Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea White.
Hi Chelsea , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea for Circuit Black originated from my deep dive into techno music after attending Dweller Festival in NYC. I fell in love with all the Black techno and electronic artists, especially AMX, who’s from your hometown. The festival really piqued my curiosity about the world of techno, especially the Black artists who were spinning and producing the music. That led me down the rabbit hole of Detroit techno and all its different flavors. I started to appreciate just how soulful, dark, ethereal, and spiritual Detroit techno can be.
It made me wonder if other Black people, especially where I’m from, knew that this is what techno could sound like. Did they know that the roots of this music started with Black people? That question really stuck with me.
All of this led me to reach out to a friend of mine who’s a fellow DJ in our community, along with another DJ who’s part of our underground techno scene. The three of us sat down and talked about our shared interest in educating the St. Louis community, and our people(POC) about what techno has to offer and what it can be.
We wanted to show people that techno isn’t always what some of our community might think it is. It’s not always industrial or dark and minimalist. There’s so much soul in this music, and we wanted to introduce people to some of the legends who helped shape it, like K-Hand, Eddie Fowlkes, and Carl Craig.
The ideas started flowing, and eventually, we decided to turn those conversations into an event. We initially started with three of us, but it eventually came down to two. So now, it’s me and my friend Richard, who goes by the DJ name Anansi Spins.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say it’s been smooth, but smooth-ish, lol. There are always things that could help the event run more smoothly. We had some trouble finding a solid venue for a while, but we found one that works for now. We’re still searching for something a little more intimate and central to everyone in the city.
We want more people to know about us and come out, but we’re still very new, so we’re figuring things out as we go. Our last two events have been very DIY. We put together a light production, provide our own sound, and try to create as much ambiance as we can with what we have. Everything we do comes out of our own pockets, and it’s truly a labor of love.
At the end of the day, we want people to come out, let go, and really take in and experience this amazing music. We want them to feel something, connect with the music, and hopefully walk away with a new appreciation for techno.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Richard and I are both local St. Louis DJs. I’m much newer to the scene than Richard, who is very beloved in our community for his diverse music taste and ability to work a crowd. Richard has been DJing for five years. I’m not sure if I can be fully quoted on that number, so I apologize, Ricky, if I’m wrong, lol. I’ve been DJing for three years and have mostly been honing my craft in techno.
I’ve also thrown some local events, like a monthly weekend daytime party in Forest Park. It was a music hangout where I provided games, drinks, and music with the help of my photographer pal Hank, Richard, and other local DJs in the community.
Personally, I’m most proud of being able to give back to my community. Every event I’ve had my hands in has been free. I want to make sure people in my community are having a great time, and if I’m able to make that happen, I will. These are the kinds of things that bring me immense joy, and it’s something I’m really proud of.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
As of lately, I’ve really been tuning into The Boulevard with Waajeed. Waajeed has helped me discover so many artists, and since we don’t really have a radio station here that explores deep techno and other genres like that, it’s definitely been a resource for me on this journey. I look forward to tuning in on Wednesdays.
I also love going on YouTube and watching old Boiler Room sets from some of the greats, like Carl Craig. All of these things inspire me to keep going on this journey, continue learning, and keep exploring the music.
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