Mute, a vinyl-only DJ, first explored the art world before discovering rave culture and the free party scene. She sees vinyl as a ritual of resistance and it has become her language. She crafts hybrid sonic journeys defined by textured waves, balancing tension with moments that breathe for the dancefloor, which she calls "her wolfpack." A highly active figure on the local scene, she helped launch the bass music label Sens Inverse Records, she is a co-founder of the association shop Le Générateur, and organizes the "Make Some Noise" events, which celebrate artistic singularity. She is currently working on a vinyl release co-produced with Nano (Ena Eno). Get ready to meet an artist whose journey embodies a relentless quest for creative freedom.

 

What was the environment like where you grew up?

I was lucky enough to grow up in a very creative and deeply human family, shaped by an unconventional mother who was a huge inspiration to me. She passed on a kind of gentle non-conformity to me: The freedom to be oneself and the conviction that our unique traits are our strength. Music and Dance have always been an essential part of my life. I tried several instruments before settling on the piano for a number of years, and dance is still a big part of my life. Later, I studied art in Strasbourg and it taught me to observe the world, to question my surroundings, and - above all - to cultivate my curiosity.

 

How did you discover electronic music, and what was it that immediately hooked you?

It was friendships forged through music that led me to travel great distances to attend free parties. What hooked me right away was rave culture. I felt a strong connection to its values ​​of freedom, committed expression, and resistance. It just made perfect sense. Amidst the bass, no one asks where you come from. What moves me is the "us": a multitude of unique individuals united by the same beat. A community. I also find a resonance there with my own artistic journey. In my performances* (pictures below), I explore the links between different mediums of expression: video, the body, dance, clothing, text, and sound. Sound connects them without blurring the lines between them. Rave works the same way: each element retains its own voice, texture and presence. They respond to one another and compose a shared narrative. Sound flows through them, connecting them and setting the whole thing in motion. A living, collective and evolving work of art. Something to be seen, even with your eyes closed. A space of freedom, committed to freedom. A spiral of love, creation, and sharing - driven by an insatiable curiosity. That is what made me want to be part of this story.

What are the major influences that have shaped your soundscape today?

My soundscape has been built through my experiences, the people I’ve met, and my travels. I’d describe it as having a "technoid" vibe, infused with UK dubstep from circa 2000, rave sounds, breakbeat, drum & bass, new wave, and punk, but also incorporating more contemplative music. My style also comes through in how I compose and perform. I create spaces and times - "Waves"—where these influences converge. Precise transitions connect them, creating movement and allowing the journey to evolve. I might follow a heavy breakbeat track with a new wave song, or end a mix with just a few piano notes. I also use techniques like the "Motor Off" effect to stretch a sound, induce distortion, and bring in a vocal. I’ll speed up a break, then abruptly stop the record to create a sudden shift. I experiment with the sonic texture and the unique possibilities of vinyl, specifically by leaving room for happy accidents and the unexpected. That’s what generates the mix's energy.

What was the catalyst that drove you to get into DJing?

It was a movement that carried me along - and one I’m still part of today. Upon arriving in Strasbourg, I helped launch a women’s collective; then came the Sens Inverse adventure—an association and label through which we released EPs and organized numerous events. Our parties were defined primarily by UK Bass music. They came to life at Le Molodoï - an iconic hub of Strasbourg’s independent culture - and at free parties held in the woods, bunkers, or warehouses around the city. We spent hours in trucks, in basements, or on dirt tracks, waiting for the way to clear. Every summer, the road called us eastward. To the Teknivals in the Czech Republic—known as CzechTek* (picture below) - to the endless nights of Breakfest with Spiral Tribe, and to impromptu after-parties in Prague’s underground bars and squats. In Ljubljana, we ran silk-screen printing workshops at alternative festivals. In Belgrade, we took part in a project co-organized with a Strasbourg art school, followed by a free party in Novi Sad once the festival wrapped up. Not to mention Berlin, where - during the "Open Da Squat" event - we took over an old brewery to throw a party for a few hours. At every stage, there were artists and dreamers—communities inventing their own spaces of freedom and resistance. I still have so many stories in my head. But the rave keeps its secrets, too. That spirit still resonates today in certain clubs, where "no photo, no video" policies protect something precious: presence. It was within that atmosphere that I felt a strong urge to start DJing. I want to give a special thanks to my friend Djane Ki—a brilliant musician who deeply inspired me and taught me how to mix.

 

Could you describe your sound in three words?

Unique textured journey.

 

As a vinyl culture enthusiast, what does the format mean to you?

I often say that "time doesn't exist," and for me, vinyl is a beautiful embodiment of that idea.

