Lätte is a highly valued female DJ in an otherwise male dominated DnB scene. Since 2017, she has been mixing music side-by-side with some of the most predominant Estonian DnB DJs and producers. Lätte’s DJ sets can be described as a mixture of different energies mixed in with a darker selection. Her sets range from hard neurofunk to minimal liquid and funky vibe.
ARTIST QUESTIONNAIRE: DJ Lätte
Your DJ debut:
Venue called Suhkrumoll in 2017
Your first influencers / idols:
The first track that led me to drum'n'bass was High Contrast 'Racing Green', which I heard at a houseparty. Chase & Status 'No More Idols' got a lot of plays in my car, when CD-s were still a thing. I have always enjoyed the role of selecting music for my friends when there is some kind of gathering or get-together. My common phrase is: “Stop! I have an awesome track you should listen to!”. If I am completely honest, my big influence was also an event series called Grind.
What attracts you to DnB music?
Drum'n'bass has good energy levels and rhythm speed. It feels like life is sped up when listening to DnB. So additionally to listening pleasure, sometimes it can be practical to listen to DnB to increase your productivity. Drum'n'bass is the music of my youth years like disco was to our parents and pop music was to our grandparents.
What kind of drum'n'bass are you mainly playing in your DJ sets?
Preparation for a gig is half the fun for me in DJing, so I am always searching for new music for my sets. I like to sort my playlist so all the tracks would sound good on their own, but would also sit well with other tracks for those great blends. I try not to limit myself with subgenres, so I pick my tracks from neurofunk and rollers to liquid.
The most played top3 DnB artists or tracks by you:
Black Sun Empire, Break and Prolix
What should a promoter consider when inviting you to play?
I would prefer to play the first or second set of the night.
What should definitely be in your artist's rider?
It’s always a pleasure playing on equipment that works properly. Especially important is the PLAY button, I am more lenient with the rest of the buttons.
The best / most memorable parties you've played at:
A lot of awesome parties took place in a venue called Suhkrumoll and club KOLM in general! I enjoyed playing at club Studio’s second floor because I never thought I would be able to play at that venue. Club Studio’s second floor stage generally hosts all the big names from abroad.
The weirdest song request you've been asked during a DJ set:
Requests are rare during DnB parties. I have played at my friend's wedding, where guests have requested some odd Estonian pop music.
Interesting fan experience:
I got given a note by this guy during one of my sets that said: „Can you play something more chill? You are scaring the people away!“
What makes a DJ a good DJ?
Definitely ability to select music in a way, so your tunes would make a nice blend when mixed together. Good DJ needs to actively monitor and feel the energy levels at a dance floor and adjust accordingly. You need to engage your audience by surprising them with something new from time to time.
Best DJs generally also play their own produced tunes. These DJs have generally invested a lot of time into studying music dynamics and structure, which is always reflected in their performance skills.
The best advice you have received as a DJ:
Always have a backup usb with you. Use every chance for practice that you can. Age is just a number.
Who would you like to collaborate with and / or play b2b in the future?
I have fond memories of event series called Bassiõhtu, where I would like to play again. I would not mind a b2b set with Rob Swire.
Who's your best friend?
I try to be my own best friend and I am constantly working towards that goal.