A DJ's unique journey unfolds as stories shift from elite dance schools to underground raves. Ceci shares enlightening insights on the politics of DJ collectives and the dynamics of queer dancefloors. Nostalgic moments highlight Bristol's vibrant nightlife and reflect on music's role in identity. The challenges of mixing and digital archiving take center stage, alongside humorous reflections on encounters with former political figures. This blend of personal narrative and cultural critique showcases the artistry of DJing in today's music landscape.
CCL's diverse background and journey through various cities has shaped their unique approach to DJing and music curation.
The discussion highlights the tension between catering to audience expectations and maintaining artistic integrity in DJ performances.
CCL emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and authenticity within music collectives to foster inclusive spaces in the electronic community.
Deep dives
Encounter with Liz Truss
The speaker shares an intriguing personal experience of working out at a gym frequented by Liz Truss, the former British Prime Minister. They describe attending a circuits class where Truss occasionally participates, highlighting the odd nature of sharing the space with someone of her political stature. The speaker humorously reflects on the contrast between Truss's high-profile position and the unassuming nature of their inexpensive gym. Moreover, they mention the security measures surrounding Truss, noting how her bodyguards have transitioned from formal suits to gym attire, making her presence feel even more surreal.
Cinema Anecdote
A fascinating story unfolds regarding Liz Truss during a cinema visit, where the speaker learns about Truss's peculiar booking habits. According to a barmaid, Truss demands that multiple rows of seats surrounding her be kept empty for privacy, a privilege she supposedly receives at no charge, raising questions about entitlement post-premiership. The speaker juxtaposes this behaviour against the backdrop of Truss's relatively modest choice of gym facilities, provoking thoughts on political privilege and public perception. This anecdote paints Truss as a figure grappling with the remnants of her political status amidst casual public life.
Interview with DJ CCL
The podcast transitions to an interview with CCL, a versatile DJ based in Berlin known for their eclectic musical choices and rich backstory. The conversation highlights CCL's early influences and experiences in the DJ scene, particularly reflecting on their approach to blending genres and creating unique sets. The hosts express admiration for CCL’s ability to create a captivating atmosphere, especially in settings that might traditionally favor genre-specific performances. CCL’s commitment to authenticity and exploration in their craft leads to discussions around the evolving landscape of DJ culture.
Dance Floor Dynamics
CCL elaborates on the importance of understanding dance floor dynamics and the challenge of catering to diverse crowds. They candidly describe instances where they deviated from audience expectations, grappling with how to gain trust and maintain engagement. The notion of playing slower tempos or unexpected tracks is emphasized, as CCL aims to challenge conventional energy flows during their sets. This discussion reveals a deeper insight into the artistry behind DJing, where spontaneity and connection with the crowd are paramount.
Creating Queer Spaces
The conversation shifts to the broader implications of building inclusive music spaces within the electronic music community. CCL reflects on their experience with collectives aimed at promoting non-cis male DJs, acknowledging the importance of these initiatives while highlighting the need for continued evolution beyond simple categorization. They emphasize that while creating platforms for underrepresented identities has been vital, there must also be consideration for intersectionality and ongoing dialogues about representation. The importance of authenticity in music and events is reiterated, urging that identity should not be commodified.
Cinematic Recommendations
CCL shares their recommendation for the film 'Medusa Deluxe,' a darkly comedic murder mystery set within a hairdressing competition. This quirky film resonates with them due to its blend of camp and serious themes, embodied in a unique filmmaking style reminiscent of classic dark comedies. The narrative's fusion of humor and heavier subject matter appeals to CCL's artistic sensibilities, reminding listeners of the power of nuanced storytelling in film and its potential to influence wider creative practices. This film recommendation encapsulates CCL's overall ethos of blending seemingly disparate elements to produce art that resonates on various levels.
A true DJ’s DJ, CCL is typical of the kind of artist we both admire: someone with reassuringly broad taste, a lifelong affinity with the underground and a winningly self-deprecating sense of humour.
After obsessing over their recorded mixes for ages we realised we knew almost nothing about Ceci the person. Turns out, there’s much to tell – with past lives in Moscow, Rome, Bristol and Seattle, their life story veers from elite dance schools to cider-swilling student nights via stints as a festival booker, trainee coder and crisis hotline staffer.
We sat down with Ceci between two London gigs for a great IRL conversation, going deep on the intricacies (and flaws!) of Rekordbox, the politics of DJ collectives, the dynamics of queer dancefloors, the importance of digital archiving and more, all threaded through their unique life story.
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