New York’s club culture is having a moment. The city that never sleeps is never exactly short of decent excuses for a night, but right now it feels especially vibrant.
AQUTIE sits at the heart of this. The New York based DJ and producer is a wicked selector, with her sets arriving packed with genre-blurring energy.
As summer got under way AQUTIE made her boldest move yet. New label and plural platform PELE PELE – Zulu for ‘chili pepper’ – was launched under her guidance, a project that spans releases, parties and cultural moments rooted in rhythm, movement, and community.
Bridging South African and Harlem, PELE PELE launched a Brooklyn’s We Belong Here Festival, with AQUTIE piecing together a special mission statement playlist, which you can check out now.
She comments: “This playlist highlights upcoming artists from the label alongside other artists whose sounds embody our dance floor mission; to make em sweat, make em shake…”
Following this, AQUTIE linked with close friend and fellow NYC culture figure L3Ni for their joint release ‘LATESTATE’. All-out fire, it’s help to make PELE PELE one of the most discussed names in their home city.
CLASH linked up with the production duo to find out more.
How did this collaboration come about?
A: The EP was born out of some of our favorite nights in NYC. We’d spend hours out dancing, soaking in the energy of the city, then come back the next day inspired with fresh ideas for music. This EP is a reflection of those experiences and the chemistry we share as artists. Both tracks capture the energy we bring to the dance floor, blending our personalities into something that came together naturally through our shared love of nightlife and electronic music.
L: NYC has been on full tilt this year – you can stay out for three days straight if you want to – and that nonstop energy is woven into every part of this project.
How does NYC nightlife inspire you?
A: NYC nightlife inspires us because it’s a place where people from every background come together and connect through music. There’s something really special about watching strangers become a community on the dance floor, completely involved in the moment.
L: New Yorkers genuinely love to dance. They bring so many different dance styles and musical influences into the room, and they’re incredibly open-minded. Because they’ve heard so much, they’re always excited to discover something new. That pushes us as DJs to dig deeper, take creative risks, and curate sets that surprise people.
What is the secret to a good collaboration?
A: Having respect for the artist you’re working with is really important and also leaving your ego at the door.
L: Having an open mind, having fun with it, being receptive to others ideas.
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Have you been playing this song out? What has the reaction been like?
A: Yes, we have, and it absolutely bangs. The crowd is always really receptive whenever either of us plays it, and our DJ friends have been loving it too, which has been dope to see. It’s been amazing watching people connect with the music and seeing how it makes them feel.
L: This EP is really a product of having some of the best nights of your life with friends, and it’s exciting to see that energy translate to the dance floor.
How does this song link to the overall ethos of the label?
A: PELE PELE is about the freedom to create without limits. It’s about feeling good, staying true to yourself, experiencing life, and letting the music speak for itself. Our motto is, “PELE PELE make ’em sweat. PELE PELE make ’em shake.” Everything we release is rooted in that energy. It’s about creating music that moves people, inspires confidence, and brings a community together where everyone feels free to express themselves. We want every release to make you feel like you’re the hottest person in the room while leaving space for everyone else to shine too.
What does the rest of summer hold for you?
A: We’re still in the studio cooking up new music, with some exciting shows coming up in NYC and overseas.
L: Summer in New York is far from over, so we’ve still got plenty of partying to do to keep the creative juices flowing. We’re excited to see where the rest of the year takes us and what new experiences inspire the next chapter of our project.
Stay in touch with AQUTIE on Instagram; find L3Ni on Instagram here.
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.clashmusic.com ’
