Aika Mal - INTERVIEW
What first drew you to DJing and music in general?
Music started out for me through singing and songwriting. I was in a band for years and spent a lot of time playing live gigs. Through that, I met a few band members who also DJ’d, and we’d mess around on decks at house parties, after rehearsals and shows.Then when I moved to Leeds for uni, I went to my first proper raves and something just clicked for me. The energy, the sound systems and the atmosphere completely took over me. Ever since then, I’ve been chasing that feeling, and that’s what eventually led me into progressive house.
How would you describe your sound for someone who had never seen your set before?
Cosmic, deep and groovy. I like stuff that feels emotional and hypnotic but still has a strong groove.
You've played some amazing line-ups and supported some superbly impressive artists; which gig has stood out/meant the most to you?
Thank you! There have been a few surreal moments over the years, especially playing the AVA Festival stages. But one that really stands out is playing Fabric. It was one of the first clubs I ever went to when I started spending time in London, so getting the chance to close Room One there felt really full circle.
Do you think the music scenes vary hugely between London and Belfast? In what ways does the city behind the decks affect your live set?
Yeah, definitely. London has a really deep and niche scene. There are so many smaller parties built around very specific sounds, which is amazing because it gives you space to really dig into more obscure records and take people on a journey.Belfast feels different in the best way though. The energy here is unreal. People really throw themselves into it and there’s this perfect mix of people who genuinely love the music but also just want to have a great time.
What makes a set memorable for you? Is it more based on the crowd, the vibes or the venue?
Honestly, it’s probably a mix of all three. The crowd is a huge part of it though. I love when you get a really mixed dancefloor of different ages, different backgrounds and different tastes in music all connecting in the same space. That always creates the best atmosphere and makes a night feel special.
If you could only listen to one genre of music for the rest of your life what would it be?
Prog. No question.
As someone who has delved into different areas of the music scene, does making dance music allow anything that other ways of making music don’t?
Yeah, definitely. When I was making more singer/songwriter-type music, I used to obsess over every little detail before releasing anything because it felt so personal and permanent. With dance music, the mindset feels a bit different. I'm not thinking so much about the track being perfect but more on how functional it will be on the dance floor. That’s been really freeing creatively because you stop chasing perfection and focus more on energy and connection instead.
Who are you most excited to catch at AVA this year?
I’m really excited for Holly Lester, Body Clinic and Spray. The lineup this year is unreal though so there are many other DJs on that list too!
