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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
61
Carta
11

Hong Kong-born, Shanghai-based Carta started DJing at the tender age of 14, and by the age of 19 had become a driving force in China’s electronic music scene. His discography spans five years with releases on prolific labels such as Spinnin’, Fedde Le Grand’s Darklight Recordings and collaborations with the likes of Chocolate Puma and remixes for Aloe Blacc.

During his early years of DJing he became a resident at Shanghai's M18 nightclub, and regularly played across China’s most famed venues. Last year was one of his most monumental to date, playing in Amsterdam, America and the UK. This year he’s been focused intently on his productions and has even started three new aliases. “One being the Chinese Bounce Mafia with Luminn and Unity, and it has already become the biggest thing in China overnight, so keep an eye out for that globally,” he tells DJ Mag. “I also have a melodic techno project with Luminn separately called RKTKS.” 

What three things have most helped you through Coronavirus Lockdown?

“Meditation, meditation and meditation. It is by far one of the most powerful tools and skills you can learn in life.”

What lessons should the industry learn from this crisis? 

“In general, don’t take things for granted. When it comes to DJs, don’t rely on your live income. Make sure that the money you earn(ed) is spent wisely and when possible, invest it to make sure you have more sources of income.”

What steps need to be taken to address the racism in the dance music scene?

“Music is a language we all speak, it unites! Looking at myself as a Chinese artist, it took a while to actually get into the ‘western’ scene and vice versa, it took a while before the scene opened up in China. Now it’s accepted, but the industry needs to get rid of prejudices in general.”

What industry changes are you personally pushing for to make the dance music scene more inclusive?

“Less online more offline, less about the social media aspect, more about just being in the present moment and having a good fucking time!”

What’s the greatest dance music track of all time?

“Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin ‘Don't You Worry Child’. Fight me if you disagree.”