A conversation with Calagna
We are so pleased to be bringing CALAGNA to Blue Midtown for Season 4, Episode 1 of UltraMaroon. They’re also the first guinea pig for our new Feature section!
Earlier this week, our very own DavidxDaisy caught up with CALAGNA and talked through …everything! Check out their conversation about music, queerness, nightlife and more below!
CALAGNA is a name synonymous with the power of transformational music on dance floors across the world. Whether they are working with top event brands and festivals or creating remixes for pop icons, CALAGNA is the epitome of the heart and soul of the music we love.
For the Season Four Opener of UltraMaroon, we are proud to welcome CALAGNA to our house to set the tone for our best season yet. Spinning with our Resident DJ and Curator, Someone From Berlin, along with an opening set from Velez&Parada, CALAGNA is sure to keep us captivated, moving, and grooving as we return from our summer escapades. We caught up with them between gigs at Pavilion FIP and Hydrate Chicago to discuss their illustrious career and inspirations.
DXD: When and how did you get your start in nightlife?
C: I started going to teen clubs when I was 14. I was first in line to get inside the club when most kids were being dropped off at the mall. I loved dancing, break dancing, in particular. I became a resident dancer at one of the teen clubs, and my love continued to grow from there.
DXD: Who were your influences for developing your sound and how do they still inspire you today?
C: The DJs that inspired me in the teen clubs were my first set of mentors. They played everything from Afrika Bambaataa to Nitzer Ebb. I then got into the rave scene and started playing trance and techno because I loved Paul Oakenfold and Carl Cox. Once I got into bigger queer spaces, that began to shift into house and tribal. Junior Vasquez and Danny Tenaglia were huge influences. Danny is still a mentor for me today.
DXD: How would you best describe your sound?
C: I'm a journey DJ, so it's essential that, like all good expeditions, there are twists, turns, peaks, valleys, lessons, and learnings. Emotionally, I feel like my music meets at the intersection of nostalgia and hope. To others, it could be something completely different, and that's what I love about music. It's personal.
DXD: Delilah Friedler recently did released an impressive deep dive with trans femme DJs for Pitchfork entitled “Trans Women DJs Are Taking Over the Club,” which featured this strong quote by Nita Aviance: “DJing is inherently trans,” says Aviance. “It’s putting things together that aren’t supposed to be together. It’s tearing things apart, and seeing the world in a different way.” What is your perspective on that idea as a trans non-binary person and DJ.
C: I've never looked at it that way, but it resonates. I see music and DJing as a way of balancing masculine and feminine energy through art, dance, and movement. I can play something with heavy yang energy and add a soft acapella with more yin vibes, and the whole mood and room shifts. I love finding harmony in the light and the dark. I seek to find the middle way in music, gender, life, and as a spiritual practice.
DXD: Speaking of seeing the world in a different way, you host your life-coaching course and podcast Remix Your World, which I have loved to reference in previous writings. Give us the elevator pitch of what Remix Your World is, and how our guests can learn more.
C: I help people who feel "stuck" in their life/career, and/or may be navigating difficult transitions. My offerings include Psychedelic sittings with plant/fungi medicine, integration coaching, hypnotherapy, and online courses. Head to remixyourworld.com to learn more. From there, we can set up a discovery call and see if we are a good fit.
DXD: How has your personal transformation and work as a life-coach continued to shape your sound as an artist?
C: Now that I'm finally living my fullest expression of self, I am more free to play the music that lights me up and turns me on. I feel that my music is more balanced since I've transitioned. I no longer have to use music as a false sense of identity to prove anything to anyone. I'm comfortable in my skin and trust the flow more than ever. Whether holding space in the DJ booth or a session with a client, my ability to read a room and feel the energy is vital. When I'm grounded and trust my intuition, I can create safe spaces for transformation, healing, and release on and off the dancefloor.
DXD: I still hear the praises of your set at Pines Party 2021 when I chat about the scene with friends. How was that experience for you from the Cheshire Cat’s grin?
C: That was one of the most incredible nights I've played in my career history, and it was also one of the first big parties post-transition. It taps into what I was saying about knowing yourself and playing from that space. I had a particular intention for that night and stayed true to it. The rest is history and, thankfully on SoundCloud.
DXD: Indeed! Top 3 things you love seeing at parties?
C: I chuckle when I see someone trying to Shazam a song so hard, and it keeps showing "no result," yet they keep trying. But seriously, I love seeing people with closed eyes and entirely in a trance. Lastly, connection – seeing people connecting on a deeper level. Be it friends or lovers, I love catching the "you matter and I'm here with you" moment. Those moments are precious and it is so gratifying to know I was a part of it.
DXD: What’s a track/artist/set that’s especially been inspiring you lately?
C: That Hot Since 82 mix of Poison puts me through it. In the melodic space, the entire Rüfüs remix album is fire. On the house tip, I love the new Low Steppa feat. Queen Rose, Together. As for the journeywork I do with Remix Your World, Poranguí is a big inspiration.
DXD: It’s Saturday night, and you’re not working. Where are you at to have a good time?
C: In bed with my love, Sway.
DXD: On the Remix Your World site, you say, “I’ve learned that music not only soothes the soul but also gives birth to many new ideas.” What ideas do you hope our guests will glean from your set?
C: It is a journey from the moment you start getting ready to the moment you return home. Come with an empty mind, an open heart, a cute pair of shoes that allow for serving, and let the rest flow. Enjoy the ride.
DXD: What are you most looking forward to for your upcoming Sunday at UltraMaroon?
C: The people. The photos are always filled with such beautiful people. I can't wait to meet new friends and reconnect with some of my favorite humans.
DXD: What’s your most festive piece of attire you love to wear?
C: I'm not sure this is your definition of festive, but I am grateful for my RodeoH packing underwear. :-)
DXD: Any last words for us all on the dancefloor?
C: A good party is only as good as the energy people bring to it. Bring positive vibes, and you will be met by the same.
Thank you for chatting with us CALAGNA! Check out their sound on SoundCloud and follow them on Instagram at @calagna_music. You can catch CALAGNA this Sunday, September 11, at UltraMaroon; doors open for Happy Hour at 5pm, so get your tickets and lace up your dancing heels!
Xx,
DavidXDaisy