Hailing from San Diego, California, Chuwee, real name is Ryan Doyle, is a DJ, producer, and audio engineer who has cemented his place within New York City’s underground electronic music scene. With a passion for auditory exploration and a penchant for blending genres, he has cultivated a sound that is both dynamic and deeply rooted in the culture of the dancefloor. His move to the East Coast marked a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, allowing him to immerse himself in the city’s rich musical heritage while contributing to its ever-evolving landscape.
Beyond his skill behind the decks, Chuwee’s work as an audio engineer at Public Records underscores his dedication to the technical and creative aspects of sound. His productions have found homes on esteemed labels such as Peace Frog, Small Moves, and Clooforillur Records, with upcoming projects on the French imprint Komplices and Risk/Reward further solidifying his growing influence. Whether crafting intricate studio productions or delivering electrifying DJ sets, his commitment to pushing the boundaries of underground music is evident.
In this interview with Torture the Artist, Chuwee delves into his transition from the West Coast to New York, offering insight into the city’s thriving club scene and the role of community in shaping its underground culture. He discusses his creative process, the gear that fuels his productions, and his experiences playing both locally and internationally. From his early inspirations to his dream destinations, this conversation provides a glimpse into the mind of an artist who continues to shape the future of electronic music.
Torture the Artist: Hello Ryan, tell us something about your day.
Chuwee: Today was my first day back at the studio since returning from Europe, and it feels great to be back! I spent the day reorganizing my life, putting together some projects in Ableton that I created while abroad, and spending time with my dog and my partner. I definitely can’t complain; it’s been a lovely day! <smiles>
Torture the Artist: First things first, how did you come up with the name Chuwee?
Chuwee: Chuwee has been a nickname of mine since I was a kid. It was a mix of my obsession with Pokémon and Star Wars when I was really young. My real name is Ryan, so it was a combination of Chewbacca and Raichu that slowly evolved over the years.
I’m contemplating my next move because I may need to go somewhere I can surf every day again.
Torture the Artist: You are originally from San Diego, California, but now live in New York City. When and why did you decide to trade the Californian (surfer) vibes for the concrete of the East Coast?
Chuwee: I decided to move to New York after studying in San Francisco for four years. I was ready for a change and wanted to challenge myself musically and personally. I really miss being close to the beach, but there’s something incredibly special about New York. I’m contemplating my next move because I may need to go somewhere I can surf every day again. <laughs>
Torture the Artist: You are an active part of the underground nightlife in New York, a city that once hosted infamous clubs like the Garage and Studio 54. However, that was a while ago. What’s happening in the Big Apple these days, both club-wise and musically?
Chuwee: The scene in New York is really great and diverse. The underground scene is a highlight in America. You can really feel the history of the scene here in New York, with both new parties and those that have been going on for years. The sense of community is something I really enjoy; it’s always exciting to collaborate with up-and-coming artists eager to create new music that pushes boundaries. It’s inspiring to be around some of my best friends and the people I’ve met during my years in New York.
Torture the Artist: What’s a club you would recommend to someone visiting New York, and what artists should they definitely check out for a proper dose of electronic music?
Chuwee: The club scene in New York is definitely interesting. You can find everything from mainstream to underground music. If I were to recommend a spot, I would definitely say Apollo Studio, where I have been, as it is a staple and has been a place where I’ve really grown and developed as an artist. My good friend Javier Polo has been pushing music forward for people like me and many other artists, both American and international. Also, Resolute is a well- known staple that hosts great parties with fresh vibes. Both of these are underground parties. In terms of clubs, my favorites are probably H0L0 and Public Records, where I work as an audio engineer. The owners of these places contribute significantly to the culture in New York and are committed to ensuring nightlife is safe and enjoyable. They really care about the culture, the sound, and making sure people have a safe space to express themselves and dance.
