http://www.boomfestival.org/boom2014/webtvradio/boom-radio/mindstream/mindstream-08-the-boom-radio-podcast-by-aliji/
You are connected with a creative hub in Camden, London, called inSpiral. What is your main activity over there?
The InSpiral lounge in Camden is a lovely venue with a very special vibe.
I am the event manager and responsible for most of the bookings and creative offerings, of which there are many. I also get on the decks from time to time, but in general feel more comfortable in my role as organiser rather than artist. We are also a fundamental part of Glade festival and are considered by many to be one of the best chill out spaces on the festival scene, where we have a significant presence at several events.
For more info on inSpiral see www.inspiralled.net/events
How and when did your musical career start?
My DJ career started at Glastonbury festival in 2003, I was asked to play an afternoon chill out set in ID Spiral. It got me into the role of DJ and inspired me to broaden my musical horizons and obsessively seek out new tunes. I played a few smaller gigs in the next year which led to other bookings and in 2004 played ID Spiral at Glastonbury on saturday night, which was a major breakthrough gig for me. It just keeps getting better and I love it.
As a DJ, how do you consider yourself in terms of music approach?
I love music and believe in content before style.
I try to be not be too linear in genre specification and look for timelessness in music more than a passing style that will have disappeared in 6 months time. I like to introduce accessible psychedelic and groovy elements in my DJ sets and have a feeling for fusing the genres on the road less travelled.
The mix I have done for the Boom podcast demonstrates musicality and production technique being held together with groove and a consistent good vibe.
With so much music being made nowadays which genres and/or artists do you consider as the most innovative to come out?
When I play a techno set, I strive for a groovy sound that is also deep and psychedelic. A few artists who spring to mind are Gui Boratto, Butch, D-Nox, Beckers, James Holden, Alex Kenji, Robert Babicz.
In the world of eclectic downtempo/midtempo electronica I would say the artists who are really paving the way into new territory, while maintaining a musical integrity, that will most likely stand the test of time are:
Rumpistol (Rump Recordings) Eat Static (Interchill) Rena Jones (Native State) Echaskech (Just Music) Slack Baba (Liquid-Records)
With so much software being released for the sake of DJs, do you think next generation DJs will lose completely the ability to listen to vinyl, CD and other music platforms, besides digital DJing outlets?
I would much prefer to see a DJ waving CDs and vinyl around than looking at a computer screen unless what is happening is really a “Live set”. Looking through a CD case for the perfect selection is much more being a part of the dance floor process than someone looking at a screen that comes between the DJ and the dance floor. I appreciate that there are some nice effects that can be achieved with digital DJing outlets but I hope that upcoming DJs continue with hands-on traditional techniques of mixing.
You played at the last Boom and you have been traveling the world to perform your music. From your perspective, what makes a good festival?
A good festival can be felt in the intent of the core organizers. Care for the people with good facilities and an understanding of music and energy are essential ingredients for people from around the world to come together in celebration.
Finally, what type of music do you listen mostly while in your home?
I like to keep up with what is hot and surf Beatport frequently for what I like in techno/progressive house/minimal/tech-house. Fortunately, I have a lot of good friends who are producers, so I often get an insiders preview.
For work I am often listening to promos, demos and DJ mixes.
I do love a bit of silence between gigs, and rediscovering forgotten gems and non-electronic classics.
www.inspiralled.net
Track List: 1) Alpha Channel – Arabian nights (Omelette) 2) Footsteps in Africa’ Soundtrack – Red Ladies Tent Jam : Kaya Project Remix (unreleased) 3) Future Loop Foundation – Sunshine Philosophy (Just Music) 4) Hibernation – Are you sure/ (Aleph Zero) 5) Halogen – Desert Step (unreleased) 6) Halogen – Not the remix (Maternity) 7) Tosca – Worksong (G-Stone) 8 ) Honeyroot – Sound, echo, location (Just Music) 9) James Holden – 1010 (Border Community) 10) Vector Lovers – Neon sky rain (Soma ) 11) Solar fields – Times are good (Ultimae) 12) Tripswitch – Tesselation (unreleased)
