Ann Clue has rapidly carved out a distinct space in the electronic music landscape. Over the past three years, her commanding presence and unique sonic aesthetic have allowed her to captivate dancefloors across 35 countries, cementing her status as a formidable force in the global techno scene. We recently caught up with the artist to discuss her upcoming performance at TimeWarp in Mannheim, the inspiration behind her new single, "Joy," and her outlook on the industry.
After a period of intense touring, Ann began her 2023 with a deliberate pause. She emphasized the importance of stepping back to reconnect with her own well-being and family, noting that the break was essential for both her physical and mental health before embarking on her next chapter. This introspective approach is mirrored in her latest musical output.
Reflecting on her upcoming track "Joy," set for release on Fckng Serious, she shared a deeply personal philosophy. "Life inspired me to my new release 'Joy'. I found out that Life itself is about joy. Celebrate your big and little wins. Grow every day. Get inspired. Nourish yourself. Go outside and spend time in nature. Take chances. Because life is just too short and fragile to not live a life of chasing joy!"
When it comes to her creative process, Ann favors a lean, software-driven workflow. Despite having a collection of hardware synthesizers in her basement, she finds that the precision and speed of digital tools—specifically Cubase 11 paired with plugins like Serum, Omnisphere, and Fabfilter—better suit her artistic needs. She believes the gap between hardware and software quality has narrowed to the point where the digital environment offers the most efficient path for her production.
The artist is particularly eager for her upcoming set at TimeWarp, a venue that feels like a homecoming given her residence in Mannheim. While she admits to feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, she views the opportunity as a significant milestone. Her approach to performing remains fluid; she typically balances a core selection of favorite tracks with improvisational choices tailored to the specific energy of the crowd.
Addressing her role as a prominent woman in the techno industry, Ann remains focused on authenticity rather than external pressures. She acknowledges that women often face unique challenges when trying to establish their credibility, particularly when dealing with industry biases that attempt to reduce artists to their aesthetics rather than their technical skill. Her advice for the next generation is rooted in self-improvement and integrity, citing a sentiment often attributed to Jim Rohn: "If you better yourself, everything will get better for you."
Looking ahead, 2023 is shaping up to be a transformative year for her career. Ann plans to scale back the sheer volume of her performances to ensure each event is a meaningful, high-quality connection with her audience. Her schedule includes major appearances at Tomorrowland, Brooklyn Mirage, and EDC Las Vegas, alongside a comprehensive tour through North and South America. As she balances the demands of life on the road with her personal life, she remains grounded by the connection she feels with her fans. "I still get goosebumps when I think of or see people listening to my music and loving it," she noted.