Torture the Artist: New York and the scene in the U.S. have often been characterized by club attendees who put themselves in the spotlight rather than focusing on the music. How much is this behavior still prevalent, or has it changed?
Chuwee: I think this behavior can be seen everywhere. There will always be people who place themselves at the center of attention. However, for the most part, the parties I attend focus on the music, and the people who attend respect that. Of course, you get some who party just for the sake of it, which is totally fine! Hahaha. But it’s refreshing when you’re playing records and you look up to see everyone in the audience dancing and truly letting themselves go in the moment with you. That’s the most beautiful aspect of dance music; it can be incredibly freeing for people.
Torture the Artist: Let’s talk about yourself and your musical past. When and where did you first get involved with electronic music, and what’s the track that immediately comes to mind that connects you to those times?
Chuwee: I’ve been into electronic music for as long as I can remember. What really got me into it in an interesting way was my grandpa’s record collection. He shared a lot of Disco records with me and was a big hi-fi enthusiast. I see a lot of myself in who he was as a person. I lost him this year, which was tough for my family and me, but I carry his memory and love for music with me in everything I do. Growing up on the West Coast, House music came naturally after Disco, thanks to great labels like Detour and Tweaking, which were big in the ’90s and produced incredible music that I still play today. Producers like JT Donaldson have always been a big inspiration for my sound.
Torture the Artist: When and how did you get involved with DJing and producing, and which came first?
Chuwee: I’ve been collecting records and producing since I was about 14 years old. I’m 28 now, so I’ve been at it for a long time. I’ve always been intrigued by analog gear, drum machines, and synthesizers. I feel like I can express myself much more with them than just by working in the box. Over the years, my techniques have changed, and I believe both processes tell the story I want to share. I just love using them. I recently built a studio with my friends in New York, and we have a lot of toys to play with, which is always fun. I enjoy creating that vibe.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from the music industry is just to be yourself and treat everyone with respect and love. At the end of the day, music was made for people to be free.
Torture the Artist: What’s a lesson you had to learn while being active in the music industry, and what conclusions did you draw from it?
Chuwee: The biggest lesson I’ve learned from the music industry is just to be yourself and treat everyone with respect and love. At the end of the day, music was made for people to be free. It originated from the Black LGBTQ+ community seeking freedom and escape from persecution in their daily lives. It can sometimes seem like a popularity contest, but I always try to remember the roots of where it came from and pay respect to those who paved the way for us to enjoy what we do. It’s all about the love of the music itself, connecting with people around the world, and sharing a piece of myself with everyone while promoting respect and love for all.
Torturet he Artist: This year, you’ve already had releases on Peace Frog, Small Moves, and Clooforillur. Records. What else do you have musically in store for 2025, and which labels are the chosen ones?
Chuwee: I have a lot of music coming out soon, and I’m very excited about it. I have a track coming out with the French label Completes, and I’m working on a separate EP for them that will be released pretty soon. The EP is still in development, but I’m creating some exciting stuff for them, and they’ve been great to work with. I also have a track called “DX Tornado”,” which I made on the Obrheim DX with the Juno leading the way. It’s a faster, funky bop, and I’m super stoked about my upcoming release on Risk/Reward, run by legends Daniel Dutts and Pablo Romero, who also run Archivio, a fantastic record shop in New York. That release features some great tracks getting played by notable DJs, including a remix by the legendary Grant Dell, which I can’t wait for people to hear.
Torture the Artist: Most of your tracks are collaborations with other artists. Do you prefer working with others in the studio, or is the reason for your few non- solo releases a different one?
Chuwee: I think the reason most of my music out now consists of collaborations is because I share a studio space in New York. I quickly learned that I couldn’t make too much noise in my apartment without disturbing my neighbor. I have had the opportunity to be part of different studios and build my own studio, which is now the final iteration of a really nice space with some of my best friends and colleagues. It’s a great place to hang out and jam, which is mostly why I have so many collaborations. However, I do a lot of solo work as well, and I’m compiling a history of all the music I’ve created on my own.
