Cora M contributes live mix (+ interview)

Cora M’s path to becoming a DJ and producer has been shaped by an unrelenting passion for music and a dedication to her craft. Her journey began in the underground clubs of Lyon and Montpellier, where she fell in love with the pulse of electronic music. By the age of 17, she was already experimenting with her first CD players, honing her skills in her bedroom before stepping onto the stage.

A pivotal move to Barcelona deepened her commitment, transitioning to vinyl and immersing herself in the vibrant music scene. It was here that her love for the German minimal and Romanian soundscapes blossomed, influenced by the energy of Berlin and the hypnotic rhythms of “ro-minimal”. These experiences helped shape her signature style—rooted in minimal yet enriched with groove, vocals, and eclectic influences from jazz to French classics.

Cora M’s background in music theory lends a depth to her track selection and productions, allowing her to craft sets that are both emotive and memorable. From her standout performances at Unum Festival to her residencies in Switzerland, she’s captivated audiences with her ability to adapt her sound to any venue, from intimate spaces to major festivals.

With her sights set on releasing music on labels like Perlon and Arpiar, Cora M continues to push boundaries as a producer. Her upcoming EP on Fratii and her work on a new album mark exciting milestones in her journey. For Cora M, DJing and production are more than just professions—they’re a way to share her story, connect with audiences, and shape the future of electronic music.

Cora recently contributed a mix to our live series, recorded at South Nightclub in Verbier. We caught up with her recently to learn more…

Can you tell us about your early exposure to electronic music and how it shaped your passion for DJing?
I fell in love with electronic music very early on when I discovered the underground clubs in Lyon. Later, the minimal scene in Montpellier, with venues like La Villa Rouge and Barlive, drew me in even more. At 17, I bought my first CD players and spent countless hours practising in my bedroom before feeling ready to play in front of an audience. Those early days shaped my deep passion for DJing and taught me the importance of dedication.

At what stage was it something you decided to take seriously?
I started taking DJing seriously during my early gigs in Montpellier, where I held a residency at Villa Rouge. Later, when I moved to Barcelona, I transitioned to vinyl, investing in Technics MK2 turntables and fully immersing myself in the craft. By the time I was 25, I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. The combination of my growing skills and the vibrant music scenes I was part of solidified my decision to pursue DJing professionally.

What drew you to the German minimal and Romanian music scenes? What was it that so appealed?
I was initially drawn to the Berlin scene, visiting regularly to soak in its unique energy and raw creativity. A pivotal moment came in 2015, during the Get Perlonized event at Sonar with Zip & Margaret Dygas. It was a revelation, showing me the depth and artistry of minimal music.

Not long after, I connected with the Romanian minimal sound, which felt like a natural progression of my interests. Since that discovery, I’ve travelled frequently to Romania to experience its unique scene firsthand. The hypnotic grooves and intricate rhythms of “ro-minimal” captivated me and have deeply shaped my sets and productions.

How has your background in music theory influenced your approach to DJing and track selection?
My background in music theory, particularly playing piano and synthesiser, gave me a foundation in rhythm, harmony, and structure. This helps me build sets that flow naturally and emotionally. Today, it’s especially useful in music production, where those basics in theory and notation allow me to experiment and create tracks with depth and character.

How would you describe your signature style, and how has it changed over time?
My style is rooted in minimal, which has always been the core of my musical identity. I love its stripped-down essence, but I also incorporate groove and vocals to keep my tracks dynamic and accessible for the club. Beyond minimal, I’ve always been a passionate listener of music across genres—90s hip-hop, 90s dance, jazz, and world music. These influences naturally inspire my creativity when I’m producing.

Lately, I’ve been creating edits of classic French songs, which have become standout moments in my sets. My rework of Françoise Hardy was a crowd favourite, and I’ve also revisited timeless pieces like Je t’aime… moi non plus by Serge Gainsbourg and Déshabillez-moi by Juliette Gréco. These edits bring a nostalgic yet fresh twist to my sets, blending my diverse influences into a unique sound that resonates deeply with the audience.

