Alva
DJ | Producer
‘My ass went to the stratosphere’. This comment under Alva’s live stream on HÖR doesn’t do her justice. Sending asses into the stratosphere is a fraction of her aesthetic as an artist.
As much as nobody wants to admit it, there are more live streams online than there are events taking place which is part of the current times we live in. But for Ismus resident Alva, she has managed to bob above the surface of endless live streams that saturate the internet at the moment with notable sets for HÖR, BE-AT TV and the new location of Griessmuehle, propelling her profile further on the Berlin club circuit since most indoor venues shut earlier this year.
Part of the Ismus collective since 2018, Alva has made a sizeable cut in Berlin’s hard techno community and taken her sound to the hollows of Tresor, Säule, ://about blank, Corsica Studios in London, PAL in Hamburg and more, alongside fellow Ismus residents as well as individual bookings across the German capital. With a sound that follows a route of fierce techno, 90’s rave and a dabble of trance, Alva’s sets are synonymous with the palette of Ismus and pack a whirlwind of virulent tracks, stamping her authenticity on the label and event series.
The pandemic has not entirely put a stop to the Ismus schedule as the team have released a slew of productions since March and co-ordinated a handful of DIY parties in Berlin. The below memory is a recent one but comes from Poland, not Berlin, and Alva recalls it in more detail. She also shares insight into how the German government and music community seem to be working hand-in-hand via Clubcommission, the latest happenings over at Ismus and more…
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it?
I chose this picture because I really missed those summer festival vibes. Going out on an adventure with friends gives me the feeling of freedom and balance in my life, it is simply about having fun. We went to Poland and didn’t really know what to expect. The line up was packed with great artists I know from the Berlin scene and also two of my Ismus mates played. We ended up dancing and sweating on the dance floor and just enjoyed our time together. This was one of my highlights of the past months.
How have you been over the last few months?
The last few months have been quite challenging. I guess the most important thing is to always try to make something positive out of the critical situations you face. For sure it’s not easy to keep focusing on your goals when there is no inspiration at first, no contact/interaction with the people who can normally push you to the next level. But for me, it was also a chance to think about new projects I want to release and to express myself more in the scene. Everything happens so fast sometimes and now the situation has changed and it’s slowed down - we should take this as an opportunity to implement new ideas and also to discuss things which need to be changed in our scene.
What’s life been like for you in Berlin throughout the last few weeks? Are things pretty much back to normal with the exception of indoor club events not happening?
Concerning our club scene, I would say it’s not back to normal. There are open airs/raves going on ATM but I’m afraid to compare it to the club life before COVID-19.
The scene in Berlin is trying to make partys happen - of course under implemented hygiene measures. Also with the help of Clubcommission who are in constant exchange with the government and music scene/promoters to get in dialogue and try to avoid conflicts between the club culture and political objects which I think is an important matter. I’m happy that we have this kind of environment in Berlin because especially in this period we can see it’s so important to communicate with each other. I also have the impression that the circumstances make the scene closer together, it’s more about supporting each other and also means more local artists can be pushed.
Furthermore there is no more Berlin exclusivity which feels refreshing somehow. The bigger names who usually would be touring around the world are currently playing in clubs they normally do not. So it’s also a chance for the clubs (who have the chance to be open) to present themselves with well known artists and convincing concepts. Since the government just announced to not allow any bigger events until the end of the year I hope there will be more approaches created to protect us from a depressive winter without any party. 😉
You’ve done a few live streams since the pandemic was declared back in March. Do you enjoy playing in front of a live camera without a dancing crowd in front of you?
Haha, I would say for me it’s challenging because it’s a completely different setting for you to step in as a DJ. There is no crowd and no excitement - these factors have an impact on the set you normally play in clubs. I like the feeling of always expecting something special or let’s say it is my goal to connect with the people and get into my flow.
Now with the live streams, it is more about presenting yourself as an artist, the focus is more on your personality than the whole package you would get when you enter a club. In the end, I’m happy to be able to share some vibes online but for sure I prefer the offline version and miss the party animals out there! Hope we can rave together very soon like we used to..
What’s going on over at Ismus, have things remained busy in terms of lining up releases and picking up new artists for the label? Are you looking into planning any small scale Ismus events until nightlife in Berlin fully returns?
I guess every promoter in Berlin struggles now and tries to survive somehow. We worked on three streams together which went pretty well and also released our second vinyl on our label and got great feedback. For us, it’s the most important to keep the vibes alive and give especially young and unknown DJs and Producers a platform to present themselves. Normally we invite them to Berlin to come and play at our party but for now, we try to keep on focusing on the label and podcast as much as we can. We also organised two events at Anomalie where we invited our locals like VTSS, Randomer, Viscerale, High Future etc. to play.
At the moment we are in the process of arranging another party, which is going to take place on the 3rd of October in Berlin. For more details you can check our Instagram page, we will start with the announcement soon
What has been a constant source of comfort for you throughout this time?
I don’t like to focus my strength or comfort level on just one thing, but I am grateful that my friends and partner are always there for me and helping me to get through this together. ☺️
Listen to Alva on HÖR here and follow her below: