A focused low-end workout from Small Crab who sets her sights on experimenting with tracks around 80pm, playing with different textures and rhythms, going fast and slow.
Based in Dublin, Small Crab is a DJ, producer and founding member of the Skin & Blister collective – a platform that aims to nurture and support female identifying, trans and non-binary creatives. With releases on Early Reflex, Left, Right & Centre, Intercept and Paryìa to name a few, Small Crab’s productions leans more into the percussive and breaksy realm of bass music – sounds of which you can find in the accompanying mix here.
In the below interview, we chat with Small Crab about her early introductions to music, what her production journey has been like so far, what she loves about the scene in Dublin and her approach to podcast 191.
Hey! How are you doing? What have you been up to lately?
Hi! I’m doing well. July is my birthday month, so it’s always a special time for me. I’ve been enjoying the long evenings and taking a few summer trips.
I’m excited about the second half of the year; there’s always a refreshing shift in energy around this time. July feels like a midpoint where I can reset and gear up for the next six months.
Let’s start from the very beginning: what was your first introduction to music in general, and then more specifically to electronic music?
My earliest music memories are of my dad playing a diverse mix at home—from Fela Kuti to Russian metal. Those sounds definitely left an impression on me as a kid. I played the violin for a few years and then took up drumming. Music has always been a part of my life, evolving from various instruments to music production and DJing. Who knows what could be next haha.
Who was the first artist or band you were a fan of?
I have fond memories from when I was around six years old, loving Blog 27 (a Polish band that had two hits and then disappeared), Shakira, The Black Eyed Peas, and Rihanna. My sisters and I would get to buy one CD for the summer break, and that’s all we would listen to in the car for two months.
Was there a formative moment growing up, like seeing a favorite band live or an incredible DJ set, that set you on this path?
Definitely. When I was a teenager, I attended my first festival, “Les Vieilles Charrues” in northern France, with my best friend. That weekend was pivotal for me—it solidified my desire to pursue music.
How does your environment influence your work?
My music often reflects what I’m currently listening to, especially the type of dance music that resonates with me at the moment. My surroundings, including what I see and hear daily, shape the music I create when I get home. Additionally, my mood and whatever I might be experiencing at the time definetly play a significant role in my creative process.
Where do you seek inspiration outside of music?
Traveling and exploring new places provide me with a lot of inspiration and fresh ideas. When working on a new EP, I find that defining a color scheme or aesthetic really helps inspire the music. I love visualizing colors and patterns, almost like creating a mood board, and then I ask myself what sounds would go well with these visuals.
What’s your most recent musical discovery that you’re obsessed with?
I just discovered a beautiful old French song by Francis Cabrel called “Petite Marie” yesterday. The lyrics are amazing, and I’ve had it on repeat all day.
What’s your favorite thing about the Dublin scene? What makes it so special?
I love the small size of the Dublin scene—it fosters a strong sense of community where everyone knows each other. This close-knit environment also makes it easier for newcomers to start DJing, which is fantastic. I visited Bristol for the first time a couple of months ago and found its scene to be very similar to Dublin’s. It’s small, community-oriented, and home to many talented DJs and Producers.
You’ve contributed a track to Early Reflex’s compilation, Flex005. What’s the story behind this? How did you connect with the label?
I’ve been a fan of Early Reflex for a while, especially after loving their previous VA release. Alec, who runs the label, and I connected on Instagram, and he invited me to be part of the next VA. We actually met a couple of months ago when we were both in London. It’s so nice to put a face to people you meet online; it makes releasing with them even more special.
Can you tell us a bit about your production journey and what it’s been like so far?
I started producing on Ableton about five years ago. During the first lockdown, I taught myself through YouTube videos. I had previously dabbled with Logic Pro in college, but once I started using Ableton, my passion for music production really took off. I’m constantly learning and evolving, and I feel like I still only understand 10% of what Ableton can do..
You’ve also contributed a mix for the 909 series. What’s the concept behind this one?
This mix features my favorite 80 BPM tracks right now, with a bassy, somewhat darker, yet melodic and hopeful vibe. I aimed to create something laid-back but with some emotional elements, mixing slower and faster between different sections.
What is your approach to club mixes versus mixes for online platforms or radio shows?
For a mix, I usually plan out the tracklist order in advance and refine it through a few takes, adjusting as needed. I like to include ambient elements that aren’t always suited for clubs, often at the beginning or end. I’m definitely much more neat when it comes to recording mixes and trying to be more precise with my mixing, haha.
Club mixes are more spontaneous; I prepare two playlists with different moods to choose from on the night, and sometimes I improvise based on the vibe. I still haven’t found the best way to prepare for a gig; so much of it depends on what happens on the night. I’m always trying to find new ways to organize my music in Rekordbox using different tags and keywords, so I can create a consistent club mix.
When was the last time you were on the dancefloor?
The last time was yesterday! I went to my friend’s Lúnasa’s Party “Stretch,” and it was a blast! Alba, a really talented Dublin-based DJ, was playing all night long. It was a lot of fun!
What are you most excited about right now?
I’m really excited about the second half of the year and a few music projects that I have been working on that will be released. I am also craving a slower pace of life at the moment—just enjoying the summer, being outside as much as possible, and having a few Irish sea swims and ice cream.
What’s on your vision board at the moment?
That’s a great question! On my vision board right now, I have a few things.
I really want to focus on making more music and recording my own samples more. Just having fun learning new production techniques and experimenting with them.
There’s also this drum plugin I’m hoping to get—fingers crossed! And I’ve got a few trips planned, so I’m hoping everything will fall into place nicely.
‘flex005’ is out now via Early Reflex featuring Small Crab’s latest single, ‘Crab Claws’ – buy here.