Contirbutor
Today marks of the release of the sublime “Near Mint” EP from Barcelona’s Ale San, out on Blankhaus Records. We caught up with the main to discuss what went into this DnB infused record alongside his musical journey & more!
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Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your recent EP “Near Mint”? What themes or emotions were you exploring through this release?
The inspiration behind this comes from my love for the raw energy of breaks, drum & bass, and acid music. I wanted to create something that pays homage to the old-school vibes while infusing it with a fresh perspective. The EP explores a range of emotions, from the adrenaline rush you get when you’re having a good time, to moments of introspection and nostalgia.
How do you feel your musical style has evolved since your earlier releases? Are there any particular influences that have shaped the sound of “Near Mint”?
Since my earlier releases, my musical style has evolved significantly. I’ve delved deeper into the intricate rhythms of breaks and drum & bass, while also experimenting with acid sounds to add an extra layer of intensity to my tracks.
As a producer and DJ, you’ve likely encountered various challenges in the industry. What obstacles did you face during the creation and release of “Near Mint,” and how did you overcome them?
I would say one of the biggest challenges for any new artist out there is to get heard. One part of the job is creating the music, but then you also have to find a way to engage with the audience in a unique way and try to stand out as an artist who has its own signature sound.
Spain has a rich musical heritage. How do you see yourself fitting into the Spanish music scene, and what unique contributions do you believe you bring to it?
While my style is rooted in an electronic music genre like drum & bass I believe I bring a fresh perspective to Spanish music. The D&B scene isn’t as popular here as it is in places like the UK, for example.
Could you describe your studio setup and your creative process when producing music?
My studio setup is quite simple. In terms of software, I do everything on Ableton Live. I also use some plugins that I like, too. Most of them are from Native Instruments, which give me a lot of flexibility and control over my sound. With regard to my creative process, I mostly try experimenting with a progression of chords I really like, and then finding the ideal beat to it. Other times, I may also start a project with a specific drumbeat I have in mind, and then develop from there.
Are there any favorite pieces of equipment or software that you rely on heavily?
I use equipment like the Maschine MK3, Akai LPD8, an M-Audio MIDI keyboard and the Behringer TD-3. I also work with some white Yamaha HS8 monitors that I love.
Blankhaus Records has been instrumental in your career. How has your relationship with the label influenced your artistic development, and what do you appreciate most about working with them?
The guys from Blankhaus have been incredibly supportive of my artistic journey from the beginning. They’ve provided me with the resources and guidance I need to grow as an artist, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with them. They have some really cool music coming out all the time, you should check them out. 🙂
Looking ahead, do you have any upcoming releases or collaborations that your fans can look forward to? Can you give us any hints or insights into what’s next for you musically?
I recently did a collaboration for an artist called Wichniowski. I have a new EP coming out in the following weeks, and this year I look forward to releasing more music. There’s also a radio show I’m hosting on Blankhaus called “Chrononaut”, you can check it out on Soundcloud. I would also love to collaborate with other artists and do more remixes!
Alongside releasing music, live performances are often a crucial aspect of an artist’s career. Can you share any upcoming gigs or tours you have planned, and what can audiences expect from your live sets?
To be honest, now I’m focusing solely on creating music. I do love to play though, and I think I’ll do it soon. My mixes are a blend of some bass music, electro, tech-house and acid.
When it comes to your musical influences, both past and present, who are some artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your sound? How do you integrate these influences into your own music?
I’ve been influenced by a wide range of artists and genres over the years. Apart from electronic music, I’ve always loved jazz, hip hop, rock and R&B. Artists like Burial, Mount Kimbie and Aphex Twin have left a mark on my sound in some way. I’m constantly inspired by their creativity and innovation.
Finally, if you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why? What do you think such a collaboration could bring to your music?
If I could collaborate with any artist, it would’ve been MF Doom. Imagine creating a track and have him sing vocals on it… doing a collab with him would’ve been a dream come true.
“Near Mint” is out now and available to buy here.