Few artists have made the jump from vocalist to producer as seamlessly as Tita Lau. What began with standout vocal appearances has grown into one of the most distinctive names in contemporary house music, built on infectious records, high-energy DJ sets and a personality that’s become just as recognisable as her sound.
Her latest single, Sweat, sees her make a long-awaited debut on Toolroom alongside James Hurr, pairing big hooks with the playful energy that’s become a hallmark of her productions. But behind the festival stages and packed touring schedule is an artist who thinks carefully about creativity, collaboration and knowing when to trust instinct over perfection.
We caught up with Tita to talk about the journey from vocalist to producer, why lockdown changed everything, using her voice as another instrument in the studio, joining one of house music’s most respected labels, and the unlikely musical influences that continue to shape her records.
Thanks for talking to us Tita! Are you having a decent summer so far?
It’s been amazing so far. I had some sad news a few weeks ago, but since starting back everyone has been so supportive at the shows. Summer is definitely the busiest time of year, so I’ve been living out of a suitcase, playing festivals and clubs all over the world, then trying to squeeze in studio time whenever I’m home. It’s hectic, but I love it. Every crowd in each city is different and I love visiting places meeting everyone.
You started out as a vocalist before establishing yourself as a producer and DJ. Looking back, was there a particular moment when you realised you wanted full creative control over the records you were making?
It was during lockdown in 2020. Overnight, all my work disappeared and for the first time in years I had the time to focus on myself creatively. Before that, I’d been recording vocals for other artists and DJing at my residencies three nights a week, so I never really had the chance to develop my own music. During lockdown I started making my own records and live streaming every week, testing out new tracks with the audience. That’s also when I started building an online community, and a lot of those people still turn up in the chat today. Looking back, that period completely changed the direction of my career.
Your voice remains an important part of your music, from earlier appearances on tracks like Patrick Topping’s Turbo Time to your new collaboration with James Hurr, Sweat. Has the way you use your voice changed now that you’re also thinking as a producer?
I definitely have been more creative with it. I’ll layer it, chop it up, pitch it, distort it. It’s become another instrument in the production. I’ve always been a perfectionist when it comes to vocals, but I’ve definitely learned that there is sometimes realness in the imperfections and even outtakes that I quite like.
Sweat marks your first release on Toolroom, a label with a very distinct place in UK house music. What did releasing on the label mean to you, and how did the collaboration with James Hurr come together?
Toolroom is such a legendary label that every house producer / DJ respects, so it genuinely felt like a dream. James Hurr and I have known each other for a while and the collaboration came together really naturally. We both wanted to make something that felt fun, energetic and made people want to dance. We’ve worked on a few records together, he’s a really amazing producer, fun to work with and hopefully this is the first of many releases!
Your career has developed quickly, but success in dance music often brings a new set of pressures around touring, social media and constantly releasing music. How do you protect the creative instinct that got you started in the first place?
One thing I’ve always known about myself is that creativity isn’t something I can force. There are times when ideas flow effortlessly and there are times when they don’t. I’ve always been a perfectionist, but some of the music I questioned the most ended up being peoples favourite! So I just trust the process instead of chasing perfection. Every record I’ve made is part of my journey, whether it’s a huge hit or not.
You’ve become known for high-energy, personality-driven house music, but what are the less obvious influences behind your sound? Are there artists, scenes or records outside your immediate musical world that have shaped how you produce?
Growing up in Bristol, I was surrounded by so many different genres and cultures. I never grew up listening to just one thing. At home it was everything from R&B and soul, big ballads to musical theatre and I think that’s where my love of vocals comes from. Some days I’ll talk on a record, others I will sing like an 80s rock singer, it all just depends on my mood! I’ve had a real love for ’80s music for years. There’s something timeless about the songwriting and the production. I love artists with huge personalities and voices that are instantly recognisable.
Sweat is out now on Toolroom
