HoS 131: Clarisa Kimskii | Home of Sound

In this episode, Clarisa Kimskii, the DJ, producer and founder of L.A.G. and the upcoming Please & Thank You, looks back on 25 years of throwing parties, co-running record shops, DJing and producing. She talks about walking away from momentum in New York and later Berlin to care for her parents, why "overnight success" usually means starting over more than once, and the Berghain and Beijing moments when it finally felt real. She also explains how coming out as a trans woman changed the way she plays, and why trusting her gut on when to drop the big one made all the difference.The conversation also turns to what the scene still gets wrong for artists who aren't cis white men. Clarisa describes being refused entry at the door of her own gig, and makes the case that real change means trans and queer people running and owning clubs, not just "no transphobia" stickers. She shares her view on commercial vs underground, why she's quietly turned down big paychecks that didn't sit right, and the three words she lives by: stay hopeful always.If you enjoyed this interview, want to support this series and take your music production skills to the next level, check out our online masterclasses athttps://www.homeofsound.co.uk/?affcode=663761__t0zs7xvSign-up to receive weekly updates to level up your production skills:https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1156751/166422025835906742/shareClarisa Kimskii:IG: https://www.instagram.com/clarisa_kimskiiSC: https://soundcloud.com/kimskiiHoS:IG: https://instagram.com/home_of_soundHome of Sound is a virtual Home to meet, connect and learn through sound.Learn directly from artists like Rødhåd, Blawan, Temudo, Rene Wise, Daniel Avery, Kangding Ray, Phase Fatale, Ansome, Shifted, Freddy K, Lady Starlight, Setaoc Mass, Olivia Mendez, Red Rooms, TWR72, Kameliia and many more.

In this episode, Emmanuel — founder of ARTS — talks about what it actually takes to build an independent label into a lasting institution: finding a true audience, staying financially sustainable, and the mix of luck, timing and consistent work behind breakout records like I Hate Models' "Daydream." He reflects on what he's learned about running ARTS over the past decade, and what he'd tell himself back in 2013 if he could.The conversation also turns to some of the harder parts of doing this in public — including being accused of plagiarism, and how quickly people online are willing to judge before understanding the full story. Emmanuel speaks candidly about how damaging snap judgement can be, why he tries to catch himself before doing it to others, and how community and genuine friendship have helped him navigate a role that can otherwise be pretty isolating.If you enjoyed this interview, want to support this series and take your music production skills to the next level, check out our online masterclasses athttps://www.homeofsound.co.uk/?affcode=663761__t0zs7xvSign-up to receive weekly updates to level up your production skills:https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1156751/166422025835906742/shareEmmanuel:IG: https://instagram.com/emmanuelartsSC: https://soundcloud.com/emmanuelHoS:IG: https://instagram.com/home_of_soundHome of Sound is a virtual Home to meet, connect and learn through sound.Learn directly from artists like Rødhåd, Blawan, Temudo, Rene Wise, Daniel Avery, Kangding Ray, Phase Fatale, Ansome, Shifted, Freddy K, Lady Starlight, Setaoc Mass, Olivia Mendez, Red Rooms, TWR72, Kameliia and many more.

In this episode, Wallis talks about the friend who pushed her to buy turntables, her move from Paris to Berlin, and the strange, small milestone that made it feel real: getting a tax number for her music. She's honest about overthinking versus the fearless impulsiveness of her younger self, the writer's block that hit during COVID, and how she broke it by giving up on trying to make anything "work" and just writing what felt true to her.The conversation also covers founding and stepping back from her label GEL, why every track title in her catalogue reads like a diary entry, and a memorably bad festival booking that taught her to stop chasing crowd reactions at the expense of her own sound. Wallis reflects on her complicated relationship with social media, why she now streams herself playing video games on Twitch instead, and closes on what actually keeps her grounded: routine, the gym, and real friends.If you enjoyed this interview, want to support this series and take your music production skills to the next level, check out our online masterclasses athttps://www.homeofsound.co.uk/?affcode=663761__t0zs7xvSign-up to receive weekly updates to level up your production skills:https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1156751/166422025835906742/shareWallis:IG: https://instagram.com/wallis909SC: https://soundcloud.com/wallis-musicHoS:IG: https://instagram.com/home_of_soundHome of Sound is a virtual Home to meet, connect and learn through sound.Learn directly from artists like Rødhåd, Blawan, Temudo, Rene Wise, Daniel Avery, Kangding Ray, Phase Fatale, Ansome, Shifted, Freddy K, Lady Starlight, Setaoc Mass, Olivia Mendez, Red Rooms, TWR72, Kameliia and many more.

