Hey you! Now that the week is coming to an end and you’ll need something more exciting to do other than serving tables or being stuck in front of a dreary computer, here’s a show that’ll blow your mind for sure. With a brand new EP under her fingers, Caroline Hervé, (better known as Miss Kittin), will be DJing this Friday at The Vagabond. Hours before her show, WFK had the pleasure of chatting with one of the most intense ladies of the worldwide electronic music scene.
You started playing piano when you were a little girl – is that what triggered your passion for music?
As far back as I can remember, I never wanted to be a musician. I knew I would do something artistic but I veered more toward the area of graphic design and painting. However, my grandparents had a piano and I was playing it by ear. They decided to get me piano lessons but it was so not fun, it stopped after a year…
What is the origin of your first mix back in 1993? Where did you get your inspiration for making it?
It was at my boyfriend’s. When he was spinning I would interject my opinions about it - he challenged me to try to make it better and it worked (unexpectedly)! I remember the shocked look on his face! I thought putting 2 records together wasn’t really that difficult, but of course, it was just beginner’s luck. I started to buy records and miss classes to practice on a friend’s turntable as I didn’t have my own. I did that for 2 years before I could afford my own equipment which was bought from a radio station using the money I made working at a supermarket. It was a tough time, but a lot of fun! My friends really pushed me into DJing; they gave me opening spots at the local rave parties.
Obscure, buried beats, gloomy yet ethereal atmospheres, and a penchant for fluctuating between whispered and shrieking vocals are just some of the characteristics of your music; for that reason I must ask: what are Miss Kittin’s dreams like?
Very delightful! But you have to dig into your darkest parts to get to that other side until you reach the point of perfect balance.
What is Caroline Hervé’s musical intention behind the pseudonym “Miss Kittin”?
Miss Kittin is just my artistic name. It’s simply there to put a distance between my work and my private life. I am not playing a character, I am trying to be myself which is more interesting to me than trying to be someone else. My musical intention is to make electronic influenced pop music.
What would you need in order to feel totally successful as a DJ/ musician?
Love and magic, as I say in the song!
Having just released a new EP, “All you Need”, what are your plans for the future?
Releasing a new album, making more music, enjoying life outside music as well. Making some space, stretching time!
How do you feel about Miami’s Music scene? Are there any bands or DJ’s that you like?
Otto Von Schirach! That is the kind of progressive experimentation I like!
What are your expectations for Vagabond’s show?
Having a good time, obviously! And, as usual, trying to make people go home happier than when they arrived.
Miss Kittin – Professional Distortion
Miss Kittin | Myspace Music Videos
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WFK Music Quizz ::
Miami tastes like: Sound machine.
What inspires you? Everything.
What’s your heaven like? A cuddling space.
Cassette, CD, vinyl or mp3? All!
The first record ever that you remember buying: Michael Jackson “Thriller” 7 inch.
The last record that you purchased or downloaded: Nick Holder “A Strange Delight”, an old house track I had on vinyl that I needed to have digitally.
Miss Kittin top 5 music wise: At the moment: P’ taah – “Your Soul On Mine”, Spencer Parker – “A Gun For Hire (remix)”, Moenster – “This Is For You”, Robag Wruhme’s Chooka Boot Rekksmoe, Green Velvet – “Flash (Jamie Jones remix)”, Daso – “Meine”.
What song do you admire to the point you wished you have composed it yourself? Prince – “Sometimes it snows in April” – it makes me cry! And Depeche Mode “Enjoy The Silence” because I feel it’s the ultimate pop song.
You would kill to play in the same stage with: Damon Albarn, Debbie Harry and Dave Grohl together!
Freedom in your own words: Anything is possible.
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Miss Kittin at The Vagabond this Friday, January 14th, 2010
Check MissKitty out Click!
Flor Frances is an Argentinean native based in Miami. She dedicates her life to music; studying and documenting the underground music scene. Flor believes in the alternative circuits as the platform where new things are born. The essence of art and evolution it’s found underground where everything is happening now --where she hangs out. For WFK she will be exploring Miami’s alternative, underground music scene. 
Great interview! Thanks WFK.