In a world where everything moves fast, listening to vinyl is almost an act of resistance. Taking out the record, dropping the needle, listening to Side A, then flipping it over - it’s a ritual that invites me to slow down and be fully present. It’s also a collaborative work of art. Various artists come together with their sensibilities to create a single object. It’s like a DJ set, where different sounds and stories combine to form one cohesive journey. Vinyl fosters connection. We discover records, talk about them, and give them as gifts. We collect them and listen to them together - whether at home or on the Dancefloor. For me, DJing with vinyl is a performance - a physical, living, vibrant experience where the body plays a part. It involves movement and material; emotions flow and are shared.

 

They say vinyl is addictive! How many records are in your collection? As a purist, do you have any tips for those just starting out with a "vinyl-only" approach?

I don’t know exactly how many I have, but - paradoxically - I never have enough, and yet all of a sudden, I have too many. As for advice, I’d say: take your time - just a little bit each day. Handle your records, spin them, explore.

 

What’s the last vinyl record you bought?

It’s a record by Kerrie: “Waves of Reverie PT1” - Cultivated Electronics. A mix of techno and raw electro - I love it.

 

What are your top 5 favorite record stores?

In Madrid, Melting Pot Records - the shop is owned by a friend and drum 'n' bass master, Gon, along with his partner, DJ and producer Elias the Prophet. In Berlin, I regularly visit Oye, Hard Wax, and La Remise, where I always find hidden gems. In Paris, Yoyaku, for all its unique finds. In Prague, Gram, for the old-school breakbeat selection. I can’t wait to go back to Tbilisi, Georgia, to dig through the crates at Morevi and Vodkast. Not to mention Locked Grooves, my local shop in Strasbourg. And, of course, there’s always Discogs, where so many treasures lie waiting!

 

If I say "Make Some Noise," what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

"Make Some Noise!" that’s the name of the events I organize in Strasbourg. An invitation, an impulse, a message of freedom for uninhibited expression. From its most literal translation - making noise - came a simple idea: everyone carries a unique vibration within them. A voice, an energy, a sensibility. Make Your Noise! It’s a call to bring that vibration to life, to share it, to let it resonate. "Make Some Noise!" brings together artistic worlds that converge and converse with one another. DJs tell stories through their selections. Performers step in between sets - sometimes even during them—creating connections. VJing becomes the night’s unifying thread, linking everything together through a stream of images. From the promotional visuals to the music itself, everything contributes to creating a unified language. A huge thank you to the artists and friends who bring this adventure to life and make it pulse with energy, passion, and generosity. We don’t end the night. We extend the frequency. Your Noise. "Make Some Noise" is also the title of a track I co-produced with my friend Hapro, released in 2024 on his record “Have Fun”. This project gave me the chance to give voice and sound to that message. You can listen to it on my Soundcloud. And there are still a few vinyl copies available.

You were involved in the launch of the Sens Inverse Records label. Do you envision starting your own label someday? If so, with what kind of vision?

Sens Inverse no longer exists today, but that adventure enriched my journey and left a real mark on the Bass Music scene in Strasbourg. So yes - perhaps one day I’ll start my own label, and why not link it to "Make Some Noise" and call it: "Make Your Noise!"

 

You are currently working on a vinyl release. Could you tell us more about it?

This project grew out of a desire to make music with my friend Nano, aka Ena Eno. Our musical connection naturally led us to the idea of ​​a vinyl record. What I love about this project is the co-production aspect—the way our influences and sensibilities intersect. People often encouraged me to produce, noting that my DJ sets already had a structured, almost live-performance feel to them. I wanted to explore that dimension, learn by doing, and—above all—collaborate with someone else. The project is moving along steadily; we’re taking the time to create something that truly reflects who we are.

 

What is the philosophy behind the "shop collective"?

I am a founding member of Le Générateur, a shop run by its own collective in Strasbourg that celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. We created it with the aim of showcasing local art and craftsmanship in a spirit of collaboration, where artists and artisans are fully involved in the project. For instance, the creators themselves staff the shop, which allows for interaction with the public, discussions about the artwork, and the chance to discover each other's work. Events also play a key role in this dynamic, allowing Le Générateur to reach beyond its walls and become an integral part of the city's cultural life. I coordinated this aspect for a long time and created the "Parades"—street processions that served as a space for freedom where music, Voguing, Drag performances, and diverse artistic expressions could come together. They were inspired by the culture of New Orleans, a city I visited frequently and where I first discovered the world of Drag.

 

You are definitely an artist to watch closely. What is it about the current electronic music scene that fascinates you?

What fascinates me is the energy this movement continues to generate. There is always that desire to come together around the music. It feels like something almost infinite and vital.

 

How did your first gig at Tresor go? What memories do you have of it?

