Following the release of Wait For You, her collaboration with Ryan Sadorus on her Sun & Sound Detroit label, we caught up with Carmen to discuss the creative chemistry behind the track, the influence of her Detroit roots, finding her voice as an artist and why she sees her sound as forever expanding.
You describe the track as something for both late-night sets and daytime parties. When you’re working on new music, do you imagine specific dance floors or moments where a record will come alive?
I always jump into music based on my initial resonance to the feeling. Not everything I make will translate to the settings I most often play but I never feel pigeonholed by that. I am an artist first, if a song moves me, I’m running with it. It’s an extra win if the song so happens to feel like magic for the dancefloor. I played “Wait For You” for the first time this past weekend and it was a beautiful moment for the dancefloor indeed, so that is a win!
How did working with Ryan Sadorus shape the final record? What does each of you naturally bring into the studio?
Ryan Sadorus came with a strong leading vision in mind. This was a unique collaboration because I often like to sit with the track and flesh out melodies but he sent me the track and lyrical content all at once. It resonated right away and was a really fun process adding my voice and emotion.
Detroit is often associated with deep musical soul and innovation. Where do you think Wait For You fits within that tradition while still sounding contemporary?
There is definitely soul and warmth within this record, that I think resonates with the roots of Detroit. The innovation comes in when considering the collaboration and the new age approach to a record that feels so care free and fun.
Your career spans DJing, singing and producing. Which role feels most creatively fulfilling to you right now, and has that changed over the last few years?
I bounce back and forth between DJing and singing being the most fulfilling. Songwriting and singing, really allows me to stay grounded in my spirits itch to create and express, while DJing allows me to connect in the world and share my wide taste in music.
sillygirlcarmen
You’ve said you put emotion before technology. In an era where production tools are becoming increasingly automated, how do you make sure your music still feels unmistakably you?
I think the main thing that will always be the common thread in my work, is the fact that I’m using my voice. That is a part of me, literally, that cannot be replicated.
Your DJ sets are known for reacting to the energy of the crowd in real time. Does that same instinct influence the way you arrange your productions?
When I’m working on new music ideas, that thread of inspiration is coming from something beyond me.
It surely is spontaneous and spiritual. Whatever I am feeling or trying to inspire in the world comes through. But most often, the process is simply cathartic. I crave the opportunity to sing new melodies and play with new ideas.
Growing up surrounded by Detroit dance music pioneers gave you a unique education. How has that history influenced this release without making you feel tied to the past?
Detroit’s pioneers and history influence my courage to try something new and put it into the world every time. Simply leaning into who I truly am and being unafraid to give it my all comes from all I have observed of Detroit culture.
sillygirlcarmen
You talk about becoming part of the next chapter of Detroit’s musical legacy rather than simply preserving it. What does carrying that legacy forward actually mean to you in 2026?
Staying true to my roots, the music that truly moves me, the scene that has supported my growth, the venues and spaces that have allowed me to get stronger at my craft time and time again. These stories, these moments will forever be told in my story.
There’s a strong sense of community running through everything you do, from DJing to releasing music on Sun & Sound Detroit. Was starting your own label always part of the plan?
Not at all! That was the last thing I had on my mind, honestly. But I’m actually so happy I did. I’m learning so much from a business perspective and feeling a new type of empowerment as an independent artist.
As a DJ, have you had one of those magical moments yet where you’ve dropped Wait For You and watched people react without knowing it was your record?
My Collaborator, Ryan Sadorus, played the record out long before I had added it into my rotation. That is when I first got to witness the magic. The funny thing about that moment, was I had just walked into the nightclub while Ryan Sadorus was in the middle of a DJ set. He had no clue I had just arrived, and as I’m walking to the bathroom, I hear the song. Synchronistic moments like that really tickle me, I love how the universe works.
You talk about making the audience the centre of the experience. Does releasing your own music change that relationship with the dance floor?
Definitely, people connect with you differently when you are also an artist. They get to revisit your work or essence through your music while away from the dancefloor. I like hearing feedback from people and see what parts of my artistry resonate with them most. It feels like an extended conversation knowing people can listen to your music over and over again.
sillygirlcarmen
Is Wait For You a snapshot of where your sound is heading or is it one piece of a much bigger musical direction you’re building?
I’d say one piece of a bigger musical direction I’m building. I feel limitless in my interest to create. I think my sound will be forever expanding. I really love collaborations, because with each new artist I work with, I get to envision myself in a sonic world from a different perspective but still find my own root.
What excites you most about Sun & Sound Detroit over the next year, as an artist, but also as someone helping create opportunities for others?
The potential! I have so many ideas I would love to bloom under the Sun & Sound Detroit label. I am constantly plotting and planning on fun ways to make the next move. I am very hopeful and eager to see how many artists we will have the pleasure to have releases with in the future. Making a wider net with other creatives is a huge goal.
Ryan Sadorus & sillygirlcarmen – Wait For You is out now on Sun & Sound Detroit. Grab it on Beatport HERE.
Head to Beatportal to read The Night Bazaar exclusive interviews in partnership with Beatport HERE.