In this episode, Kander (Alex) traces his roots in Manchester's DIY jungle and drum & bass scene, discovering production almost by accident in high school, and how thirteen years of trial and error shaped his sound. He talks candidly about the moment Kobosil signed his breakout EP on 44, the risk of turning down a VA slot to hold out for a full release, and why he still treats making music as "producing with purpose" rather than opening a blank project and hoping.The conversation also covers a rough professional dip — losing bookings after stepping back from social media and self-promotion — and the team effort (including hiring dedicated social media help) that brought his career back. Kander reflects on curating for label Teletech without letting personal taste get in the way, and closes with a candid take on how influencer culture is reshaping who gets booked in dance music today.If you enjoyed this interview, want to support this series and take your music production skills to the next level, check out our online masterclasses athttps://www.homeofsound.co.uk/?affcode=663761__t0zs7xvSign-up to receive weekly updates to level up your production skills:https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1156751/166422025835906742/shareKander:IG: https://www.instagram.com/kander.infoSC: https://soundcloud.com/kan-derHoS:IG: https://instagram.com/home_of_soundHome of Sound is a virtual Home to meet, connect and learn through sound.Learn directly from artists like Rødhåd, Blawan, Temudo, Rene Wise, Daniel Avery, Kangding Ray, Phase Fatale, Ansome, Shifted, Freddy K, Lady Starlight, Setaoc Mass, Olivia Mendez, Red Rooms, TWR72, Kameliia and many more.

In this episode, Charlie Sparks talks about the constant search for balance between touring, producing, and staying mentally well — and why he's learned to embrace it when life isn't balanced at all. He frames his whole journey through One Piece and anime: levelling up, hitting walls, and treating failure as the fastest route to progress. Charlie also traces his path from studying architecture to discovering techno at university, and the night at Tobacco Dock watching Enrico Sangiuliano that convinced him to start creating that feeling himself.The conversation also covers his complicated relationship with social media, welcoming hate comments as proof he's doing something different, early mentorship from I Hate Models and Dax J, and how his album "Power Up" marked a return to making music for himself. He closes on what matters most: sharing the experience with people he loves, over chasing fame or money alone.If you enjoyed this interview, want to support this series and take your music production skills to the next level, check out our online masterclasses athttps://www.homeofsound.co.uk/?affcode=663761__t0zs7xvSign-up to receive weekly updates to level up your production skills:https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1156751/166422025835906742/shareCharlie Sparks:IG: https://instagram.com/charliesparksmusicSC: https://soundcloud.com/charlie-sparks-531540495HoS:IG: https://instagram.com/home_of_soundHome of Sound is a virtual Home to meet, connect and learn through sound.Learn directly from artists like Rødhåd, Blawan, Temudo, Rene Wise, Daniel Avery, Kangding Ray, Phase Fatale, Ansome, Shifted, Freddy K, Lady Starlight, Setaoc Mass, Olivia Mendez, Red Rooms, TWR72, Kameliia and many more.

In this episode, Raffaele Attanasio reflects on his creative process, from the spontaneous making of “Gundam” to the discipline, self-criticism and patience behind his productions. He speaks about avoiding deadlines, trusting intuition in the studio, taking breaks from unfinished tracks, and how his musical background in piano, drums, percussion and early beat-making shaped his approach to techno.The conversation also explores his relationship with Jeff Mills, Detroit techno, Axis Records, and the unexpected back-to-back moment that changed his career. Raffaele shares insights into running South Signatures, scouting new artists, releasing music without forcing the process, staying authentic on social media, and encouraging producers to believe in their own sound while the techno scene continues to change.If you enjoyed this interview, want to support this series and take your music production skills to the next level, check out our online masterclasses athttps://www.homeofsound.co.uk/?affcode=663761__t0zs7xvSign-up to receive weekly updates to level up your production skills:https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1156751/166422025835906742/shareRaffaele Attanasio:IG: https://instagram.com/raffaele_attanasio_ofcSC: https://soundcloud.com/raffaele_attanasioHoS:IG: https://instagram.com/home_of_soundHome of Sound is a virtual Home to meet, connect and learn through sound.Learn directly from artists like Rødhåd, Blawan, Temudo, Rene Wise, Daniel Avery, Kangding Ray, Phase Fatale, Ansome, Shifted, Freddy K, Lady Starlight, Setaoc Mass, Olivia Mendez, Red Rooms, TWR72, Kameliia and many more.

