We're so excited to continue our Brighton Mixtapes Series. Since the success of our beloved Berlin Mixtapes Series, which has featured awesome guests so far, we are on a mission to showcase more of the exciting talent that is right on our doorstep.
Next up we welcome one of Brighton's up and coming Melodic stars, Ale De Maio. Ale is a skilled Electronic Music Producer and DJ, specialised in 'Melodic House and Techno' as well as 'Progressive House'.
Ale’s strong creative and performing skills make him a keen advocate for his audiences, proactively seeking out new ways to enhance his services and continually attain excellence, with listener satisfaction the ultimate objective. With a passion for hypnotic melodies and driving beats, Ale has gained recognition for his captivating performances and releases.
Having performed in renowned clubs in Brighton, Ale has made a significant impact on the local electronic music scene. His sets take listeners on a mystical musical journey, blending enchanting melodies and mesmerizing rhythms that ignite both movement and introspection.
With recent releases on esteemed labels like Libertas Records, Krafted Underground, and Data Tech (Big Mamas House Records), Ale's music has been making waves within the electronic music community. His unique soundscapes have garnered critical acclaim, establishing him as an emerging talent in the industry. We caught up with Ale to find out more!
Hi Ale, how are you and what have you been up to this week?
I feel great. It has been quite a busy week, splitting myself between music production, podcast recordings, wedding preparations, and work. Welcome to my messy life!
How long have you been DJing?
Long story short. Just 2 years. I used to DJ in my hometown in Italy about 15 years ago, however I never had the opportunity to play the music I loved, so this period really doesn't count for me.
What inspired you to start DJing?
You know when you are in a club or at an outdoor festival and there's that feeling in your stomach every time the DJ drops a bass note and you are able to get all the intensity and the pleasure from that sound? When that happened to me for the first time, I felt I wanted to make people experience the same with the music I could produce or select for them.
That means creating a bond, where the DJ and the crowd are on the same frequency and in the same mood. That connection and trust is an amazing experience on both sides and that's a feeling I really love.
What sort of music can people expect when they come to see you play?
Always Melodic, always Progressive! Hypnotic synths and deep bass lines. That's all that is needed to experience an epic journey.
My sets usually have a strong influence of sounds and rhythms from the Middle East. It's a culture I love and it just feels like a natural attraction.
I am also fascinated by Organic and Afro House, so I tend to include these kinds of tracks too within my selection.
Where was your first gig and how did it go?
August 2021 right after the first lockdown. A few days back, I got an unexpected text from Ago De Felice inviting me to play for the Basement event, the party he was running with Paula Corces at the time.
I couldn't believe that was happening and I didn't hide that, so I said 'Yes' of course! Almost all of my friends came to see me perform for the first time on the stage. I was shaking as I never did in my life before. The adrenaline was just so strong. It went amazing and I even got the whole club clapping and singing my name at the end of my set. That felt incredible. It still gives me shivers.
You moved to Brighton some time ago from sunny Salerno in Italy. What made you make the switch?
Work! The south of Italy is an amazing place but it's extremely difficult to find a job and start an independent life even with a degree and a masters on your CV. I knew the UK could give me this opportunity, so I tried and it went well.
In the UK I have found my economic balance which gives me the chance to invest in my passion, which is music! I have also found new friends, my future wife and a very dynamic and alive music scene, which is always an important and inspirational element to me.
You are an avid producer and have released incredible music so far. Tell us more about your releases.
They talk about me in so many different ways. Every feeling and life experience can be written down and I love doing that through production.
It's a difficult mountain to climb and I feel I have made just a few meters from the ground but the more you do, the better you get.
I have always published my tracks myself, however my last few productions caught the attention of a few record labels and I am very happy to see them recognised and exposed to a wider audience.
What's next on the horizon production wise? Any up and coming releases?
My next release will be on the 21st of July. The track name is 'Salerno', the name of my hometown. It will be published under Libertas Record, an emerging label based in the Netherlands populated with amazing and inspiring producers. I can't wait to hear your feedback about it.
