Let Us Play Music In Unexpected Places! KLO Interview

by Alexandra Mansilla

Let Us Play Music In Unexpected Places! Interview With Chloe Barakat, aka KLO

13 Jan 2025

Source: Chloe's personal archive

Chloe Barakat, better known as KLO, is making waves in the music scene — not just for her unique sound but for constantly bringing something fresh to the table. Last year, she introduced afternoon pop-ups — a concept popular in Europe but still new to Dubai — where DJs perform in unexpected locations. Because… why not?

We caught up with Chloe to chat about this concept and her journey so far, from violin lessons she couldn’t stand to studying in London (which brought both valuable experience and its fair share of anxiety) to where she is now — constantly growing and evolving.

— Hey Chloe! We will definitely talk about music today, but first, I would love to know more about your family. So could you tell me more about your parents?

— My mom is my best friend, and she has always been such an inspiration to me. Her side of the family — the Armenian side — is super creative. They have always been into art and music, really hands-on with crafts like painting, beadwork, and all that kind of stuff.

My mom’s dad, my grandfather, had such a creative mind! I would sit with him as he talked about all sorts of creative things, showed me paintings, and introduced me to the world of art — all while playing classical music in the background. He loved classical music and artists like Charles Aznavour. I think that is when I started becoming intrigued by music!

My dad’s side, the Lebanese side, was a bit different. They are not as into music or art, but they are super cool and amazing. When I started both interior architecture and DJing, my dad was always by my side — he still is my number one supporter!

By the way, he always plays interesting 2000s progressive music out loud at home, and that definitely inspires me.

Source: Chloe's personal archive

— We know that you used to play the violin!

— Yes, it is crazy! My mom has always been the kind of person who encourages me to try everything to figure out what I like. She specifically wanted me to learn an instrument and really get into it, so she signed me up for the conservatory when I was about nine or ten.

I started playing the violin and stuck with it for about two years, but I hated it. I really hated it. It was so hard, and it felt like it was draining the life out of me. But looking back, it taught me a lot. It taught me patience, how to understand different instruments, and how to read notes. It also helped me develop a musical ear and learn how to perform. At the end of every year, we had to perform in front of judges, and they graded us. It was strict, but it pushed me to be brave at a young age — to put myself out there, have resilience and not be scared. So, that experience definitely helped me develop a thicker skin, which is so important in the music industry.

But I hated it so much that eventually, I told my mom, "I can’t do this anymore. I don’t like it, I am not enjoying it, and I just want to stop." She was understanding, but she also warned me, "You’ll regret it one day." And she was right! I do regret it now. I wish I could play the violin today, even incorporate it into my DJ sets. Who knows, maybe one day I will try again.

It is funny how I look back now and think about how much value the violin actually brought to my life.

— There was a time in your life when you studied interior architecture. How did that come about?

— I have always been interested in art, painters, textures, and design. I loved going to museums and learning about designers, and I even had a list of interior designers I admired. Whenever I went to a restaurant or a cool spot, I would ask about the interior architect behind the space. That is how I decided, "Why not do interior architecture?"

It is a fantastic job, and I loved the school I attended — the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts. The education system there was French, and it was pretty rigorous, but I am sure it played a big role in building my resilience — much like playing the violin did.

At the same time, it was so much fun, and I met a lot of creative people who I still collaborate with and talk to today. That is one of the best parts — you can collaborate and combine your experiences. It is a nice way to merge my different passions and make something meaningful.

— And when did you start DJing?

— Actually, pretty early. I was in school, around 14 years old, and I remember watching We Are Your Friends, a DJ movie that shows what it feels like to connect with a crowd. After that, I was so curious and wanted to know more.

So, I bought decks, got a teacher, and practiced for about a year. But obviously, I was only 14 and didn’t take it seriously — I was just curious, and that was it. I dropped it after a year because I didn’t have the patience or effort to learn.

Fast forward to when I was 19 — that is when I got back into it. I had travelled, gone clubbing, and seen a lot of DJs I liked, which reignited my interest. I started digging for records and learning more about the craft. That is when I decided, "I want to do this again, but this time properly." And that is how it all began.

Source: Chloe's personal archive

— So, you studied Music Production and Sound Engineering at Middlesex University in London, right?

— Yes, I completed a full degree there. London shaped me a lot because the music industry there is incredible — it is one of the best in the world. You learn so much and meet artists from so many different genres. Even the teachers I had at my school were amazing. It was such an inspiring environment.

— As I understand it, you went to London on your own, without friends or any support. Was it difficult being so far from home?

— Oh yes, it was extremely hard. I really struggled — especially with anxiety. A lot of my anxiety came from the fact that I was stepping into a completely new space. And also from the fact that the school I went to was predominantly male.

In my classes, there were usually only one or two other girls — or sometimes, I was the only girl. It was definitely a challenge, and that is why I was so anxious when I started my career there.

