Claudia Lovisa “Smoke”

Jumping off with a new EP on Mental Genius, Claudia Lovisa takes up the fourth release for the Ibiza-born label. Let’s just say, she does not let down in any way on this three-track house workout. Sent to Somewhere is set to be in stock next month, and it shows the Cape Town house figure at the top of her game. Leading out the collection is the underground vibe-donning “Smoke,” a tune built for sultry, rhythm-deserving floors. Seductive synth lines slip across chief drum work and smoky bleeps. FYI, it’s a pretty fine tune.

Available April via Mental Genius.

If you were to describe this track as a scent—a signature fragrance, as it were—what would it be called, and what would its tagline be?
One of my favorite smells at the moment is Tabacco Vanille by Tom Ford. I think the name fits my track perfectly. When you get home from the club, stinking of smoke and lingering perfume… so sexy, love it. Tagline: “Tunes with fumes.”

Were you impulsive on this track, or did you have a sketch in mind before you started?
I never have an idea when I get in the studio. I just go with the flow, as I love being spontaneous. I always start with the groove, because that’s what I do best, and then figure out a hook from there. I’m really indecisive and change my mind constantly with melody. I find myself putting down loads of different options, which isn’t ideal, as it takes up so much time; but in the end, it always comes together nicely. It would be amazing, though, to have a solid idea and just effortlessly creative a masterpiece… one day.

Who is the ideal person to remix this track?
I would have to go with a South African artist on this one. He’s a good friend of mine, and one of my favorite producers at the moment: Floyd Lavine from Nomadiq Music, whose [recent] release on Upon You Records has such elegance and style, which really comes through in his work. Every release he’s made stands out, and he has his sound locked. Sexy, refined elements put together perfectly with a powerful groove every time. I think he’d make something really special and take the original of “Smoke” to the next level.

How do you measure the success of a track?
On the dancefloor. Sure, it’s great when you see your work climbing charts and being spoken about by other DJs and producers you look up to, but the dancefloor is really where it counts for me. Feeling the energy lift, whistles, hands going up in the air, and dancers really getting down and appreciating a track you’ve created is priceless.

What’s your favorite sound/synth/effect/etc. used here?
The choppy hats that come in around 1:32. I’m mad for hats—when they slice through a track, grab your attention and keep you locked in. I love the humming vocal stab. It’s full of soul and radiates heat that gives “Smoke” that sexiness.

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