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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
23
Charlotte de Witte
9
From: Ghent, Belgium
 
Rising star DJ/producer of 2021: “Indira Paganotto.”
 
Charlotte de Witte lives her life the same way that she plays her techno: fast. She has been as busy as ever on many different fronts in the last year, from serving up a couple of new EPs, linking with Apple Music for regular playlists, continuing to A&R for her KNTXT label, collaborating with Belgian boutique activewear brand 42I54 on a clothing capsule, and playing a live-streamed set from the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix. 
 
The Belgian techno titan has also secured a No.1 tune with the remix of 'Age Of Love' by Age of Love that she produced with Enrico Sangiuliano. She is keen to point out it was done out of love and respect for the original, rather than because she thought it needs improving in any way. “It's an absolute classic and a really nostalgic tune for me,” says Charlotte. “It takes me back to my roots and when I first started going out. Whenever I play it, even to younger crowds, everybody knows it so it gets a great reaction.”
 
Still not even 30, Charlotte promises she has plenty more to come in 2022. 
 
 
How was your first gig back after lockdown?
 
“Intense and full of joy. The energy on the dancefloor was insane and many hugs and laughs were shared.”
 
 
How have the last 18 months changed how you view your work/life balance?
 
“The big difference was that there was a healthy work/sleep cycle, which gave our bodies the time they needed to recover. We got pulled out of sleep deprivation, which gave a new perspective on how we would like to handle tour life in the future.”
 
 
What further steps should the industry take to combat climate change?
 
“It’s important to keep on raising awareness and to actively try and improve the way people act and think in their daily lives towards the environment in general. It’s a battle we are all in, and we should all try and contribute in our own way.”
 
 
What’s the best bit of tech you’ve added to your studio or DJ setup this year?
 
“I made the switch from Logic to Ableton last year, so I’ve been investing more time in gaining a bigger knowledge in what was already available.”
 
What’s the best album you’ve heard this year?
 
“30drop’s album ‘Soroban’. A beautiful ambient album.”