DJ/producer/vocalist/Sun & Sound Detroit label co-founder sillygirlcarmen represents the new wave of Detroit creativity; raw, fearless, and deeply rooted in the city’s house lineage. She blends her emotive vocals, deep grooves and shimmering electronic textures to connect heart, dancefloor and heritage. She co-founded Sun & Sound Detroit as a platform both to showcase her music and spotlight other artists’ soulful innovation & underground integrity. Her new release ‘Wait For You, in collaboration with Ryan Sadorus, is out now. It’s a fun, bouncy dancefloor record built around a warm rolling groove, playful bass movement, and Carmen’s expressive vocal hook. It’s a story about patience, desire, and the quiet hope that love will eventually meet you halfway. During a hectic summer, including playing 4 sets across Detroit on Movement Festival weekend, and to celebrate the new single, DMCWorld goes Trainspotting with sillygirlcarmen.
Tasha LaRae – Running Away (DJ Spen & MicFreak Jackin’ Da Box Remix) – Quantize Recordings
A great club flip of an oldie that already was fire! Love the driving club energy in this remix. It is becoming a new go to in my playlist bag. I am a huge fan of DJ Spen as an artist! He really gets down on the decks. Shoutout to Roy Ayers for providing such a classic tune that now is reimagined for the dancefloor!
DJ Fudge – Carry Us Away – Fool’s Paradise
This song reminds me of a true classic house tune! The energy is vibrant and euphoric, which is so needed right now. I love taking little musical turns in the height of my sets to play very uplifting music, and this one surely gets the room in a good space. It’s fresh, youthful and yet nostalgic all at once.
Atjazz and Julian Gomez, Don Esquire – Atjazz Record Co.
This track is a classic in my set rotations. It feels so good. Has a laid back build up at the start and then creates a great height as it builds into the chord stabs. It’s a mood setter, you can float along or really dive into the pocket. Some really cool vocal chops in there to provide some warmth and deeper soul.
Coflo & sillygirlcarmen – Never Forget That Feelin – Sun & Sound Detroit
I’m so excited for the world to receive this tune and very greatful to my friend Coflo for blessing me with another collaboration. This record will be on the first ever Vinyl compilation for my label Sun & Sound Detroit. This song brings on warmth, longing, deep feeling and was really profound to explore with my voice, connecting with the deeper emotion in the lyrics. Coflo is always a wizard with his craftmanship and nails it everytime with production! I can’t wait to see what is possible with this one!
Kaskade feat. Mindy Gledhill – Call Out – Ultra Records
This one brings on a feeling of personal nostalgia, and I can’t even remember when or where I became hip to this record. It has a beautiful mix of drive, dreamy vocals , and rhythmic energy. It always feels good to me! Lifts my spirit but also allows me to melt into the moodier side of why I love music.
Gramophonedzie – Why Don’t You – Altra Moda Music
Another throwback I remember hearing growing up around the house culture here in Detroit. I love the sass, the jazz, the quirky appeal. Sampling Peggy Lee. This one is fun to drop in sets from time to time. It’s an extra win if someone in the room knows this tune and loves it as much as me!
sillygirlcarmen – Heartbreak Summer (Javi Colors Remix) – Sun & Sound Detroit
This was a really cool moment to hear one of my original songs turned into a more profound remix by Spanish producer, Javi Colors. I love the expansive and emotive synth chords Javi added to the production. It feels deep but inspirational, with a trance like melody. I would love to play this for a huge festival crowd in Ibizia or Croatia. I have a vision every time I listen to this one.
Adam Ten and Asulin – Warawara – Hot Creations
Great club record, I love the bass. I recently played this in a late night set in NY and the energy was bumping. A great builder to some heavier bass club records. It’s very bouncy!
Kristin Velvet – The Same Old Heart – Arms & Legs
This soulful vocal and driving, techno like beat is mesmerizing. I like to play this deep into the thick of a late-night set. When the dance floor is already riding the wave and committed to the journey, this brings new depth to explore. It feels heavy but very heart-centered at the same time. Love it!
Kyle Walker, Chesster – Lotus – Blink
This puts me in mind of sunshine, and good times. My ideal tune for a rooftop or pool day party! I’m a sucker for anything that sounds like sunshine with a little disco flare. I’ve played this recently in a set and it automatically brings fun energy to the dancefloor.
Ryan Sadorus & sillygirlcarmen ‘Wait For You’ is out now on Sun & Sound Detroit.
