CUARTAS: Delicate & Strong MIX
We’re coming in with a delicate & strong hybrid-talent ready to blast off —- Michell Cuartas was born and raised in NJ and and started producing in 2019 after switching gears as a DJ since graduating from the DJing Certification Program at Scratch DJ Academy in 2015. Rhythm has been her obsession since growing up in a Colombian household in NJ that was filled with music ranging from 90's R&B/Hip-hop to Colombian vallenatos to heavy metal to UK Garage. In middle school, Michell taught herself to play the drums and, since then, has performed in a variety of bands. Fair warning: she’s about to drop new tracks with us that hint at Blends, Blends, Blends. I’m not just speaking musically, but also with other forms of (mainly creative) mediums to stimulate the senses and coveted attention spans. We are living in the precursor of how we envisioned what the future would be and that’s incredibly exciting.
We are excited too. <3
Where in the world is Cuartas?
Born and raised in New Jersey and am based in Newark, NJ.
What was the inspirations behind this set?
This set honestly felt like a release, a release of the past year’s intensity. Everyone had their own way to deal. For me, music was what cradled my spirit. Now that we’re slowly regaining a sense of normalcy, it only felt right to deliver a set that’s energetic and yet authentically fierce.
Tell us about the concept about your forthcoming EP.
Conceptually, “Delicate & Strong” EP is sonically autobiographical. For my debut, I wanted to showcase my persona and influences. I am delicate and strong. I am vulnerable and resilient. I feel happiness and sadness. I am passionate and rigid. I connect to heavy beats and to divine vocals. I feel. I feel a lot. And this EP is a reminder that it’s healthy, if not necessary, to welcome the duality of life.
Where do you see the future of DJing? And where do you want it to take you into the future?
Blends, Blends, Blends. I’m not just speaking musically, but also with other forms of (mainly creative) mediums to stimulate the senses and coveted attention spans. We are living in the precursor of how we envisioned what the future would be and that’s incredibly exciting. I have no idea what to expect other than change but I’m here for it. If the future includes DJing on drone stages, I’m so here for it.
The ultimate blended future would be if all lineups were truly diverse and inclusive. Invite me to that future.
Describe a moment / club night / party / that made you want to become a DJ/Producer.
I remember being at Afropunk years ago, and this was the year Lenny Kravitz was on the lineup. Lenny Kravitz was a rockstar like always but my friend was exhausted and ready to leave. We walked out of the crowd and headed over to the sidewalk to leave and then we felt bass vibrations at the other stage. Our walk turned into dance moves when we went to check out where this crazy good music was coming from. This is the first time I encountered Kaytranada. What is so impressive about Kaytranada is that you can’t help but enjoy the fuck out of his music.
Imagine having the ability to command entire spaces, entire crowds, entire genres?! And all you want to do with that power is get people to feel good. It’s the closest I can get to healing superpowers.
Favorite tracks at the moment - or of all time?
All time: Clockwork - Dan Aux, Faster Than Light, Ed Waaka
Right now: Addicted - Jorja Smith, Ride to You - K Motionz
Favorite DJ and/or producers at the moment?
Skulptor, Old Terra, Jadalareign, Nia Archives, Sango, DJ Nativesun
What is a city or scene that you feel is underrated and needs more hype/awareness?
Jersey Club - Soo underrated even though artists such as UNIIQU3 have definitely been putting Jersey in the forefront of club music. And I’m not just saying this because I’m from Newark, NJ, the birthplace of the genre. There’s a great Netflix documentary on Baltimore club music, which is synonymous to Jersey club, which I highly recommend called ‘Dark City’ that dives into the culture behind the music.
Describe your creative process and how you approach sets.
I’m a curious person so I almost always start with a blind practice set. There are so many ways to approach a piece of sound, or even with just a piece of that piece, that I’d rather just play and see what happens. That’s how my favorite mixes come together. If I can’t feel the track within the few seconds while it’s in cue, I’ll find something else. I dive deep into whatever energy is being delivered so, in that very moment, I can confidently trust in how I choose to continue the storyline.
Labels that are a go-to must-have in your arsenal?
Fokus Global, Like That, House of ATLR
Name some of the tracks that consistently inspire you to do better and just...well, get you through a bad day.
The Motive Used to Be the Melody - Sango and Mind’s Eye - The Pool Session - Jordan Rakai
If you had any superpowers it would be:
Healing powers! *Cue Oprah-bee gif* You get to heal! You are healed! You’re healed! The earth is now healed!!!
Your fullest expression of love is:
Affectionate and honest
What is the best piece of advice you could give to a DJ just starting out?
Go out and meet people with similar interests. Also, listen to your recorded sets even if it’s wildly uncomfortable.
The future is ______ and your focus is __
The Future is delicate and my focus is to care for the present.
TRACK LIST
