EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Amidst the kaleidoscope of electronic rhythms, Klaudia Gawlas stands as a beacon. Her beats are a testament to the power of unity and acceptance - each performance a celebration of love, inclusivity, and the unbreakable bonds forged through music. -
Her journey began with an unexpected dance, a reluctant twirl with her mom to the rhythms of Queen. But rebellion called, and as a teenager in a foreign land, Techno’s siren song lured her in.
“I didn’t know back then, but DJ Rush, Jeff Mills and Monika Kruse opened my journey into the techno world.”
From the hallowed halls of Under Club in Buenos Aires to the epic embrace of
Tomorrowland’s Brazilian stage,
South America witnessed Klaudia’s sonic magic. Each gig a testament to the unifying power of music, a testament to a crowd that knew what they loved and revelled in it.
“Presenting your music to such a colossal crowd is not easy, it’s also quite a musically educated crowd, they know what they like and expect.”
Colombia, a place of passion and intensity, held a special place in Klaudia’s heart. It was a canvas for unforgettable moments, where a 4-hour set turned into a whirlwind of euphoria.
“They started to give me a huge applause. I was so touched. I started to cry because of the sheer happiness. All the pressure and the unnecessary worrying, after 36 hours of travelling was forgotten in an instant.”
The USA, a land of Hip-Hop beats, seemed an unlikely starting point for a Techno legend. Yet, fate intervened in the form of a record store and a handful of Tresor vinyls. The beats, the melodies, the pull of the DJ booth became an irresistible force.
“My friend had a record store with a small selection of Tresor records and German electronic music, so when I visited the store they asked me to play them some of the music I liked. Since that day, I never stopped. I spent all my time practising and collecting vinyl. There was some kind of energy pulling me in. Funnily, I went to the US to study and improve my English, but in the end, I found out what I really wanted to do with my life.”
As the years passed, Nature One became a hallowed ground, a homecoming for Klaudia. A decade of stages, a decade of memories, each set a testament to her enduring love for the craft. Tomorrowland, with its colossal stage and nerve-wracking charm, remained an evergreen milestone, a challenge met with boundless energy.
“In Germany, for me personally I think there is no better experience than Nature One. It’s like coming home. I’ve been playing this festival for over 10 years. I will never forget where I came from and that’s why I am so touched to be a headliner even after 10 years in a row playing on this stage.”
For Klaudia, the music scene is more than just beats and melodies; it’s a sanctuary where freedom, acceptance, and equality reign. It’s a place where no one asks about your origin, your beliefs, or who you love.
“There are many places in the world I don’t feel that welcome. But the first time I set
foot into a Techno club; I remember
the friendliness of everyone. I was far from my family in those days, and we didn’t have FaceTime back then, so to feel a family-like atmosphere within the club scene was nice.”
“At my first rave, I felt something similar, and I felt welcome as who I am, and also with my sexuality because I am gay. And this was a place where it was the norm. From going to feeling like I was a minority, it was a place I felt no different to anyone else.”
Klaudia’s label, Illusion Recordings, is a testament to her
dedication to the craft. Amidst a whirlwind of tours and new tracks, she’s set to release a series of heart-pounding beats, each proof of her unyielding passion.
“Hosting my own events will be my aim for the future.
I want to be able to create memorable nights with artists 4
mixmagsa.com
who I’d like to share the stage with. There’s a lot to do in the future and I’m looking forward to everything that’s in the pipeline.” Sustaining a career
for over two decades in the electronic
music scene is no small feat. For Klaudia, it’s the undying love and unshakeable passion for the music that fuels her.
“It’s the music and the fans that always keep me going. I’m addicted to this and my life as a DJ. Finding the perfect Drums, add some hi-hats, snares, melody and just create your own thing. This is what I love.”
In a landscape of ever-changing trends, Klaudia acknowledges the need for
evolution. Labels, like artists, must adapt.
It’s not about selling out to the mainstream, but about recognizing the ebb and flow of the industry.
“It’s not about selling your soul to the major labels. I think everyone has to accept new trends and go with it or leave it. It depends on your own goals when it comes to your music and career.”
As an LGBTQ figure, Klaudia sees a shift in attitudes. The music community has become a beacon of acceptance. It’s a place where one’s sexuality is not seen as a topic for discussion, but a simple truth. The journey towards inclusivity is ongoing, and she advocates for teaching the next generation to embrace and accept.
“Things like this take years and years, it’s a generational thing. This free-minded thinking meets a lot of resistance in countries with strong religious beliefs. It’s not easy. I always say; ‘It’s not important who you love, just that you have love in your heart’. This world has enough hate and jealousy. They find someone to blame and it’s always those innocent parties who fall into the conflict.”
“I believe the underground scene, where people are able to express themselves, has become one of the most inclusive places. Artists openly talk about their sexuality, and clubs have nights now geared towards the LGBTQ scene and the more explorative side of sex and human connection. And once again, no matter who you are – YOU ARE WELCOME!”
Looking ahead, Klaudia envisions herself on stage, pouring her soul into the music as long as she’s able. She seeks to delve deeper into producing, ever eager to learn and explore.
“I hope to stay healthy and happy, so I can keep
travelling the world with the excited eyes of a child. I am still very curious and want to discover so much more. This is very necessary if you want to have energy for a long DJ career.”
To aspiring DJs, Klaudia offers a blend of wisdom and realism. The digital age offers unprecedented opportunities, but it also means more competition. Luck, timing, and perseverance remain crucial.
“The hard part is luck. It means you may try many routes to make it to the top, some will work and others won’t. You need to be patient and persevere. A lot of things have changed, that’s true, but my advice is always the same: hard work, quality and continuity pay off. Love what you do, be thankful, be respectful, play as much and as often as you can, enjoy the moment, stay true and don’t do it just for the fame.”
Get ready for an electrifying ride with Klaudia’s upcoming releases. They’ll be sure to leave you wanting more, so keep those ears primed.
“My next releases will be a little bit faster and harder, with sounds
I played during the last two years and reflect the
current zeitgeist. I’m also working on some collaborations with amazing artists. We complement each other The tracks will be amazing, I have no doubt!
so well.
“When I started going out, and especially when I started DJing, I always wanted Techno to be heard by a bigger crowd. In nice venues and all around the world. And look where we are now - I think electronic music has never gotten this much attention, and I adore that. We are our own genre and we have the attention of the whole world. It’s beautiful. I’m very happy about that.”
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