Chloé Caillet is a writer, producer, and performing artist. Her debut EP, ‘Intro,’ released on CircoLoco Records, marked a milestone in her evolving production work.
Photo credit: Carlos Marti
Her live performances, from festivals to venues worldwide, reflect a captivating sound embraced by both music and fashion enthusiasts. She has received strong support from i-D, FLAUNT, CRACK, Notion, Wonderland, Metal Magazine, and WWD, as well as from notable BBC Radio mainstays like Pete Tong and Sarah Story.
In 2023, Chloé debuted the first iterations of her free-spirited event concept series and label SMIILE in Barcelona and London. The culmination of Chloé’s extensive experience in nightlife, coupled with her identity as a queer artist and advocate for fellow creatives, SMIILE embodies her vision of a truly communal space that harnesses the unifying power of music.
As a queer artist, she distills the raw, unfiltered energy of rave culture into a single night that celebrates diversity and a pure love for dance music. SMIILE champions not only the music and artists that Chloé personally supports but also fosters an environment where the dance floor dissolves all barriers.
Her recent endeavors include the release of her latest single, ‘Last One For Today,’ under her personal label, SMIILE Records, a collaboration with London-based DJ and producer Nyra. The single has been praised for its feel-good vibe and has already seen significant support from notable DJs and audiences alike.
EG had the chance to sit with Chloé Caillet to learn more about her latest release, her approach to blending music and community, and what fans can expect from her in the future.
EG: Hi, Chloé! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. Where are you at right now? How have you been?
Chloé Caillet: Thanks for the invite! I’m currently on a plane on my way back to Ibiza. I’ve been really good; the Summer started off really well. It’s definitely been busy on the road, but I’ve also spent some nice time with friends, family, and in the studio. I’m working on finishing my next EP.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your latest collaborative single, ‘Last One For Today’! You must be excited to be able to share this one with everyone. What has the initial reception been like so far? Do you remember the first time you played this one live?
Chloé Caillet: Honestly, it’s been so fun to get this record out. I’ve been a fan of Nyra for a long time, and being able to collaborate with him on this release has been really special. There have been a lot of incredible DJs playing this record. People love to dance to it; it’s a feel-good record. The first time I played it was at The Warehouse Project for Circoloco. I remember playing it, and we looked at each other and said, “Wow, we’ve got to get this record out.” It was a moment.
EG: As we know, ‘Last One For Today’ finds you linking up with London-based DJ and producer Nyra. What can your fans expect to find in this meeting of minds? What was that collaborative process like?
Chloé Caillet: It was a really special meeting. We met at ADE and really connected. I realized that he had an alias called Wilson Phoenix, whose records I’ve been playing for years. I told him we should work on music someday. So, I invited him to my house, and we spent a week in the studio making a bunch of music. It was really organic, filled with lovely conversations. By the end of the week, we had two records. He’s such an amazing artist and producer, and I’m so happy with the response it’s getting.
EG: ‘Last One For Today’ is out now via your own imprint SMIILE Records, signaling the label’s second release. How are you feeling about this start for SMIILE Records? Is there anything you can anticipate on that front?
Chloé Caillet: I’m so happy with the start of SMIILE Records. I feel like it’s been really strong, with collaborations not only with incredible artists but also great friends of mine. I’m excited to say we have another record coming out with Nyra and my EP in November. We’re also signing our first artist. I’m really excited about this, and I feel like SMIILE Records is going to be a home for great music and inspiring artists.
“I’m so happy with the start of SMIILE Records. I feel like it’s been really strong, with collaborations not only with incredible artists but also great friends of mine”
EG: Your SMIILE Records is also a part of your SMIILE concept club night, which saw you curating a very special SMIILE party at Pikes Ibiza on the 11th of June with Octo Octa, Roi Perez, and Gabrielle Kwarteng. What was that experience like?
Chloé Caillet: The experience was incredible. It was so nice to bring artists to an island I call home and have them all there. I really feel like we brought back an incredible old-school energy and vibe to Pikes, which I feel is currently lacking in Ibiza. No one was on their phones; people really let go and were present in the moment. So many incredible people came up from the island. It was a special night, and every single artist played so well. They all brought a special energy to the night. I was so happy to be able to dance and listen to everyone. It was a really fun night.
EG: So, what was it that drove you to curate your own club nights? What’s the concept driving your SMILE concept?
Chloé Caillet: I’ve always wanted to have my own club night. I started as a raver and spent so much time going out, feeling like I could combine all the things I love about going out into my own night. To curate everything from a musical standpoint and audio listening experience, to create a vibe and a general positive night out. I just wanted to create an amazing party and a safe space to listen to incredible artists in different cities around the world.
EG: Speaking about live shows, how do you feel about these gigantic LED screens that seem to have taken over festivals and big-name performances? Do you think these “immersive” experiences bring us closer or farther away from the music? What’s your take on this?
Chloé Caillet: I really think it depends on how LED screens are used. I’ve played in places where they’ve been used incredibly well, actually enhancing the experience. My set at Primavera Sound immersed the crowd even more. However, I do feel that LED screens sometimes take away from the experience when they’re not in sync with the music, causing people to just stare at them without truly listening to the music.
EG: And how do you feel about the recent implementation of AI in the creative side of music? Have you explored any form of AI recently on ‘Last One For Today’ or any recent recordings? What’s your relationship with that like?
Chloé Caillet: I’ve actually tried to explore AI in different ways. I don’t really feel connected to it yet, as my music-making process primarily involves synthesizers and vocalists. I really enjoy the elements of creation through human connection. However, I have used AI to try out different vocals to see if something would sound good. There are also some plugins that use AI for EQ. Still, I feel that as artists, we are less involved in using AI.
” I just wanted to create an amazing party and a safe space to listen to incredible artists in different cities around the world”
EG: Finally, can you provide some insights into what’s next for Chloé Caillet? What can we expect from you in the coming months? Where can your fans catch you next?
Chloé Caillet: I’m releasing an EP in November, which I’m really excited about, and I’m also going to be releasing records from other artists, which is a huge project for me. The next places to catch me are Circoloco this Summer; I’ll be playing in August and September. You can also find me at Lost Village Festival and Panorama Festival in Puglia. There will be a lot of other SMIILE parties announced really soon and many other things I can’t tell you about yet, but keep an eye out for my tour schedule.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Chloé! See you on the dancefloor!
Chloé Caillet: Thank you so much!
Chloé Caillet’s ‘Last One For Today,’ is now available on SMIILE Records. Stream and download here.
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