You know, I feel like, as women, we really need that female presence. It gives you a sense of comfort and support. But when it is not there, you find yourself trying to prove yourself, and honestly, it is not easy at all. It was such a tough time for me. Thankfully, the school had great mental health support — there was always someone to talk to, someone who could help. That made a big difference.

But, in the end, it shaped me. It was a difficult experience, but it helped me grow.

— And you didn’t give up, despite everything you were facing!

— Oh, I wanted to give up many times, honestly. Sound engineering and music production are totally different from DJing. DJing is so enjoyable, but sound engineering and music production — it is not easy at all.

It was challenging, for sure, but it was also rewarding in its own way.

— By the way, I noticed that you have got quite a few tattoos!

— I do! I have like eight or nine.

— Okay, is there a story — funny, tragic, or dramatic — behind any of them?

— Butterflies. I think everyone is a butterfly in their own way. You start as a caterpillar, discovering yourself, getting out of the cocoon, and then eventually transforming into a butterfly. It became a symbol of my growth — going through anxiety, moving countries, adjusting to new cultures, and everything that comes with that journey.

So, I decided to get this tattoo when I moved to Dubai last year. It marked a point where I felt like I was finally doing what I love, on the right path, and healing. I had started to move past my anxiety, and this tattoo represents that transformation.

It is my favourite one because it means so much to me — it is a reminder of my growth and everything I have overcome.

Source: Chloe's personal archive

— Can you describe the kind of music you play? What should a listener or visitor expect when they see your name on an event announcement?

— I don’t stick to one specific genre when I play. It is all about the groove — something that makes you happy, gets you moving and takes you on a journey. I like my sets to feel like a story, something that I am telling through the music. It is about exchanging energy, and I want to take my listeners with me so they can feel it because it is coming straight from my heart.

It is not tied to one style — I can play disco, house, acid house — different styles depending on the setting, the place, and the crowd. It is a variety of sounds, but it is always groovy, lively, and full of energy. It is kind of like me, I guess!

— Now choose: Long sets or short ones? And why?

— I love playing long sets because it gives me time to really warm up and guide the crowd from the start of the night. I get to build the energy and flow gradually, taking them higher and higher as the set progresses. I just love extended sets — they are my favourite.

That is one thing I really appreciate about Dubai: I often get to play extended sets. Most of the time, I play for a minimum of four hours, which is great. It gives me enough time to connect with the crowd, see their faces, and exchange energy.

— What country do you love returning to and playing in again?

— Honestly, I really, really enjoyed playing in Egypt. It was such a great experience. The crowd and the people there are so nice and super genuine — just very down-to-earth. It was a really cool vibe overall.

— Now, can you recall the best set you have ever played in your life?

— I know exactly what this is. I played a set right after I came back from London. I hadn’t played in Lebanon for maybe a year and a half, and there is this collective called retrogroove — they booked me for my first main set with them. It was also my first extended main set in Lebanon, like two or three hours.

It was perfect timing — sunset in the mountains of Lebanon. I had the time to fully warm up, be myself, and just play the way I love: no guidelines, no restrictions, just me. I showcased a completely different side of myself. They weren’t expecting it at all because they knew me as this rookie — young, shy, new to the scene, playing disco. But I came back with all the baggage and experience I had gained in London.

It was one of my favourite sets ever. Even now, people come up to me and say, "I saw you that day, and you were amazing." Everything just aligned — the sound system was incredible, even outdoors. The crowd was amazing, and my mom was there to support me, which meant the world.

I still remember how magical the sunset was! It was also the biggest crowd I had ever played for — around 3,000 people. It was completely packed.

— A tricky one: What was the worst set in your life?

— I think it was at the beginning of my DJ years, at a private house party. Back then, I was still shy and struggling to find my confidence. That night, I had a bit too much to drink, and while I was playing, I knew I was messing up. My mixing was off, the music didn’t flow, and honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing.

It was a disaster, and I will never forget it. From that day on, I made a rule for myself: I never drink when I am playing. Just water!

Source: Chloe's personal archive

— Here is a quick one: Looking back on your DJ journey, what is the weirdest situation you have ever found yourself in?

— I always get funny messages at parties. People hold up their phone screens to show me something, and it is always something random. One time, it was two friends — a guy and a girl — and the guy held up his screen saying, "I’m not with her, and she’s not with me," basically flirting with me. It was hilarious.

People even show their phone screens with their numbers on them, trying to flirt. It is all just funny banter, and as long as it is harmless, I enjoy the humour.

— Great! Recently, a guy who is pretty well-known in the region’s music industry shared on Instagram about launching a service to guarantee DJs get paid, which seems to tackle a real issue. Have you ever experienced anything like that? What are your thoughts?

— I think there is a lot of this that happens, unfortunately — delayed payments or even no payment at all. People need to understand that DJing is a job. It is how I make a living, and my pay is essential for that. So, if someone were to create a system or a way to follow up on payments or find solutions for this issue, I think it would be a really great idea. It would be a huge help for people in this industry.

