Recommend us a film.
Sorry, I do not watch TV or Films that often so I am really bad at this. I entertain myself with music, so, that’s why I don’t need more.
Recommend us a book.
What or who is underrated?
The magic of nature.
What or who is overrated?
Social media and maybe some clubs.
What are you addicted to?
Many things. Music, smoking, and chocolate, to name a few.
What do you lust over?
Bass in clubs.
What is your greatest regret?
I think actually it was all worth it!
What one thing would most improve your life?
Speak better Spanish.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
I think it was something like a cocktail party in Austria. They asked me to stop after 20 minutes if they pay me the money. It was a totally commercial party and techno was not welcome at all. This was, I think, the biggest booking failure ever.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
It depends, so choose wisely.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Maybe luck and happiness. First, you must be lucky the technique works great and that the monitoring is also good. For me, it’s a good mix, when I can feel it all over my body, pushing myself higher and higher and seeing myself also dancing with the crowd.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
You don’t wanna know! I can’t tell you, you would laugh.
How do you relax?
I read a book and enjoy the silence, preferably in the mountains.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
It’s probably Ableton. It opened many doors for me and I would really miss it.
Art or money?
Art, but it’s better with money.
Ronaldo or Messi?
Ronaldo, I see him running like there’s no end. I love his technique. The guy is crazy.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
I don’t think there is one, because I’m used to writing my tracks in the studio. I need a big screen and my speakers. A laptop is ok, but no fun for me.
Must-visit record store?
They are closed now, but Round About Records in Duluth, USA was it. I loved it there. I started to DJ in this record store. So many nice memories.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
Sometimes it’s working with labels and all that social media thing.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
It will be mine for sure, Illusion Recordings.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Sometimes it’s travelling, with flight delays and not having time to be creative or finish something when you are in the mood.
What’s your motto?
Success is a journey, not a destination.
Name something timeless
Vinyl.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Always test your tracks on as many speakers as you can. In the car, in the club, at home, or on your phone. Avoid muddy sounds.
Complete this sentence: At heart, I’m just a frustrated…
I hope I’m not frustrated. I feel good, I am thankful for many little things in my life, and I don’t hate anyone. That’s maybe my secret to a happy life.
Can music change the world?
It can for sure. There is nothing bigger than the emotions and power behind the music.
What are you listening to right now?
My new podcast for Egg London, you need to check out how it sounds!
What should you do before you die?
Spend at least four weeks at a beautiful beach and smoke a Havanna cigar.
Stream Klaudia Glawas’ ‘YDK’ now. Find Illusion Recordings on Beatport.
Find Klaudia Glawas on Instagram and catch her this weekend at Egg.
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