Q&A: Club Angel on Lighting Up Stages Globally and His Electrifying Single “Steppin’ Up!”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY NTHATILE MAVUSO ☆
Photo By @BILLYZAMMIT
AUSTRALIAN PRODUCER CLUB ANGEL IS RAISING THE TEMPO WITH HIS LATEST EXHILIRATING RELEASE, “STEPPIN’ UP!”—a speed garage anthem already making waves across festival stages. With euphoric synths, electrifying claps, and an unbounded flow, the track captures the very essence of summer energy while pushing the UK Garage (UKG) sound into fresh new territory.
The release has quickly found champions in the scene, with tastemakers like Milion, DJ EZ, and Faster Horses throwing their weight behind it. These co-signs emphasize Club Angel’s growing influence in the underground dance world, where he has carved out a space for his unique and refreshing take on garage and beyond.
Club Angel’s music isn’t just about revisiting the classics; it’s about reshaping them for the present, injecting the genre with a distinctly global and innovative perspective. As he continues to build momentum, lighting up clubs and festivals across continents, Club Angel is proving himself as one of the most exciting new names in dance music.
Luna caught up with Club Angel to discuss the making of “Steppin’ Up!”, his thoughts on the state of underground club culture, and what fans can expect next from this rising star.
Photo By @BILLYZAMMIT
LUNA: Your new track “Steppin’ Up!” is a full-throttle and intense banger. What inspired the sound and energy of this release, and how did it come together in the studio?
CLUB ANGEL: I had made the demo a year earlier. It was originally a stab-heavy house track influenced by the likes of Head High/WK7, someone I have always loved. I was listening to some tracks, and when I pulled this one up, I found myself instantly diving back into it. It wasn’t intentional, but sometimes when I revisit old ideas, it’s easier to flip them than to get back to the headspace I was previously in. The song flowed better, and before I knew it, it was pretty finished - it wasn’t intentional, but it ended up being completely flipped into the melodic, speedy G track that it is today!
LUNA: You’ve already lit up stages across Asia, Europe and Australia. What’s been your most memorable performance so far?
CLUB ANGEL: I recently closed out after Interplanetary Criminal at the ATW x Intercell party in Amsterdam. Intercell has a strict no phones policy, and as a result, the energy was incredible. It’s a policy I wish more parties would have because you can feel how much more of a difference it makes. It was one of those gigs that reminded me why I love doing this so much!
LUNA: How do different regions influence the way you DJ or produce?
CLUB ANGEL: Honestly, I would say it doesn’t influence how I approach DJ Sets and Production. When it comes to travelling and playing in front of different audiences and different places, I’m pretty strong-willed, and I know what I like. However, coming across other DJs and hearing what they play gives me fresh ideas on what I could implement for new sets. For example, I just played a show in Shanghai, and on the open before me was a DJ called YKK. I’m half Chilean, so listening to a set that was predominantly sped-up Reggaeton (Latin Tech) was something I absolutely loved hearing. I’ve been so used to playing a lot of speed garage & hard house live, so it was a great reminder of why I should take more risks and switch it up.
LUNA: You’re part of a new wave redefining club culture. How would you describe the current landscape of underground dance music, and where do you see yourself within it?
CLUB ANGEL: Underground dance music is currently the most popular it’s ever been, and I love it. Seeing the revivals of the 90s and 200s genres that I grew up with, like UKG, Trance, Hard House, etc. and playing a part in pushing those sounds further is exciting to me. To be completely honest, I don’t think about how I fit into it; I’m just a big fan of these genres and love making and playing that music.
LUNA: You’ve been championed by everyone from Fred Again.. to Interplanetary Criminal. How have these co-signs and collaborations shaped your momentum and creativity as an artist?
CLUB ANGEL: I’m super thankful for it. The underground dance music community is so unique this way. You look up to the producers and DJs and then they play your music out, recognise you in the streets and always make time for you – it’s really special. From a creativity standpoint, it doesn’t necessarily shape my process, but it makes me feel like I am on the right track.
LUNA: ec2a has become a go-to label for underground excellence. What’s it like being part of that family, and how does it align with your vision for your sound and career?
CLUB ANGEL: I’d been a long-time fan of ec2a – since Dr Dubplate started off the label. They were one of the first labels pushing that new UKG sound, and I always felt like it would be so cool to have my release with them. Getting to release on the label alongside fellow Aussies like Mincy, who gave me my first start in DJing, and Osmosis Jones, whose music I play out a lot, is hectic. I feel like Aussies in dance music are having a real moment, and playing a part in that is also hectic.
LUNA: After the success of “Lost My Trust” and now “Steppin’ Up!”, what can fans expect next from Club Angel — more high-speed anthems, a tour, or a debut project?
CLUB ANGEL: No debut project on the horizon, but I have a run of shows, festivals, and new music to come. I’m pretty excited to be heading back to Australia at the end of the year and diving into new music in my home studio, which I have missed whilst being on the road.
