Interview
The Sundowner. Mix #13 comes from Ukrainian producer and DJ Aliana, who recently had her debut Album on the record label Finest Hour. Get to know Aliana better in this interview we had with her and enjoy an hour of an…
The Sundowner. Mix #13 comes from Ukrainian producer and DJ Aliana, who recently had her debut Album on the record label Finest Hour. Get to know Aliana better in this interview we had with her and enjoy an hour of an exquisite selection, where she takes us on a trippy psychedelic journey.
Ines: Hi Aliana, how are you?
Aliana: Hi Ines. All good here! Thank you. I am currently in my new studio, in Lviv, Ukraine. It’s Autumn here, and it’s getting colder and colder. It’s 5 pm, my favourite red light is turned on and on the right hand side I have a ginger-lemon-honey tea in the thermos. Seems like a good end of the week 🙂
Ines: Tell us Aliana, who or what inspired you to start DJing and producing music?
Aliana: Well, I can admit that I was inspired by my friend who was also the first person who taught me how to produce. I was 15 years old at the time. That was the same period of time where I discovered the music of Mr. Oizo which further pushed my fascination for electronic music deeper.
My friend gave me insights and lectures on synthesizers, drum machines, and Cubase (I currently use Ableton). He pointed me in the right direction to discover my own voice and vision into the world of electronic music.
Precisely at the age of 16, I got my first midi keyboard, downloaded some version of FL studio, and this is where my journey began.
Ines: What were you into before electronic music?
Aliana: I’ve always been interested and exposed to different types of music. Growing up my family were big fans of classical, rock, jazz, and funk. I started taking musical education when I was around 8 years old. This education gave me a pretty good foundational base. By the way, When I was a teenager we had a rock band which even had a few concerts around my home city haha. A few days ago, my friend (from the band) sent me a photo where we were still very young but so ambitious, It’s very funny 😀
Ines: What would you say is the key for a perfect mix?
For me, there is not a singular key to a perfect mix but more of an approach to a perfect story. Eliciting some emotional response from listeners with intention is the key. If it is true to yourself and people like it then maybe you are in the right place with your mix!
