Alan
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Troubleshoot Mix
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Episode 008
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Alan | Troubleshoot Mix | Episode 008 |
Originally from Wigan in the Northwest of England, Alan is a 28-year-old London-based DJ who is a monthly resident on one of the city’s finest radio stations, Aaja Music.
For his Troubleshoot mix, Alan shifts effortlessly through club-focused house and minimal cuts to airy ambient and pumping techno rhythms. The mix is paired with an interview in which he shares his earliest musical memory, what influenced his decision to move to London and his favourite gig to date.
Interview
Words: Jake Stock
05/02/22
What's your earliest musical memory?
One memory that sticks out in my mind is going to Sankeys in Manchester, as that was my first real club experience, and it opened my eyes to a whole new world of electronic music.
How did you first get into DJing?
I’ve always loved music. In my early 20s, I started to get into electronic music and built up a collection over time. My dad gave me a space to play music and taught me the basics, and I put in the time and never looked back!
How did you find recording the mix? Could you talk us through a couple of the standout moments from your set?
Troubleshoot has a sound that complements my own, so the songs came together quite easily! Bail–E by Mr. Ho and Mogwaa was one of my favourite tunes of 2021, and it’s always a pleasure to drop one by Lewy, who’s an up-and-coming DJ/producer from my hometown, Wigan. Nightspot was a breakout tune for him that came out a few years ago.
What made you decide to move to London and how have you found it so far?
Music was what brought me to London. This is the centre of it all and what better place to come and make some noise. I’m loving it so far and I hope I’m here for a long time.
What’s been the best gig you’ve had so far and what’s been the weirdest one?
Hosting my first night in London at Aaja in Deptford last November was a highlight for me. I’ve had my monthly radio show there since last March. For them to offer me to curate my own night was an honour for me.
Thankfully I’ve not had many weird ones!
What DJs/producers would you say have influenced and inspired you the most and why?
I love beats by Dre, Kanye West and Skepta. Call Super and Robert Hood are two of my favourites on the dance side of things.
Do you have any plans to produce music in the future? And if so, what would be your defining sound?
Yeah, I definitely want to produce in the future. I’ve got so many influences, and I’m looking forward to exploring my sound. But for now, I’m trying to establish myself as a DJ. It’s all a life goal of mine so I’m patient in my approach.
What’s next for you? Have you got anything coming up that we can get excited about?
I’ll be keeping busy this year. I have my radio show on Aaja, from 11am-1pm every second Friday of the month, where you’ll be able to hear more of the same sounds I showcased in the mix. Also, the Troubleshoot boys and I will be taking over Radio Delicious in New Cross on February 25 where we’re hosting a free party which will be a big one to look forward to and one you should get yourselves down for!
I’m @alan.music on the gram which is where you can stay in the loop for upcoming shows.
Tracklist
Peggy Gou - I Go
Red Axes - Professor Grasstov
Helium - Out There
Morose - Holy Ghost
Archie Hamilton feat Molly Green - Our Time
DJ Pipe - Active Society
Den Haas - Dance Tip
Gene On Earth - Picture Disc
Parris with Eden Samara - Skater’s World
Revivis - Fruition
Mr. Ho, Mogwaa - Bail–E
Primitive Urges 1 - A2
Johnny Vicious - McDonna’s Park (Vicious Disco-Mix )
Lewy - Nightspot
Jaspa Jones - This Is My House
Aphex Twin - Tha
Klon Mundo - Klon Domo
Ejeca - Free Form
Robert Hood - Range
dj born again virgin - DOLLAS