CS EXCLUSIVE | Eau Claire
Not only is she a more than adept talent behind the decks, but she also happens to have one of the most infectious attitudes around, and this consistently shines through in her seamless blend of nu disco and indie dance. It’s always refreshing to see talent and affability go hand-in-hand, and our girl Eau Claire has without a doubt got those in spades. The DC-based producer has been on a steady rise over the past year, opening up for the likes of Duke Dumont and Flight Facilities to name a few, plus dishing out chart-topping remixes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and MIA. And it’s pretty safe to say she’s making an impression.
So we’re excited to deliver our newest CS Exclusive with her today, and couldn’t have asked for better vibes. Turn the mixtape on blast, dive into a great interview, and get ready to jam.
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Track List •
1 • That’s Nice — Holiday ft Josh Moriarty (Keljet Remix) 2 • Reflex — Together (COLOUR VISION Remix) 3 • Azealia Banks — Chasing Time (Le Flex remix) 4 • Never Say Never — The Half 5 • Basic Tape — Sunny Spell 6 • Just Kiddin — Thinking About It (Ghassemi Remix) 7 • Tesla55 — It’s You (Bishiclet Remix) 8 • 8th Grader — Morro Bae (JNL Remix) 9 • LANY — Bad, Bad, Bad (Matt DiMona Remix) 10 • Hayden James — Something About You 11 • Jason Burns — Back 2 You (Remix) 12 • Pink Feathers — The Feelings Gone (Eau Claire Remix) 13 • Pat Lok Feat Desiree Dawson — All in My Head (Cyclist Remix) 14 • Marvin Gaye — How Sweet It Is (Eau Claire Remix) 15 • Just Kiddin — Always There (Instrumental Mix)
Interview •
Caveman Sound: Let's get started by hearing a bit about what went into this mix you've made for us.
Eau Claire: You'll find some newer tracks that have been on my radar the last few months as well as some of my older favorites. I like my mixes to have a particular ebb and flow; emitting a positive and carefree vibe from start to finish.
CS: Your style is a great blend of nu disco, house and indie dance - what draws you to these particular vibes?
EC: Growing up with a classical piano background I pay a lot of attention to the melodies and harmonies of songs, sometimes more than lyrics. Music is a universal language that can bring any emotion to the table, so in a world that can often filled with stress and hardship I want my music to influence people in a positive way. I feel that nu disco, house, and indie dance songs suit my 'feel-good' vibe.
CS: We've yet to experience it, so what's the feel of the dance scene in DC?
EC: The DC music scene is great! There's such a variety of artists here you can find any kind of music to hear out on any given night. The dance community is smaller compared to New York or LA, but it's something that I'm really glad to have because people are so closely knit around here. The vibe is super chill around U street where a lot of the underground scene is and the focus is on the music rather than dress code and bottle service.
CS: You've opened for some great artists at U Street Music Hall, a club that seems to be where we'd spend most of our nights if we lived out there — tell us about the space and what your favorite show has been so far.
EC: I've been so grateful for all the opportunities I've had to perform at U Street Music Hall. I haven't been to too many other clubs but I know that the energy there is like no other. The venue is in the basement level, with a capacity for about 500 that often sells out. The club is genuinely focused on being a dance space solely focused on the music and talent they bring in with very limited seating and no table/bottle service. My favorite show at U Street Music Hall was definitely my show supporting Duke Dumont last year as my duo project Man & Woman. It was my first time performing to a sold out crowd and the energy there was unbelievable.
I recently supported Flight Facilities at a the 9:30 Club in DC that was presented by UHall and I'd have to say that was my favorite show of all time. Their set with the very talented Owl Eyes was beyond amazing. On top of that I had the opportunity to perform for a sold out crowd of over 1K which was such an unforgettable experience.
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CS: It's no secret the scene needs more women in the mix - can you talk a bit about your thoughts on the subject and who you're inspired by?
EC: Absolutely, there's so much potential for women in dance music and I’m happy to see growing support for female artists. Although the the electronic dance music arena is still very strongly male dominated there are many opportunities for women to get involved. Learning to produce or DJ can be intimidating to anyone because there’s not just one set way of doing things so I encourage anyone who’s thinking about to just go for it. I’m a strong believer in learning by doing and that way you can develop you own unique sound. I’ve had a lot of inspiration from Anna Lunoe, Chela, Pink Feathers, and Tokimonsta to name a few; it’s great to see these ladies do their thing and really own the stage during their performances
CS: Your music is the soundtrack to what city?
EC: Mexico City; I’ve been there once, and found the people there had carefree attitudes and the energy there was fun and playful. The climate is also pretty mild there which i think is well suited for my feel-good nu disco.
CS: If you could pick any venue, festival or place to play in world, where would it be?
EC: My goal right now is to play at CRSSD fest and Splash House one of these days. I’m sure that will change, but its what I have my sights set on at the moment!
CS: We know you've got a pretty busy schedule coming up - what's on deck for releases, shows and all?
EC: Very much so! I’m leaving for Miami today for MMW and there may very well be some Eau Claire cameos ;) On the calendar I’ve got a show in NYC at Kinfolk 94 on April 24th as well as other bookings in the works! As for releases, I’ve got my hands full with several official remixes in the works for SPEAK, Saint Motel, Misun, and Golden Coast as well as plans for my first EP this year.
A big thanks goes to Eau Claire for having a chat with us. Connect with her on social below if you haven't already, there's sure to be some excited things coming soon!
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