Detroit’s new generation continues to produce exciting new talent, and sillygirlcarmen is one of the artists leading the way. As a DJ, producer, singer, promoter, actress and founder of Sun & Sound Detroit, she has become a familiar face at venues and festivals including TV Lounge, Flash DC, Silo NYC, Djoon Paris, Public Works San Francisco and Movement. Having shared line-ups with artists such as Louie Vega, Moodymann, DJ Minx, Green Velvet, Eats Everything and Nora En Pure, her energetic sound blends soulful house grooves with contemporary club momentum.
sillygirlcarmen’s latest release sees her joining forces with fellow Detroit talent Ryan Sadorus on bouncy new dancefloor heater ‘Wait For You’, out now on Sun & Sound Detroit. We caught up with her to celebrate the release, her recent vinyl-only VA on the label, and learn more about her journey so far…
Interview With sillygirlcarmen:
Hi Carmen! It feels like a busy summer for you. How are you doing, and how does everything feel from your side at the moment?
I’m feeling good! Staying engaged in all the exciting opportunities on my plate and plotting on ways to expand and make time for creative spontaneity. The exploration and grind never ends, but summer is truly my favourite season to thrive in.
You grew up surrounded by Detroit’s rich dance music culture and some of the people who helped shape it. Looking back, did that environment inspire you from the beginning, or was there ever a moment when it felt like a lot to live up to?
It always inspired me! The passion and energy that Detroit has always shown dance music was evident to me from a young age, it always was infectious to see the impact and community It’s created. Detroit’s musical history I think only fuels me in a positive way, to be diligent and hungry in my own craft.
Detroit has such a unique place in electronic music history. What are some of the things you’ve carried with you from that culture into your own work today?
I think the history of Detroit has shaped my attitude toward hard work and tenacity. Being bold enough to believe and strong enough to always continue. From a musical perspective, it has shaped my taste for a blend of hardcore heavy feels and soulful nostalgic funk. Finding a way to marry it all is the fun part.
You’re a DJ, producer, vocalist and label founder. Do those different roles naturally blend together for you, or do they each bring out a different side of who you are creatively?
I think at the root, all these roles blend naturally but the mental space and time required for each takes some separation. I am still learning how to balance time for business, and creative spontaneity / exploration. All parts are important but I find myself fighting more for my creative time over everything. Finding the calm and time to really lean into what it means to be an artist is very valuable to me right now.
Your music often feels emotional without losing its connection to the dancefloor. When you’re working on a track, what usually comes first: the feeling, the groove, the vocal, or something else entirely?
Thank you! I think the feeling comes thru me first and then I lean into exploring vocal melodies instantly. I like leaning into what my first instincts are when playing with melody ideas. If it feels natural and effortless to me, I usually run with it. Words come a little later, and strong production structure is established toward the end.
Sun & Sound already feels like more than just a record label. When you started it, what kind of platform or community did you hope it would become?
Thinking of it from an aesthetic perspective, it literally makes me think of vibrant color, fun, sun, smiles, music, day parties, nostalgia, and effortless feeling. I wanted to create a platform to showcase my own music and create collaboration opportunities with artists that resonate with the brand.
You’ve just announced your new track ‘Wait For You’, with Ryan Sadorus, out July 10th. How did this collaboration come about?
I have known Ryan for some years just from moving within the Detroit music community. He came to me with a few new ideas in mind and this one really stuck out! After sitting with the track for a while we finalized an arrangement and I cut the vocals. The process was really easy and Ryan is really easy breezy to work with. To top off the final product we had the homie, Emmaculate, mix and master the track. I love when unexpected collaborations make it across the finish line!
Your vocals are beautiful on the track. When you’re working on lyrics for a track, (generally but also specifically for this track), do you write the lyrics then find the write melody to go with them, or did you hear/work on the full track first with Ryan, then add the vocals after?
Thank you! I typically freestyle and find melodies I love first. Words are worked thru toward the end. With this track, Ryan already had a concept fleshed out, so it was fun entering the world of the song from a different perspective and bringing my voice through to sell the emotion.
The debut Sun & Sound vinyl ‘EASE’ recently dropped to celebrate Record Store Day, bringing together a really diverse group of artists. What was the vision behind that release, and what did you want it to say about the label?
The vision was to really bring together a group of artists that respect each others’ craft and have an ever-expanding perspective on house music. I wanted the project to feel fresh, fun and evoke EASE.
The music industry can feel increasingly focused on numbers, visibility and social media. How do you stay connected to what feels authentic and meaningful to you?
Staying connected to my spiritual practice and growth. I’m very intentional with my work and inner alignment. If the “algorithm” disappeared I want to know I still have insight to what is fuelling me. Leaning into my creative spontaneity keeps me attuned to my authenticity.
You’ve shared lineups and stages with some incredible artists over the years. Has there been a piece of advice, a conversation, or even a moment backstage that has stayed with you?
I think the small moments of confirmation after coming off the decks mean so much. It’s already an honor to be direct support for legends like Louie Vega, or Moodymann, but hearing them directly compliment my set or selections just affirms the feeling. I’ve been inspired and had great feedback from DJ Spen, Rich Medina, Osunlade, Delano Smith and more. These moments definitely stick with you.
Playing Movement must feel different when Detroit is home. What does that festival mean to you personally?
It surely is a profound feeling! Very grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had to be a part of such a magical weekend. Movement is an iconic Detroit event, it’s affirming to be able to bring my artistic perspective and be included in a global conversation that has shaped so many legacies. We are reminded of Techno’s roots and the artists that innovated the landscape, Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Eddie Fowlkes, Derrick May, and Santonio Echols.
As both an artist and label founder, what excites you most about where Detroit’s house scene is heading right now?
There is so much youthful buzz happening right now. New artists, promoters, party goers and DJs are really owning the space right now. Seeing everyone hustle and be self-starters just shows why Detroit truly hustles harder. The future of house is in good hands! I love watching what Masquenda, We1sman, KRW, Disc Jockey George, Problematic Black Hottie and JMT are bringing to the music community right now.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for the rest of the year?
I’m excited for the unexpected blessings that are on the horizon and more specifically, indulging in some sunshine, meeting new people on the dancefloor, finishing up new music collaborations, exploring my vinyl era and diving deeper into my craft.
And finally, when someone experiences a sillygirlcarmen set for the first time, what do you hope they take away from it?
I hope they leave with an uplifted feeling of joy and expansion. I hope the moment is exactly what they didn’t know they needed, and it solidifies their commitment to join me again!
Thank you for your time! We wish you all the best with Sun & Sound, the upcoming releases, and everything that’s still to come.
Thank you!
Ryan Sadorus & sillygirlcarmen ‘Wait For You’ is out now on Sun & Sound Detroit.