I have definitely experienced this, and I still do — even with big brands, ones you wouldn’t imagine. It is crazy how often it happens. It is not easy, especially since this isn’t a corporate job. In the corporate world, people get paid at the end of the month, but for me, I have to chase payments constantly. By the end of the month, I am just like, "Please, I need to get paid!" It is exhausting, honestly.

Source: Chloe's personal archive

— Thank you for sharing. Recently, you launched a new concept in Dubai — the afternoon pop-ups. Could you tell me more about it?

— A few months back, when I was in London, I met this guy who basically started a trend. He is managing an artist in London and was the one who brought the pop-up concept to TikTok. He started doing pop-ups in unexpected places — like coffee shops and train stations, places you wouldn’t imagine. When he talked about it, I felt super inspired.

I wanted to bring the concept to Dubai but with a bigger purpose — building a community. I decided to host it on a Sunday because I know how Sundays feel: it is the afternoon, you are lonely, and you have Monday and the week ahead looming over you. My goal was to unite people in one place where they could enjoy themselves — without alcohol, just being themselves and meeting others.

I especially wanted to create a space where artists could meet, collaborate, and connect. With good music and good food, it is a simple idea but meaningful. It is something I am working on doing consistently. I have one coming up on January 26 and another on February 16. Each time, I collaborate with different local artists to give them a platform — whether they are musicians, jewelry makers, or anyone creative.

The bigger picture is that I am building a community with the ultimate goal of opening my own music school. I have had experience in violin school and music production school, so I know what is missing and what needs to be done. I feel like the music industry here lacks certain spaces and resources, and I want to help fill that gap.

This entire project is about creating a hub where creative people feel comfortable, supported, and guided in this industry. That is the purpose behind it all.

— What is the next place you are planning to host one of these afternoon pop-ups?

— It will be Moon Slice, a pizza place. The other one is going to be at a new coffee shop that just opened. I am collaborating with a Lebanese artist who is a jewelry designer specialising in beads. We are setting up a table where people can create their own bead jewelry while enjoying music. It is fun and interactive — music, creativity, and connection all in one place.

— And what about the music school you are dreaming of? Will it be for adults, kids, or everyone?

— It will be for everyone. It is not limited to one type of person — it is a creative hub. The idea is to create a space that is part school, where you can learn how to DJ and explore electronic music, and part coffee shop, where people can come together, collaborate, and connect.

It is meant to be a creative space for all kinds of creatives. Of course, there will also be guidance and support. I have noticed what is lacking in this industry, and with my experience and research, I feel like I have a good understanding of what needs to be done.

It is not happening just yet — I am still in the research phase, working on refining the plan before pitching it. But it is definitely in the works!

— At the end of our conversation, I would love to go back to your roots again, if that is okay. You and your family were in Beirut in August 2020. Were you near the port? How did you get through everything that happened?

— That was an incredibly hard time for all Lebanese people. My parents were at home during the explosion, and our house isn’t very far from the port. My brother was there too, so they were all together while I was the only one out — and I was even closer to the port.

Thank God, nothing happened to me or my family, but it was still a very hard experience. Part of our balcony fell, and the building was damaged, too. I know others went through much worse, but it was so tough to process — to accept that this had happened to our city in just one moment. It made it hard to feel any trust again.

Every Lebanese person lost something that day. Whether it was trust, security, or hope — something changed in all of us. For me, it was one of the reasons I stopped going back to Lebanon as much as I used to. I love my country, but it is hard to face it sometimes.

That is also one of the main reasons I left Lebanon in 2021 and moved to the UK. The uncertainty, the pain — it was just too much to handle.

— Have you ever thought about moving your parents to Dubai?

— Yeah, of course. When the war started again last year, in 2024, I was completely on edge. It is so hard to see everything happening and feel helpless, knowing my parents are still there. I keep asking them to come here, but they don’t want to leave. It is their home, and I respect that — it is their decision.

For myself, though, as much as I would love to move back to Lebanon, I just can’t trust anything there anymore. I saw how my dad built his entire career, saved everything, and then lost it all in a second. That kind of uncertainty makes it impossible for me to imagine building my life there right now.

by Alexandra Mansilla

Let Us Play Music In Unexpected Places! Interview With Chloe Barakat, aka KLO

13 Jan 2025

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by Alexandra Mansilla

Let Us Play Music In Unexpected Places! Interview With Chloe Barakat, aka KLO

13 Jan 2025

More from Interview

Redefining Electronic Music at IMS Dubai: Cosmicat – Saudi Arabia’s Rising Star

A Story Of a Man Who Collected Over 12,000 Objects. Told By Ohida Khandakar

Meet Kenji Takimi: The Mastermind Behind Japan’s Underground Disco

Omar Gamal: ‘Arabic Producers Are Bridging East And West In the Music Scene’

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