You have played for us and partied at Berlin-Brighton and hang out with the crew a lot. What is it about the night that is special to you?
For me Berlin is a blessing in Brighton and something that the community needs to keep on fire. What makes the night special is about good people dancing to good music! That's what Berlin means to me.
Also, when performing for Berlin, I have the opportunity to let myself be inspired by other artists as well as inspiring others when I am on stage.
Lastly, Berlin represents for me a place where I can just enjoy the kind of music I love and connect with every other person addicted to Melodic and Progressive music as I am!
Where's your favourite place to just kick back and chill in Brighton?
Definitely the Seafront. A long walk is usually what I do every time I feel overwhelmed or moody. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
And equally, where's your favourite place to let loose?
Parties! It's all the ritual around them that builds the vibe and makes me feel comfortable and free to enjoy them in the most genuine possible way.
Which other DJs or producers are you liking right now?
Too many! But if I have to pick just a few of them, I would definitely mention Alexander Alar, Alexey Union, Innellea, Idd Aziz, and Stan Kolev. All different and unique styles.
What are your go-to labels?
I have been quite involved with Libertas in the last couple of years. They have created a community of promising producers offering the chance to get to know each other, provide and receive feedback on ongoing projects or just work together on a track.
I enjoy the vibe, so it's always a pleasure for me to submit my productions to them. Sounds of Meow and DataTech (Big Mamas House Records) are two other labels that I am loving, for both their production style and vibe. The people behind them are great guys, very encouraging and passionate and I am very happy to keep building a great relationship with them.
You have compiled our latest Brighton Mixtapes Series Episode 022 - Tell us more about your mix.
It has been an honour and a pleasure. The day I recorded the Mixtape, I was feeling very happy and relaxed while listening to a track called 'Don't Leave me like that' by Aera. I was mesmerised by its beauty, so I decided that was going to be my opening track.
The mix is a soft journey reflecting the ease of that perfect day. I have also included my forthcoming release 'Salerno' and an on-going project that I really wanted to test for the first time even if it needs a bit more work.
What else can we expect from you soon? What's next on the horizon for DJ gigs, where can people see you next?
I am very excited to announce that I will perform again for Berlin-Brighton very soon, on the 23rd of July. I can't wait for that to happen!
Exciting stuff! It's been an absolute pleasure as always talking with you Ale. Next up here's the Quickfire Round:
Genre: Melodic Techno, Progressive House
Favourite Colour: Yellow
What do you put on your chips: Mayo
Apple or Android: Apple for life
Can you juggle: Nope
Weridest/Coolest item of clothing: A banana costume ha ha ha!
First record ever bought: Mezzanine by Massive Attack
Do you collect anything: No, but I am building a nice collection of no techno related vinyls
Favourite place to hang out in Brighton: Darien J's House
Best club: Printworks
Where does the best roast: Martha Gunn
Best place for food in Brighton: My house
Coffee or Tea: Espresso
Favourite beer: Nastro Azzurro
Weirdest food you have eaten: Bull Tail Soup
Favourite Track right now: BOg - Shila (Edu Imbernon Remix)
Favourite seafood: Lobster
Favourite footy team: Salernitana
Favourite word/expression: Mamma Mia!
3 words to describe your mix: Chilled, Pleasant, Immersive
Tracklisting:
1. Aera - Don't Leave me like that - Anemos Dance
2. Ghenwa Nemnom - Castle of Illusion (Original Mix) - Souq Records
3. Da Fresh - Aquila (Original Mix) - Radio Intense
4. Ale De Maio - Salerno (Original Mix) - Libertas Records
5. Aiwaska - Darkness - Exploited Club
6. Miss Monique - Out of Sight (Extended Mix) - Purified Records
7. Ale De Maio - Track ID - n/a
8. Sébastien Léger - Pamparis - Lost Miracle
9. Anden, Yotto - Group Love - Odd One Out
10. Teho - Glacier 3000 - Cercle Records
11. Bákayan - Kum Gibi - Kindish
12. Mark Reeve, Able to Resist - Dreams (Original Mix) - Able to Resist