SMOOTH: David Schaffer’s Mission to Elevate Female Talent in Chile’s Electronic Scene

In a country where electronic music has grown exponentially over the past decade, conversations about gender parity in lineups have become increasingly common — but rarely do they turn into real action. While many speak about the need for balance, few are willing to step up and build actual spaces for women behind the decks.

David Schaffer, one of Chile’s most consistent and respected DJs, decided he wasn’t going to wait for change. He was going to create it.

That vision is now becoming reality through SMOOTH, his new project dedicated entirely to empowering and showcasing female DJs across Chile. The concept is simple but powerful:

David shares the booth exclusively with women — giving visibility, opportunity, and high-level exposure to the rising female force of the national scene.

And this movement is not happening in just any venue.
SMOOTH is taking over Sala Mistral at La Feria, widely regarded as the best club in Chile and one of the most iconic electronic spaces in Latin America. If there is a room where new talent becomes real trajectory, this is the one.

A Veteran Pushing the Scene Forward

David Schaffer’s commitment to elevating others comes from a decade-long career built on consistency, experience, and a deep connection with the dancefloor.

Since 2013, he has performed in Chile’s most important festivals, including Creamfields, Lollapalooza, and Magik Garden, delivering his signature blend of Tech House, Minimal House, and Deep Tech — a sound charged with groove, warmth, and high energy.

He has opened for global legends such as Bob Sinclar, Roger Sánchez, Prunk, and Stephan Bodzin, and shared booths with international heavyweights like Bassel Darwish, Dimmish, and Artmann. His residence at Club La Feria, which he has maintained uninterrupted for ten years, speaks for itself: David is a foundational pillar of the Chilean scene.

As a producer, he has released over 17 tracks on respected labels such as Chichi Music, Datagroove, and PL7, and achieved major recognition with his EP The Magic Soul, which reached #5 in Beatport’s top releases in 2021. His tracks have been supported by international icons like Stefano Noferini, placing David firmly on the global radar.

Recently, his European tour took him to Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Ibiza, adding new layers to his musical identity and widening his international perspective.

But now, David is channeling all that knowledge, experience, and momentum into something bigger than himself.

SMOOTH: More Than a Party — A Statement

SMOOTH challenges the status quo.
It highlights a truth everyone sees but few address: Chile has extraordinary female DJs, yet they remain underrepresented on major stages.

Rather than just discussing inclusion, David is using his platform, experience, and position in La Feria to create a space where women are not the exception — they’re the focus.

Every edition of SMOOTH is a showcase of talent, personality, and presence. The vibe is elegant yet energetic, respectful yet powerful — a true reflection of the women who step behind the decks.

For David, SMOOTH is not just an event series.
It’s a cultural contribution, a push toward equality, and a testament to the strength of Chile’s female scene.

And if the momentum continues at the pace of its debut in Sala Mistral, SMOOTH is on track to become one of the most meaningful movements in Chilean electronic music today.

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Q&A WITH DAVID SCHAFFER — The Purpose Behind SMOOTH

1. What motivated you to create SMOOTH, and why did you feel the need to build a project focused exclusively on empowering female talent?
   

   David explains that while many talk about lineup parity, very few take real action. Chile has an abundance of talented female DJs, and he believes they deserve more opportunities and visibility on major stages. SMOOTH was born from that conviction — to create a concrete, consistent platform dedicated to showcasing women behind the decks.
   
   

2. What is your vision on this topic, and how do you feel SMOOTH offers a real solution?
   

   He highlights that the lack of female representation is not only a Chilean issue but a global one; most big festival lineups are still dominated by men. SMOOTH seeks to help balance the scales by intentionally bringing female talent to the forefront, especially in a world where women already hold leadership roles in business, culture, and society. For David, the electronic scene should reflect that same level of equality.

3. SMOOTH is taking over Sala Mistral at La Feria, one of the most iconic clubs in Chile. What does it mean to bring this project to a venue of that level?
   

   After 10 uninterrupted years as a resident, La Feria holds deep importance for David. He sees the club as a place that shares his values around music, quality, and unforgettable experiences. Bringing SMOOTH to Sala Mistral feels like the perfect alignment — a world-class space hosting a project with a world-class purpose.

4. How do you select the DJs who participate in SMOOTH, and what qualities do you look for?
   

   The selection is demanding, as there are many highly talented female DJs. David prioritizes musicality, technique, and the ability to connect with the crowd. He also values artists with strong presence, originality, commitment to the project, and the ability to contribute something unique to each night — more than just playing well, they must bring added value.

5. Where would you like to take SMOOTH in the future? Do you see it growing into a brand, a movement, or a broader platform for women in electronic music?
   

   The response to SMOOTH has exceeded his expectations, with support from both men and women. He sees the project continuing to empower artists while also contributing positively to each venue involved. The long-term vision includes expanding nationally and internationally, turning SMOOTH into a movement that elevates and celebrates female talent on a larger scale.