Torture the Artist: What does your studio setup look like, and what’s your favorite piece of equipment that always makes the track when working on a project?
Chuwee: My studio consists of a lot of analog gear, including synthesizers and drum machines—maybe too much, but I love it! A piece I use in every single track is probably my Eurorack synthesizer and the Korg MS-2000. That synth can create a beefy bassline and is incredibly versatile. I also really love the old Emu rackmounts; I have the Proteus 2000 and the Orbit Dance Planet. I’m a fan of old ’90s records, and those pieces do them justice. You can create an entire track with just one of those synths; they’re epic.
Torture the Artist: What’s a synthesizer or studio gadget you’d buy if you were super wealthy?
Chuwee: If I were super wealthy, I would buy a custom console, a bunch of 1176 compressors, an Eventide 3000, a Memorymoog, and probably a variety of different microphones. At this point, I’m really just trying to acquire post- processing equipment for dynamic control and time-based processing. I have enough things that make noise; I just want to ensure they all sound really crisp.
Torture the Artist: Is your approach to producing music different when working alone compared to when you’re in the studio with another artist?
Chuwee: My approach to music production when I’m by myself is definitely more theory-based and thought-out. When I’m with friends, it’s mostly about catching the vibe of the moment and having fun. There’s beauty in both processes, but when I’m alone, I really have the time to experiment with different chord progressions that reflect how I’m feeling. When I’m with friends, we just jam out and see what sticks.
Torture the Artist: To what extent does your “day job” as an engineer at Public Records complement your productions or even your performances as a DJ?
Chuwee: I love working as an engineer at Public Records. Being able to hear my music on their sound system has been a blessing. It definitely keeps my mind focused when I’m in the studio. Additionally, hearing the diversity of music that comes through the venue on a daily basis has been inspiring, and the conversations I have with the artists who come through are invaluable. It’s an opportunity I do not take for granted.
Torture the Artist: Speaking of Chuwee the DJ, you recently traveled to Europe to play gigs in Sweden, Switzerland, and you also played some records in Bogotá, Colombia. What memories did you bring back, and what records too?
Chuwee: Traveling to play music has been a gift, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I love the vibe everywhere I go; experiencing different cultures, dancers, and music has been absolutely wonderful. The highlight that has stuck with me was a party I played in Stockholm called Botanica, run by Tobias Lindén. The sound of the people working there and the overall vibe made it feel like a true community, and I’m lucky to be part of that family now.
Torture the Artist: What’s a club or country you would love to play but haven’t yet?
Chuwee: A place I really want to play is Japan. I’ve heard great things about the hi-fi scene and the record shops there, plus the food is delicious! I love Asian cuisine, and everything about the culture fascinates me. South Korea would also be a lot of fun.
Traveling definitely has a massive impact on the music I create and the records I collect.
Torture the Artist: Do those foreign travels influence your record collection and/or the music you produce in the studio?
Chuwee: Traveling definitely has a massive impact on the music I create and the records I collect. Being exposed to new sounds, foods, and people is one of the biggest inspirations I bring into the studio. It influences my taste and what I play
at the moment. Talking to people about synthesizers and music is just my way of life. <laughs>
Torture the Artist: You are responsible for the latest art:cast. Where and when did you record it, and where would you suggest listening to it?
Chuwee: I recorded this set at my home base, Apollo Studios, and I would recommend listening to this one either by yourself or with all of your homies. <smiles> I put a lot of myself into this one, Including some unreleased tracks. So please step in to it with me. The recording is live and I hope it resonates with anyone who is out there looking for a cheeky dance and a smile
TorturetheArtist: What’s a superpower you wish you had, and how would you use it?
Chuwee: If I could have any superpower, it would definitely be teleportation. That way, I could travel the world in no time, see beautiful places, play amazing parties, surf epic waves, and sleep in my own bed—all in one day.
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 