Which DJs or artists have had the biggest impact on your sound, and why?
The Perlon and Arpiar labels have been major inspirations for me. Artists like Ricardo Villalobos, Rhadoo, Margaret Dygas, and others in these collectives have shaped my understanding of groove, minimalism, and storytelling in music.

What do you look for in a track when putting together a set?
I love surprising the crowd and making them think, “Wow, what is this track?” I aim to create moments they’ll remember, with selections that stand out and resonate long after the set ends.

Do you have a standout performance or moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
Two performances stand out for me: warming up for Traumer at Bellona in Lyon and for Sonja Moonear at Folklor. Another unforgettable moment was playing on the Pine Stage at Unum Festival last year—it was magical.

How does the atmosphere of a venue influence the energy of your set?
The venue has a huge impact. Smaller, intimate spaces allow me to connect deeply with the crowd and play more experimental tracks, while larger venues require more energy and boldness. I always adapt to the environment to create the best possible vibe.

What was it like warming up for artists like Traumer and Sonja Moonear?
It was an incredible honour and a great learning experience. Warming up for such iconic artists taught me the importance of building a mood and setting the tone without stealing the spotlight, while still leaving my own signature on the night.

Can you tell us about the mix you did for Nightclubber and what inspired its flow and track selection?
This mix was recorded at South, an underground club in Verbier, where I was doing a warm-up set. I wanted to showcase something sharp and refined, to introduce the audience to a sound that’s unique but still relatable. It’s exciting to see how well this style is being received in Verbier, Switzerland.

How did recording in an underground club in Verbier shape the energy of that mix?
The raw and intimate energy of the club influenced the entire mix. The crowd, acoustics, and overall atmosphere created a vibe I wanted to capture in the recording.

How did your residency at Cry d’Er impact your growth as a DJ?
My residency at Cry d’Er and in other venues in Switzerland have been a great opportunity to explore new styles, including ambient and experimental sets. It’s a different universe from club gigs, but I love pushing boundaries and discovering new dimensions in music.

What do you think makes a great warm-up set?
A great warm-up set is about patience and progression. You create anticipation, slowly building the energy while leaving room for the main act to shine. It’s a delicate balance that requires understanding the crowd and the flow of the night.

How do you adjust your approach between intimate settings and larger events like Caprices Festival?
I’m used to playing in smaller, intimate clubs, but I loved my experience at Unum Festival. The vibe was incredible, and the key is to take the audience on a journey, no matter the size of the space. Long sets are my favourite because they allow me to attract people gradually into my musical world. I’m very excited about my upcoming set at Caprices, where I’ll play in the cube stage after the Modernity stage with artists like Ricardo, Raresh, Sonja… it’s a dream opportunity for me!

What inspired your move into music production, and how does it differ from DJing for you?
Producing allows me to create exactly what I imagine. It’s an incredible way to translate ideas and emotions into sound. I’m constantly searching for new ideas and inspirations, whether through samples or everyday sounds. While DJing is about storytelling with other artists’ music, production is deeply personal.

Are there any labels or artists you’re aiming to work with as you move forward?
My dream is to sign with a major label like Perlon or Arpiar and release my first vinyl. I absolutely love producing EPs and asking artists I admire for remixes. My next EP will be released on Fratii, a dark minimal label, and will feature three of my tracks along with two remixes—one by Beckhauser and another by Amelia, both artists whose work I deeply respect. I’m also currently working on an album, and I hope it will open doors for even more collaborations with labels and artists.

What’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your career in electronic music?
Patience and perseverance are key. This industry is tough and demands resilience and hard work. Staying focused and true to your authentic self is essential for long-term success.

What are your main goals for the future, both as a DJ and a producer?
I would love to join a booking agency that aligns with my vision. After 20 years of managing everything on my own, it’s time to take that step to secure more gigs across Europe and beyond. My goal is to keep growing, release more music, and connect with audiences around the world.

Keep up with Cora M on Instagram

‍Listen to Cora’s recent set from Verbier below