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Sundowner. Mix #13 by Aliana + 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 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?

Aliana: 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!

Ines: Who is the latest artist you discovered that impacted you?

Aliana: Recently I have been listening to a lot of old Soviet music. I came across this interesting band called Redkaya Ptica (Year:1982; Genres: Psychedelic / Disco / Space Rock / Electronic wave). They really take me to a different world with their instrumental abilities, unique voice, and overall experience they put together through their music! It is this music from a different era that holds on to this timeless portrayal of crazy energy that infatuated me. I love this cosmic psychedelic sound. The retro and vintage synths, bass, and drums are really magical.


Ines: Is there anything you would like to change or promote in the music industry?

Aliana: The first thought is that I would like the radio to come back, free of syndication, to the old formats with real DJs choosing music. Here in Ukraine, we have just shitty radio stations (you do not want to listen to it, believe me). This way the regional aspect of music would reappear. We had this before. I was still super young, but my older sister often listened to the radio shows from ‘Kazantip’. Can you imagine? Dope!

But you know, In the era of the Internet, it seems that the radio is no longer needed. People now jump online to see and listen to live people, podcasts, and conversations. But still, It would be nice to hear more info about electronic music and newer things that each region and country has to offer through the radio.

Ines: Any projects or releases we should look out for?

Aliana: Yes! I would like to share my upcoming release on Finest Hour! It is my first full cover double EP. This release was ready for more than 2 years but then the pandemic happened and bla bla, so yeah! I’m super excited about it. Besides, in the current podcast, I added two of my unreleased tracks, one at the beginning and one at the end. I wanted to do it for a long time, but I didn’t get the opportunity 😀



Ines: If you could pick any DJ or act to play with, who would it be and why?

Aliana: I don’t know how to answer this question. I really don’t like to choose haha.

I am the kind of person that prefers the will of the universe and accepts what comes from outside via synchronicity. I will be glad to share that remote control with anyone that resonates 🙂 Someday I will remind you of this question and together we can see who this person will be.

Ines: Thank you so much Aliana for sharing with us, we are really looking forward to hear more from you in the future, and we are pretty sure this is just the beginning of a bright journey full of success.

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