Terminal V Podcast 099 || CYNTHIA SPIERING

When I was 18 I did, not very seriously, apply for a job in a nightclub in Rotterdam called ‘Perron’. I went to that specific club 2 times and I thought it might be fun. Never expected that they actually said you’re in, and the same week I had to start haha. I can say that place is where it all started for me. Every weekend, big names, full club. Names like Jeff Mills, Octave One, Kevin Saunderson and so on. Those nights inspired me the most to make my own CDs and buy Technics to start with vinyl. I actually started with house, I really like the sound of Kerri Chandler. During that time, I developed my sound more into hard kicks and bass, techno, but not minimal (which was in that time very popular) and happy sounds and lots of groove. The nights I worked with Stranger, Dax J and so on – are the ones who actually glued my sound together. 

What is it about older rave sounds that pull you in? Why are they special, and how do you take inspiration from them in your own productions?

I always loved rave old school sound. And during the years from the beginning I started, I couldn’t find much techno into that sound, which was not commercial but also not too minimal. I had in that time already some gabber CDs which contain a lot of influences I really love but, it was in that time, too hard for me. That’s why I really loved Stranger his sound cause it was a combination of all of them. He still is a legend in his productions and dj sets. 

Tell us about your Courtoisy label and events – what is the philosophy behind them, who are they for, what do they sound like and why did you want to start them in the first place, what was the motivation?

When I started Courtoisy in 2019, I missed an event who is actually supporting the local scene (cause this was something I struggled with a lot during that time) that’s why I started it on, to do something back for Rotterdam but also to discover other artists. I also wanted to do something differently than the bigger events, so booking and taking risks – artists from abroad I really love, but maybe unknown for ticket buyers. I want to give a full experience with my event so people are also coming cause they love the community. In that way, especially when Corona hits, I wanted to combine it with a label and supporting new artists and releases from big artists who made something differently than normal. We’re now focusing a lot more on doing events also outside Rotterdam. Also my 10-year album is coming up very soon on Courtoisy, which contains 10 tracks + 1 bonus, inspired of 10 years of going to parties and experiencing different kinds of sub genres. 

Is representation important? Who did you look up to when coming through, and do you want to use the label and events to platform people and given them a chance they might not otherwise get, or is it just about the music?

I think it’s a combination of both. Of course a few years ago things went differently, in that time it was – no matter what – all about music. No social media or having it but not thinking it’s important. Nowadays, with social media, it looks easier but the hardest part, which is something that didn’t change, is staying relevant for many years. And that’s only possible if you do something you really love to do.

Tell us about your mix, the aim you had with it, and what you wanted it to say.

I love to switch up things and combine different sub genres but for this time I choose to mix something not too hard, bouncy, groovy and hopeful. That’s something I’m always trying to give actually haha. I’m not doing a lot of podcasts and I wanted to do something which is nice to hear in the car but also at a party at home. And to have you dance, of course 🙂

What are you working on for the rest of the year?