In this edition of Verge NXT, we sit down with international DJ Claudia Buck and chat about how she got into DJing, her music tastes and what she has been up to this summer so far…
Why did you want to get into DJing and how did you start?
I’ve always felt like music has played a big role in my life – I’ve been singing and playing instruments since I was at school, and then got more into electronic music in the past 4-5 years or so. I had been wanting to try mixing and then was lucky to be introduced to someone who DJs and he offered to teach me. At the time he was launching a new series of nights called Volition – he gave me my first gig and now I’m one of the residents.
What kind of music do you love playing and why?
My favourite genre and the music we mainly play with Volition is italo – it’s more synth-heavy, nostalgic 80s-inspired disco – as well as EBM, a more industrial type of dance music with some elements of trance. I also love mixing big 90s house classics with more regular disco which is what I was playing out in Rome for Formula E.
As someone starting out, what advice can you give to others doing the same?
Just throw yourself into it and try and spend time in the studio as much as you can – there are great spaces you can rent across most big cities with decent equipment, and it’s quite affordable. If you can find someone to teach you the basics, that will help a lot. It’s then just practice and the more into a specific genre of music you are the better, as good track selection and really knowing your music is a huge part of it.
What was it like playing for Formula E and your first international gig?
It was the biggest stage and sound system I’ve experienced – it definitely took a while to get used to playing outside in a large space where the sound isn’t absorbed by any walls. It was amazing though to play to such an international audience as well as to have been part of a big professional and established event. I also loved being able to play some slightly different music to what I normally do – I think the more versatile you can be as a DJ the more gigs you’re likely to get especially when you’re starting out. It was definitely the hottest set I’ve ever played being mid-summer in Italy but I absolutely loved playing a small part in the overall fan experience!
What are some of the tracks you’ve been playing this summer and who should we be listening to?
I’m loving the French label Ritmo Fatale’s new EP Overdrive Fatality, especially ‘Oxygen’ by Supermarc/Amarcord which is getting the air time it deserves at a lot of events this summer. I also heard an old 80s banger ‘Hit that Perfect Beat’ by Bronski Beat played recently at a festival and I can’t stop listening to it.
Where can we see you in the coming months? Any new gigs coming up?
I’ll be playing at Volition’s next event in early September in East London and we’re super excited to have an italo legend coming over from Berlin to headline for us. Keep an eye on our Instagram (@volition__) for the details, as well as on Resident Advisor!
