For the twenty-seventh installment of our interview series, we introduce madwoman.

Berlin based madwoman is quickly gaining recognition in recent years as a DJ and producer for her innovative sound of pure and effective techno with a seductive touch.

The signature of her DJ sets and productions are characterised by their driving rhythms, layered percussion and punchy kicks submerged with atmospheric soundscapes.

Her productions and energetic DJ sets has brought her extensively throughout Europe and beyond, where she’s been invited to play at some of the world’s most prestigious clubs and festivals, and also has released her music in some of the most recognized labels.

We chatted in depth with Carolina about her Artistic Vision, Evolution, Challenges, Future Aspirations, and more aspects of her career, and it really was a very interesting chat. Read the full interview below. 

Personal and Inspirational Journey:

What pivotal moment or experience led you to pursue a career in DJing and music production?

The process of switching passion into a career is something that happened gradually for me. I just knew I loved the energy and the sounds in the clubs, and I knew I had something to share, so I decided to move to Berlin after finishing my studies to be closer to the scene and then everything kind of unfolded naturally from then on.

Who are your life’s key figures or influences that have significantly shaped your artistic journey and sound?

I am influenced by many various disciplines as I have a background in classical music, and this is the dynamic you can hear throughout my DJ sets. Going out to clubs and festivals all over Europe, listening to DJs and getting inspired since more than a decade has been a big part of my journey, so I am definitely influenced by artists like The Prodigy, movie music makers like Ennio Morricone, the black metal scene, and artists such as Norman Nodge, Daniel Avery and Ancient Methods.

Artistic Vision and Evolution:

How do you approach evolving your sound and style as a DJ and producer, and what factors contribute to this evolution?

Interesting question, I just love creating and I love when it sounds good. Making music is for me about self expression, and this is how I structure my productions and my DJ sets. As I have many years of experience by now, I am currently reinventing my sound and going a bit back to basics with a more minimalistic yet effective approach, where I am aiming for timeless but with my own personal touch.

The shaping of my sound both in my DJ sets and in my productions is a result of years of going out and getting inspired by other DJs, moulded with inspiration from movies and video games, places I traveled to and people I met. Music is a very much an alive art for me, a story telling technique.

Can you share a specific track or project that represents a significant milestone in your artistic development, and how has it influenced your subsequent work?

I would actually say that it is right now. I have been playing and producing for more than a decade so I’ve had many beautiful moments as well as ups and downs, and I am very grateful for all the amazing places I’ve been invited to share my music so far. Now I feel like I am unlocking the next level, tapping into higher quality, it’s hard to explain but I can feel something is shifting and I can’t wait to see where it will lead me next.

Challenges and Triumphs:

What has been the most challenging aspect of your career as a DJ/Producer, and how have you overcome it?

The inner fight with myself to keep on going. Especially during the pandemic, that was a really tough time for all of us in night life and especially strict here in Berlin. We had no idea what was going to happen, clubs where closing down and we where under curfew with restrictions of meeting other people, a mentally tough time. I managed to get trough it by being extremely busy in my studio, which led to many good releases and a busy touring schedule once the world opened up again, which I am very grateful for.

Could you share a particularly rewarding or memorable achievement that stands out in your career and why it holds significance for you?

When my parents came to hear to me play for their first time. It was in Berghain November 2022. It was a very special and memorable experience for me because they finally would see what I have been working towards for many years, and it felt like this was the first time they really could understand my passion for music and my career choice.

Community and Connection:

Listen to madwoman’s dj set recently recorded live at Tresor Berlin (22.06.2024):

How do you engage with your audience and create community through music and performances?

I engage with my audience by looking at the crowd, sensing their energy and by doing this, I know what to introduce next on the dance floor. My art is about pushing boundaries and showing people my interpretation of techno in ways they could not imagine, this is where I find joy. I want to give people a feeling of awe and inspiration when they leave the dance floor, and filled with curiosity to discover more.

Future Aspirations and Impact:

What are your long-term aspirations as an artist, and how do you envision making a positive impact within the music industry and beyond?

This is a fun topic, I will always stay authentic to myself and what I believe is good music. I want to touch the unknown and keeping expanding my horizon with the aim grow, also so that I never get bored. Personally it’s an artistic stale mate to always play or produce the same things over the years without innovation. This is not stimulating for me. I always strive to push into the new by keeping myself on my tip toes, and the second I feel like I am getting too comfortable I know its time to level up, because there are endless of things to try out, both in the DJ booth and in the studio.

How do you aim to push boundaries and innovate within your genre or the music industry in the coming years?

To always innovate and stay true to my taste in music. I also believe it’s really important to be sharing my music on dynamic sounding lineups and platforms. I hope the promoters keep mixing it up so that it’s not the same sound all night long, that is so boring for the listener. A long time dream of mine is also to start my own label where I can collect the work of other artists that I admire, to create something timeless, brave and fresh and leave an imprint to the world. I want to promote and give a platform to the authentic artists because by authentic producers, good music survives.

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