Alya L: 'I think of DJing as a form of communication' | LOUD Bristol Issue Three
Posted on: 05 Jan 2022This article was first published in the third issue of LOUD Bristol, 365Bristol's dedicated music magazine. Read LOUD Issue Three and browse our first two editions here.
Alya L
Prolific DJ Alya L has carved out a stellar reputation for herself in Bristol in recent years, spanning a multitude of genres and breathing life into small venues across the city with her head-turning sets. Here she talks musical inspirations, personal highlights and her involvement with a number of esteemed local crews.
Who were your early musical influences?
I was exposed to a lot of music growing up. My mum loved singing along to Duran Duran or Enya while going about her business at home. My dad was involved in the nightlife and events scene in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He has a deep appreciation for what Jamaica has contributed to the world of music and made sure to educate me on the cultural importance of Reggae and the counterculture that developed after. It’s fortunate to have parents who have differing tastes - I’ve inherited what they like and it has definitely informed what I listen to today.
And what got you into electronic music?
I’ve been heavily into video games throughout my life. Soundtracks to games like Ridge Racer, Donkey Kong, Dance Dance Revolution and Pokemon always bounced around in my head and led to an early appreciation for stuff outside of what you might hear on the radio.
How did you get into DJing?
In my school and teen years, I was obsessed with discovering new music through Last FM, making playlists and making mix CDs. It was something I did for myself and for those close to me, and was another way of communicating. I guess that curatorial aspect has always been there somewhere. After moving to Bristol to study I found myself around friends who were regularly DJing and producing music for a club environment. I started mixing on vinyl at first, covering mostly D&B and Swamp 81 era UK Bass. That in turn led to me delving more into stuff like Martyn/2562, Locked Grooved and Om Unit, before Night Slugs and UK club came in fast, which I thought was incredibly futuristic.
“I think of DJing as a form of communication. The way I play is very much a conversation that I’m having with whoever’s listening”
Do you tend to stick to particular genres in your sets or keep things quite broad?
I weave tracks together in a way that makes sense to me. There’s a lot of diversity in electronic music and I would say it’s quite difficult to stick in a particular genre. What I play now in part feels like a derivative of what I was listening to when I first got into mixing, and the sound has changed and developed in some crazy ways since then.
And what’s your approach when it comes to DJing?
My approach is to play what I like! I think of DJing as a form of communication. The way I play is very much a conversation that I’m having with whoever is listening.
What’s been a standout moment as a DJ so far?
I think it would be playing at the NTS x Uniqlo Tate Lates in 2019. I found it to be a powerful experience, playing music on the outer fringes of the black diaspora, in a space that has largely existed to cater for white middle-class people. Opening and closing for Scalping at the Island was pretty otherworldly too. Scalping offer a truly unique experience sound wise, especially in that space, and the crowd were absolutely in the moment for the whole night. A really intense, positive, sweaty experience.
Do you feel like Bristol has influenced your music taste and DJ sets?
Absolutely. Bristol has an incredibly rich history and is home to a lot of iconic labels and artists. There’s a lot to take inspiration from within the city, but at the moment I’m definitely looking outwards to explore my interests further.
How and when did you get involved with Psychotherapy Sessions?
Scott Linton (the brain behind PTS) happened to be at my second gig at Take 5 Cafe. He approached me after my set and asked if I would like to guest on his radio show. After that I was invited to play at one of their parties, which led to an invite to the crew, which was very humbling for someone at the very beginning of their journey.
I’ve come to watch each resident play during my time in the collective and it’s amazing to see how skilled each PTS resident is. We all bring something different and unique to the dance floor. Shouts to Ye Ye, Jurango, Aphelion, k means, Roy Bar, VIO_L3T and of course Scott!
What’s your favourite Bristol venue to play at?
Cosies 1,000,000%. It’s where I’ve played the most as a PTS resident and I love the small enclosed space - it’s really intimate. I’ve had great times down in that cellar. It’s home to so many carefully curated events that have enriched the Bristol scene, and it’s great to be part of that.
And your favourite Bristol parties when you’re not playing?
Young Echo, Club Djembe, Pressure Dome, Better Days, Illegal Data, 1020 Radio and Noods have great socials every now and then. I’ve been to so many amazing events at Strange Brew - it’s one of my favourite places to be in the city.
You’ve recorded sets for Noods Radio, 1020 and SWU.fm - how important are those stations for emerging DJs like yourself?
It’s a symbiotic relationship, one can’t flourish without the other. 1020 Radio was where I had my first monthly show. Sean and Joelie were instrumental in my development which I’m really grateful for. The Noods team are very supportive too - both stations have done a lot for the community in Bristol and have really backed a lot of emerging DJs and artists.
Finally, where can we expect to see you over the coming weeks?
Winter is a very restorative time for me, I think. I’ll be at shows, both as a listener and as a DJ, but I value taking time to stay grounded and keep well rested!
Main Image: Aphelion
Head to Issuu to read the full third issue of LOUD Bristol, featuring an array of interviews with renowned artists, venues, labels and more.
Article by:
Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.