I think the word "singularity" has come up most often in this interview. And it’s quite striking to see how fate played a hand, since it was actually the "Singularity" party that hosted me and allowed me to experience that absolutely unforgettable moment. That’s how the story begins, and I really want to thank them for giving me the chance to express myself at Tresor. “I’ll never forget walking down that long corridor—with my vinyl records and you.” And then there’s a little story that makes me smile. A friend from Berlin once gave me a key, saying: "This is the key to Tresor. One day, you’ll go and DJ there with it." A few weeks before the gig—for my birthday—my friend Annie Sibert, a jeweler, gave me a piece of jewelry that also featured a small key. So, on the big day, I had those two lucky keys in my record crate. In a way, in my mind, "I unlocked the Tresor with them." I was lucky enough to play the opening set, and I crafted a progressive journey inspired by the venue itself. I felt the energy on the Dancefloor build up to a completely wild finale driven by breakbeat tracks. The roar of the crowd at that moment spoke volumes. Thanks again to all my friends who came to hear me play, and to the whole Tresor team for the warm welcome. See you soon...

 

And do you plan to move to Berlin to further your career?

I visit Berlin quite regularly - especially for the record stores, exhibits, to discover new alternative spots - and sometimes to perform there. I have to admit I feel really at home there, and the idea of ​​living there crosses my mind more and more often. Even though, of course, the thought of moving away from Kalt makes me hesitate.

 

You’re lucky enough to play regularly at KALT, considered one of the most respected clubs in France; what makes the venue so unique?

KALT is unique. It doesn’t resemble anything else; it simply is. My connection with KALT began on the street. Its posters - like flashes across the city - would gently send basslines echoing through my mind. It is a total club experience: Raw architecture that allows every night to find its own expression; Precise sound engineering; A discerning lineup that fosters a dialogue between international artists and the local scene. Within its walls - and throughout its nights - art finds expression in various forms. Lighting: an uncompromising aesthetic crafted by Visual and Line. Bold, precise lines that reveal bodies and the dancefloor in fragments. Every event has its own image, and every image its own signature: Artwork: Timothée Boubay. There is a dedicated space for temporary exhibitions, and occasionally, performance art finds its way into the club. KALT is an inclusive venue, with special attention paid to the Queer Community. This welcoming spirit is naturally felt in the club's atmosphere.

 

To my "Home of the Heart":

Thank you to the entire KALT

team for bringing these nights

to life and for having me with you.

"No photos, no videos"

~ Just be here ~

 

What are your top 5 European clubs, and why?

Thank you to all the clubs that have hosted me and to those I’ll soon encounter.

KALT in Strasbourg - my "Home of the Heart."

TRESOR in Berlin - for its history.

FUCHS2 in Prague - for its raw energy.

SABAGIRO in Tbilisi - for its magic.

BUDE in Kutaisi - for that "first time" feeling.

SILODOM in Saarbrücken - for its colors.

 

What is your definition of "free party"?

I’d say that "Free Partying" is a passionate movement. Let’s keep our Freedom alive in the face of the repression trying to silence us.

 

What are your top 5 favorite labels—the ones that feature in your sets?

GOOG Records / HAYES / EMC / Analogue / Planet Rhythm / Aufnahme + Wiedergabe / Mechatronica / Non Series / KHIDI / DISTRITO 91 / UR...

 

Any pre-show rituals?

I visualize the crowd dancing and feeling the music with me.

 

Your favorite spots to chill in Strasbourg?

My artist friends' studios. There’s always a new creation to discover and good times to share.

 

Your top 5 recent releases that made an impression on you? 

. Circus Operandi "Blah Blah"

. Perfo "Souvenir" (Rolling Club)

. Loam (20) "Rrose x Tommy Four Seven"

. TaronX "6433"

. Ignez "Us In The Sand"

 

Your top 5 old releases—the ones you never get tired of playing? 

. Rude 66 -"Machine"

. Si Begg "Jetlag and Tinnitus"

. Miss Kittin & Anna "Forever Ravers"

. Johannes Heil "Paranoid Dancer"

. Player "Three"

. Anthony Rother "Punks"

 

Without music, life would be…

"Without music, life would be... the silence of an eclipse that never ends.

A single note on the infinite keyboard of life—boring."

 

Which artist has really blown you away recently?

Adiel’s mixes and also Octo Octa & Eris Drew, and Djrum’s performances.

 

Your projects to come?

I’d like to find an agency I truly connect with, so I can share more with other artists—supporting, exchanging ideas, collaborating, and growing together. I also want to dedicate more time to vinyl and digging for records, and really dive into production. I want to keep growing as an artist while staying true to who I am.

 

Interviewed by Sabrina Bouzidi / translated by Eli Finberg

header photo by Varvara Kandaurova 

Photo 2 : Performance “Do You Want To Dance With Me” Kimono-Designed by Cécile Roque (Mute) in collaboration with Betty Baker. Installation by ELVEXRICK and photo by Jesus S. Baptista. Dancer: Annabelle Marasi. Track: Wolves x Mute (vocals)

Photo 3 by Julie Baldeck (Teknival Tchèque, Czeck tech).

Photo 4 by Nicolas Fender - Maybe Marley - Bord de Ligne - Péniche Mécanique, Sbx.