1. It's been more then a year since we have last heard from You Claudia. It seemed to be a sure thing that You were going to appear back again in the spotlight because of Your latest achievements. However, what can You tell me all about it ?
Claudia Cazacu: I had a wonderful year, with 8 original releases, 3 remixes and 2 compilations. It's been great to see my tracks supported by the big guys at their gigs or radio shows. I had a lot of releases on my label Couture that has been also signed to Spinnin, leaving me to A&R. I was lucky to dj in amazing places like Las Vegas, Ibiza at some amazing parties but the biggest achievement of this year was getting a spot in the Top 100 Djs and I am very grateful to everybody out there who supported me.
2. You have a new project coming out middle of December... Can you touch on it ?
Claudia Cazacu: This is the first Haute Couture compilation album which is 2 mixes of what I believe to be some of the most interesting records of the year. It's been great to work on two mixes as it allowed me to have much more freedom with the music I have used. It's available on the 14th December so make sure you check it out.
3. What gave the idea to create a CD compilation out of your monthly show "Haute Couture" ?
Claudia Cazacu: There are so many great tracks released during the year but sometimes they get lost in the magnitude of new music that is constantly created. This compilation gives me the opportunity to use the best of the best from the year and create a mix that displays a true picture of my musical taste.
4. What prompted you to drop a compilation rather than your long overdue artist album ?
Claudia Cazacu: Honestly it's purely a business decision. Whilst an artist album would be a great personal achievement it doesn't really make commercial sense at this stage of my career. Right now I'm focusing on releasing singles with impact rather than holding back 12 months worth of work to release it as one package, I will release an artist album when the time is right but I think I have a way to go yet.
5. On a less sombre note, tell me what can be expected from your forthcoming album release ?
Claudia Cazacu: The two CD's are really a representation of where I think the scene is at, what the sound is and how it moves me. You'll find the tracks that have really done it for me this year, I hope they do it for you too.
6. What else can we expect from you in the coming New Year ?
Claudia Cazacu: 2011 it's going to be more work in the studio to create new tracks. My dairy looks to be filling up nicely with gigs all around the world. I have a lot of new tracks that need to be finished off and will be ready for release early next year. I promise the follow up to Contrasts with Sied van Riel will be released early in the year, few collaborations with great producers, I am also starting my podcast from January, which I intend to make it consist of live sets recorded at my gigs and of course will end the year with the second Haute Couture compilation. It's going to be an extraordinary year, full of surprises and I intend to live every minute to the maximum.
7. In terms of productions, how involved are you actually in the whole creative musical process ?
Claudia Cazacu: I have my own studio at home where I create ideas and new projects. I spend most of my day in front of my Mac and Virus experimenting with new sounds. I finished a course for Logic 9 and I also take piano lessons so I can improve my skills. I create a project and then take into an engineer's studio to finish it and to add the final key points. It seems that some people think that unless you engineered every last bit, you didn't write the track… I am not going to deny that I have to finish it in a proper studio with an experienced engineer, as you need years and years of practice to be able to get to those standards… a producer of a film doesn't act all the parts and do all of the editing. I create the ideas and work with talented people who can bring those into a polished finish.
8. What is it that most people would be surprised to know about you ?
Claudia Cazacu: I don't eat chocolate. When I was a little girl I ate so much one day until I got sick and fainted. Since then, I can't even stand the smell.
9. In light of the recent events of the annual "Dj Mag's election," do you have any words on that ?
Claudia Cazacu: It's been an interesting poll this year, with new entries from great djs and producers. Obviously I'm over the moon to be involved but I think it's a really good representation of today's dance music scene.
For more information check out www.claudiacazacu.com - Haute Couture is available to download from 14th December 2010
Interview made by Cosmin Lukacs (TranceSound.net admin/founder)
Links:
Claudia Cazacu official website
Claudia Cazacu @ MySpace
Cosmin Lukacs official website
Cosmin Lukacs @ MySpace