In this interview, ABS8LUTE reflects on how her Caribbean roots, especially the rhythms and traditional music of Guadeloupe, shape her approach to hypnotic and groovy techno. She talks about reclaiming those influences through her sets, blending cultural memory with club music, and finding confidence as a DJ after starting later than many others.The conversation also explores representation, FLINTA and queer communities, safer spaces in nightlife, mentorship, mental health, and the importance of building scenes where people from underrepresented backgrounds can feel visible, supported, and genuinely included.If you enjoyed this interview, want to support this series and take your music production skills to the next level, check out our online masterclasses at https://www.homeofsound.co.uk/?affcode=663761__t0zs7xvSign-up to receive weekly updates to level up your production skills: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1156751/166422025835906742/shareABS8LUTE:IG: https://instagram.com/abs8luteSC: https://soundcloud.com/abs8luteHoS: IG: https://instagram.com/home_of_soundHome of Sound is a virtual Home to meet, connect and learn through sound.Learn directly from artists like Rødhåd, Blawan, Temudo, Rene Wise, Daniel Avery, Kangding Ray, Phase Fatale, Ansome, Shifted, Freddy K, Lady Starlight, Setaoc Mass, Olivia Mendez, Red Rooms, TWR72, Kameliia and many more.

Check out SORCERY's Masterclass - Designing & Performing a Techno Live Set: From Tracks to Playable Systems https://www.homeofsound.co.uk/p/sorcery-masterclass-designing-performing-techno-live-set-from-tracks-to-playable-systems?affcode=663761__t0zs7xvIn this episode, Joseph sits down with Merlin, aka Sorcery, to explore the world behind his music, live sets, and artistic evolution.Merlin reflects on the origins of the Sorcery project, his background as a drummer, and how physical rhythm continues to shape his approach to electronic production. He discusses the balance between complexity, functionality, and self-expression in live performance, sharing insights from playing spaces like Berghain and refining his hybrid setup.The conversation also touches on his creative mission, collaboration with Max Cooper, the challenges of sustaining a long-term artistic career, and the importance of staying curious, open, and energised by music, people, and new experiences.Sign-up to receive weekly updates to level up your production skills: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1156751/166422025835906742/shareSORCERY:IG: https://instagram.com/sorcery_musicSC: https://soundcloud.com/sorcery_musicHoS: IG: https://instagram.com/home_of_soundHome of Sound is a virtual Home to meet, connect and learn through sound.Learn directly from artists like Rødhåd, Blawan, Temudo, Rene Wise, Daniel Avery, Kangding Ray, Phase Fatale, Ansome, Shifted, Freddy K, Lady Starlight, Setaoc Mass, Olivia Mendez, Red Rooms, TWR72, Kameliia and many more.

In this interview, Mary Yuzovskaya reflects on her journey from early piano lessons and cassette culture to becoming a vinyl-focused DJ, producer, and founder of Monday Off. She discusses how New York shaped her identity, her move to Berlin, the meaning behind her deep, hypnotic techno sound, and the discipline required to sustain a creative life.The conversation also explores the realities of running an independent vinyl label, balancing artistic freedom with financial limits, staying stubborn about what matters, and protecting mental health while touring.If you enjoyed this interview, want to support this series and take your music production skills to the next level, check out our online masterclasses at https://www.homeofsound.co.uk/?affcode=663761__t0zs7xvSign-up to receive weekly updates to level up your production skills: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1156751/166422025835906742/shareMary Yuzovskaya:IG: https://instagram.com/mary_yuzovskayaSC: https://soundcloud.com/bananamilkHoS:IG: https://instagram.com/home_of_soundHome of Sound is a virtual Home to meet, connect and learn through sound.Learn directly from artists like Rødhåd, Blawan, Temudo, Rene Wise, Daniel Avery, Kangding Ray, Phase Fatale, Ansome, Shifted, Freddy K, Lady Starlight, Setaoc Mass, Olivia Mendez, Red Rooms, TWR72 and many more.

In this interview, Tigerhead reflects on growing up in a family of visual artists, her early path through painting, and the moment music became the art form that truly moved through her body. She discusses discovering punk, post-punk, The Prodigy, Miss Kittin and Peaches, before finding her way into techno, DJing, and the underground electronic scene.The conversation explores the difference between DJing and producing, the role of peace and focus in the creative process, the freedom she finds behind the decks, and how she balances artistic life with motherhood, touring, relationships, fear, expectations and self-discipline.Tigerhead also shares thoughts on staying connected to your own sound, resisting pressure from the industry, trusting time, working hard without entitlement, and allowing life to show you whether a path is truly yours.If you enjoyed this interview, want to support this series and take your music production skills to the next level, check out our online masterclasses athttps://www.homeofsound.co.uk/?affcode=663761__t0zs7xvSign-up to receive weekly updates to level up your production skills: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1156751/166422025835906742/shareTigerhead:IG: https://www.instagram.com/tigerheadjSC: https://soundcloud.com/tigerheadHoS: IG: https://www.instagram.com/home_of_soundWEB: https://www.homeofsound.co.ukHome of Sound is a virtual Home to meet, connect and learn through sound.Learn directly from artists like Rødhåd, Blawan, Temudo, Rene Wise, Daniel Avery, Kangding Ray, Phase Fatale, Ansome, Shifted, Freddy K, Lady Starlight, Setaoc Mass, Olivia Mendez, Red Rooms, TWR72 and many more.