Cover Photo by Emma Brawley
AQUTIE is an emerging artist who's gaining recognition in the music scene, having secured notable support slots in New York City for artists like Black Coffee and Uncle Waffle and performances alongside Dennis Ferrer, HoneyLuv, and Afriqua, with another show scheduled with Keinemusik at The Brooklyn Mirage on July 5.
AQUTIE curates her own event series “Heat House” in Brooklyn. The event showcases dance music across the African Diasporas and has attracted attendees such as Janelle Monae, Little Simz, Sir John, Jitwam, and more. Earlier this year, she performed at Tyla’s release party, and last year, she made her debut at Boiler Room with the amapiano party AMAPROBLEM in Toronto.
AQUTIE recently released her debut EP titled 'Coolest in the City' on Noir Fever Records (an independent label dedicated to driving sustainable and impactful changes in the future of Black dance music, founded by Aluna of AlunaGeorge).
How did you start your career in music?
I’ve been involved with music since I was young. I started out in the church by singing in the choir and as I got older my mom put me in many different activities like the violin, which I played for many years. I also danced as well and did theater. DJing came along while I was in college and I’ve been producing since 2020.
Talk to us about your debut on Noir Fever Records
Noir Fever is an independent label created by Aluna (of AlunaGeorge). Their aim is to promote black electronic dance music and they support & provide a sense of community for those who are in these spaces. It’s also where I released my debut EP, ‘Coolest in the City’, which I’m so proud of.
What was the inspiration behind your debut EP ‘Coolest In The City’?
‘Coolest in The City’ is my ode to NYC, the queer community, & the club scene. My homegirl is the one who actually gave me the title. She was just giving me my flowers and said, “you’re really the coolest in the city”. In that moment I felt very appreciative and very seen. For someone to see me in such a way made me feel good because being in this industry you go through a waves of emotions and sometimes it can make you feel like you aren’t doing enough. Meanwhile people are watching you and they’re seeing you make moves and watching your journey. So for me I felt very humbled that as she was giving me my praises. I felt loved.
Can you share any favorite moments from your tour where you joined artists like Uncle Waffles, DBN GoGo, and Black Coffee?
One common feeling I had for each of those gigs was that I was apart of a monumental moment in South African music history. All of these artists were able to have sold out headlining shows in NYC and I got to be apart of those moments. For me it was like a dream come true. I felt very proud to be South African and was thankful to be apart of those moments.
How do you approach curating a setlist for performances such as Boiler Room or Brooklyn Mirage?
A lot of the time I am just going with the flow. I don’t plan my sets. Especially because my music is very organized, I always go in knowing that I’m good to go. I like to read the energy from the crowd because every gig is different so a planned set is not ideal for me. Like every DJ, I have my favorite tracks, but 98% of the time I’m winging it. I like to let the music guide me.
What challenges have you faced as a South African/Guinean female DJ in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
Definitely people undermining me but also people being intimidated by me after I’ve shown that I’m good at what I do. I overcame it simply by making sure I protect my energy from those kinds of people. Some people wanna derail the good energy but my main thing is to always remember why I’m here and why I do what I’m doing. I have a great tribe of people that support me and we all lift up one another. Having community is the key to blocking out all the unnecessary noise.
What is your top networking tip for connecting with the right people in music e.g. a manager or a record label?
Just be yourself. Move with intention but don’t force things. Get to know the people outside of just doing business with them. Show support and be genuine. Also don’t be afraid of rejection. That’s just the reality of it. These people get hounded daily so a lot of them might be very cut throat and it’s okay if you don’t connect in that moment. There are so many other people to meet in this industry. You just continue being authentic and the right people will gravitate towards you.
Your top advice for young people wanting to become music producers/singer-songwriters etc.
Be patient! Don’t compare yourself to others because comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on yourself and on your mission. Don’t be afraid to be different. Find what makes you unique and really hone in on that.
What's your favorite/least favorite thing about making music?
My favorite thing about making music is when I finally get the groove of what I’ve been trying to create. The least favorite is definitely when I get a road block but what helps me is stepping away and revisiting it later. I don’t like forcing things cause that’s when the music starts to sound a little weird.
What are you listening to right now?
Besides my new EP, I’ve been rinsing Kaytranada’s new album. I love it so much. That’s my musical husband.
3 things you can't live without in your bag
My Vaseline, gum & ID/bank cards
