Clémentine stands at the heart of a new generation of deeply knowledgeable, quietly influential selectors shaping today’s global radio landscape. A longtime champion of mellow grooves, she has spent the past decade weaving together Modern Soul, Disco, Jazz-Funk and warm electronic textures across clubs, festivals, the airwaves and her own record label Chuwanaga Records.
After years as a beloved resident on LYL Radio with her show ‘Mellow Madness,’ the Paris-based selector now brings her signature depth and generosity in sound to Worldwide FM. Rooted in her early love of Black music and nurtured through record shops, friendships and a growing community of like-minded diggers, Clémentine’s journey is one defined by curiosity, care and a sincere devotion to sharing music that moves people.
We caught up with Clémentine about her move to Worldwide FM, the inner workings of ‘Mellow Madness’ and why compromising isn’t an option.
How did you get into music? Why did you want to become a radio host?
Clémentine: I got into music around 10 years old and it was through Black music, thanks to my two older brothers, Sébastien and Keeto. The latter runs the record shop Vinyl and Coffee in Annecy. He was already collecting records and CDs. I loved digging through everything, discovering new things, making compilations and burning CDs. Music quickly became a central part of my life. More than a passion, it was probably a way to connect and express myself.
I discovered electronic music as a teenager, then started buying records and DJing around 19-20 years old. It all came quite naturally, shaped by some few key encounters with DJs who later became friends, like Jérémy Underground and Danilo Plessow.
In 2015, I moved to Lyon and started working at the record store Chez Emile, which specialized in electronic music. Music was still guiding everything I did, joining a record shop felt like the right step. Almost at the same time, LYL Radio was launching nearby. My first meeting with them happened when I was invited on the show ‘Children Of The Drum,’ hosted by Pablo Valentino, LB aka Labat and Lotfi.
I think the idea of doing the same thing as my friends really appealed to me. I was listening to a lot of shows on NTS, Red Light Radio and Le Mellotron back then and I thought it could be a really fun adventure.
Congratulations on the move to Worldwide FM! Taking it back a bit, how did your radio journey start?
LYL Radio was barely a year old and they were looking for hosts to build a wide spectrum of shows covering different styles. They offered me the opportunity to join and ‘Mellow Madness’ launched in February 2016. In November 2025, I had the idea to move the show to Worldwide FM. I pitched it to Gilles Peterson and he immediately said go!
What was it about radio that really attracted you to it?
I don’t tend to make many compromises when I play in clubs, but radio brings a different kind of freedom, a more intimate space where I can go deeper and take my time and share music without the pressure of the dancefloor. I also loved the idea of a monthly appointment, a ritual at a specific time and the chance to invite talented individuals whose taste I admire.
What are some of the guiding principles of ‘Mellow Madness?’
I started inviting guests very early on, when I was in Lyon, because I wanted to showcase other DJs’ selections or just passionate record collectors. Usually, I take care of the first hour and the guest plays the second hour when possible. Sometimes we do a full B2B the whole way through. Over time, it became a space for exchange and discovery rather than just a mix show. The selection flows from Soft Rock to House, exploring all the sounds in between from organic warmth to electronic rhythms and energy.
I’ve invited many friends from Lyon, like Patchworks, Kashif, Waxist, Lucas, Mush or Kaffe Crème. When I moved to Paris in 2018, I kept the same spirit, inviting DJs and friends from the local scene like Saint-James, Marina Trench, Jim Irie, DJ Deep or Raphael Top-Secret among others. I also began inviting international guests, San Soda was the first, followed by Launette, Phillie P, Donna Leake, Kléo, Alena Arpels, Coco Maria, Sean P and more. Rather than just building a guest list, it felt like building bridges between like-minded selectors.
For my part, my goal was and still is to share the music I love. New releases, long-time favorites, rare finds or not; records that truly speak to me. When I have guests, it’s total carte blanche. I want them to explore their collection and just enjoy. For now, on Worldwide FM, the show runs for one hour. A shorter format but it allows me to refocus on my own selections, which feels right at this stage.
Was there a turning point for you in your radio journey?
When I moved to Paris, the radio show began to take on more importance. I toured a bit in Europe, took part in the Jazz-Dance festival Easter Sounds and co-founded the label Chuwanaga with Saint-James. During that time, my musical spectrum widened and I was invited on other French and international radio stations. Now there might be a new turning point. The show will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026; over 80 episodes already, which is wild! I’m not planning on stopping anytime soon and becoming a Worldwide FM resident definitely marks a new chapter.
How do you prepare for ‘Mellow Madness?’
I try to get an overview of my records, recent discoveries and what I feel like sharing. Then I make a pile or a list and dig further to find what fits. It also depends on my mood. I like when the selection tells a story and keeps a sense of flow. It’s a long process and yes, I’m a last-minute person sometimes – but never late! – but maybe that’s what keeps it spontaneous.
Is there one radio show from your archive that you think defines you?
All of them! But for my first show on Worldwide FM, I wanted to set the tone and introduce my universe to a new audience, playing tunes from Soul, Jazz-Funk and Boogie, blending longtime favorites with new releases from and labels and artists close to my heart like Another Taste, Stella & The Longos, Backatcha Records and Chuwanaga.
What are some of your proudest achievements in your radio career so far?
In 10 years, I’ve been invited to participate in radio shows and radio events with Rinse, Radio Sofa, Le Mellotron, Radio Nova, and FIP. In 2018, LYL Radio collaborated with Boiler Room and I got to record a live show, which felt huge at the time. I’ve also appeared on international stations like Red Light Radio, Mutant Radio, NTS, Worldwide FM and BBC 6 to showcase our label. I’ve had the chance to invite so many DJs I admire, I’m really grateful for that and happy to still be doing it 10 years later. Saying this actually made me realize how much has happened, sometimes you just need to look back. I’m very thankful.
In terms of building the community around you, what has stuck out the most?
I struggle a bit with the word ‘community,’ but I often meet people who tell me they listen to my show. It’s incredible to see that the music I share resonates and creates a real connection with others. It’s a reminder that something meaningful has been built and that ‘Mellow Madness’ has become an integral part of what I do as a DJ. Without it, I probably wouldn’t have played as much. Sometimes I check where the show is listened to and it’s wild to see how far it travels.
“Independent radio is essential but fragile. Eternal respect to those keeping it alive!”
What are some of your top tips for someone who wants to put together a radio show?
Don’t compromise, but know that consistency requires motivation. Doing a few radio shows can be easier but keeping a recurring show alive is real work. Most importantly: enjoy it. If it starts to feel like a chore, something needs to change. I really admire people like Coco Maria or Gilles Peterson, who do shows multiple times a week. I don’t know if I could do that unless music was my full-time job.
What do you think the future holds for radio?
More and more radio projects and collectives are emerging, which is really encouraging. Independent radio is essential but fragile. Funding is scarce, and it’s often run by volunteers. Eternal respect to those keeping it alive! We have to support them, listen, show up and go to the events they organize.
What have you learned about yourself through your radio show?
It has given me a space to express myself, like my own room. It has also pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’m not used to speaking on radio but I think I’ll be doing more of that now on Worldwide FM.