Alienata
DJ | Producer | Label Manager
If the word alien is in the moniker of an artist, it’s a sure indicator that he/she is into weird sounds. In Alienata’s case, the Spanish-born producer is alien personified. With a sound that touches on dystopian electro, twinkling techno, IDM, squelchy acid and cosmic wormholes, Alienata - like the name suggests - floats in and out of multiple soundscapes to tap into the imagination of her audience.
Raised in Murcia and now based in Berlin, Elena aka Alienata has been delving into the dustiest corners of electronic music to dig out the wonkiest of records, each of which makes up a hybrid of vinyl-only and digital tracks. Having gained a wealth of demand over the last number of years, the former Record Loft employee has played across the globe with stops at Fabric London, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), Dimensions festival in Croatia, Berlin’s Tresor and Panorama Bar and many more.
Over on her Discos Atónicos label, Elena supports artists who are similar outsiders in terms of their electro-influenced sound. Darkwave, EBM, metallic textures and at times, complete distortion also feature in the label’s discography, echoing the unpredictable nature of releases on the imprint and making it all the more enticing to any listeners from all walks of the sonic spectrum.
Transitioning to live streams while venues remain closed has been a challenge for Elena but has resulted in a series of online mixes that have been growing by the hour every week. For those unfamiliar with her sound, a good place to start would be her RA podcast; it’s one that gets under your skin and feels like a psychedelic trip into woodlands somewhere in outer space. With a rich taste in tones that stimulate the senses, there is no limit to what Alienata can pack into a 60 minute segment, let alone a 3 hour set in a club where she was previously well-versed.
The pandemic has proved challenging for Elena for personal and professional reasons but she remains deeply connected and consumed with music, as seen over the handful of live streams she been sharing since March. The below memory goes back to a moment when live streams weren’t a thing, and she describes it all with emotion, as well as her ways of coping over the last few months…
Photo: Pablo Barberá
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it?
This photo was taken last January at Razzmatazz in Barcelona where I played for my friends at Club Gordo.
I chose it simply because it brings me absolute happiness and reminds me of how much I miss playing in front of people. The music vibe was absolutely electric and intense! There's actually a recording from that night! You can check it out here!
How have you been over the last few weeks?
Well...let's just say I've been on some kind of roller coaster. A lot of ups and downs. Missing how my life was going and especially the energy of the dancefloor; that kind of magic language. I have felt pretty ‘disconnected’ and confused over the last few months.
But it has also been an interesting period with plenty of time for reflection and self-care (I didn't realise how much I needed it). Another super positive thing has been having all the time in the world to be able to see my friends!
You’re heading up the label Discos Atónicos. What have been the most challenging and rewarding aspects of keeping the label going throughout this time?
Yeah I've been running Discos Atónicos since 2017. Let's say that trying to always offer something interesting and with that point of timelessness and quality that obsesses me so much. Lately I'm also more inspired in terms of visuals and artwork etc. The latest references that have come out (Random XS, WB10 & the forthcoming Maelstrom & Louisahhh) are pure beauty! And I'm also preparing some merchandising, finally!
Over on Instagram, you wrote that live streaming from home has been ‘like therapy’ for you. What has been a memorable moment from your time mixing at home and also at the HÖR radio station, where you have continued to play?
Yeah, even if I have never been an ultra fan of streaming (in general) I have to admit that at many times it has been that, a kind of therapy! Music is the language with which I learned to communicate with the rest of the world, I was always tremendously introspective, shy, a rare girl!
So when the pandemic hit us hard I had no choice but to go back to a concept I used to always have in mind when I started playing: imaginary dancefloor. So every mix or stream I've done in the last few months is that: pure imaginary dancefloor! That's been my therapy. I have to say that the streamings at HÖR have been super super fun to do and have given me a lot of energy back (and a big smile in my face afterwards!)
As some restrictions lift (at the time of this chat, this may change), there is still no sign of clubs in Berlin (and a lot of other countries reopening) just yet. Do you have any advice for artists who are struggling to feel motivated or lack inspiration at the moment?
Having felt this way in many moments during this time, my advice is: find good readings (there are books that can change your perception of everything) do not isolate yourself, try to communicate with those close to you, for sure they have also felt this way.
Try to meditate and most importantly: do not force yourself if you do not feel creative, otherwise you will feel tremendously anxious. And take a break from social media! They won't forget about you!
Listen to Alienata’s latest mix for Syntax Valencia here and follow her below: