LAMP Weekly Mix #133 feat. Aenera

LAMP Weekly Mix #133 feat. Aenera

This week we turn our focus back to the local scene with our latest guest, Aenera. He is a DJ who has been quietly and humbly amassing a core following within the LA underground scene while also developing his collective and event production company Undercurrent. Anyone who has met him or shared the decks with him will unanimously say he is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.MR PUZL: Welcome! We are always excited by the mixtapes our guests create for our show, as they all provide narratives and an intimate connection between our listeners and the DJ. What have you got in store for us this week?Aenera: This particular story features my signature progressive style. It will take listeners on a voyage through the peaks and valleys of what I consider intelligent music production. Music that transcends what can be found on the dance floor and digs beneath the surface. The producers in this mix are some of my favorite along with a new remix from a friend who I just recently made a resident of my music collective, Undercurrent.MP: Aenera, pronounced (ah-nur-uh) is a very unique name, and in truth I spent quite a bit of time trying find out what it means. Can you enlighten us on its origins?A: Inspired by one of my favorite Tool albums 'Aenima' and the mythical creature 'Chimera'. I combined both and came up with the name. The 'Chimera' creature was used in mythology to describe concepts that are perceived as wildly imaginative or implausible. 'Aenima' is an album that is still way beyond its time and represents the transcendence of mundane reality for me. Aenera means wild imagination that's focused with purpose, intention and energy.MP: Being a product of paternal influence with regards to music, how did that exposure lead you to where you are now as a DJ?A: My earlier influences through my fathers love for a wide variety of music gave me a similar appreciation for texturally rich sounds. My ears prefer stories and guide my interpretation of what a real DJ is and thus my style reflects that initial introduction. Without that variety of music from my early childhood, I probably wouldn't be a DJ.MP: As a San Diego native who transplanted to LA what is it about this city and your path in life that initially drew you here?What are some characteristics that give each city something unique regarding the underground music scene?A: When I first got involved, I remember coming up to LA with friends and seeing how far ahead the music was compared to San Diego. The sheer amount of events that happen on a weekly basis is what gave me the idea that I would have to come up here to make big moves. Los Angeles is like the New York of the west coast meaning that if you can make it here, you can make it almost anywhere. I think each city's unique culture has a major influence on the music scene that it cultivates. Certain genres and sub genres tend to stand out more than others as you move between states and I think it has to do with the history of the various other types of music that spring up from those towns. MP: On top of DJing you also run a collective known as Undercurrent. How did you initially go about starting the group?A: I came up with the idea of building a collective of local artists with my good friend and co-founder Holliday, creating a mission statement and focus and simply building relationships with DJ's and producers that we came into contact with or heard at all the events we attended in San Diego and Los Angeles.MP: On your site you reinforce the collective's name by stating that it "is moving in a powerful, new direction that’s counter to the mainstream". Can you elaborate on this ethos?A: We represent the passion of the underground house and techno music scene which is contrary to that of the big venues. We run a business but aren't driven by numbers and money. Commercial music is made with the intent to make as much money as possible and the mainstream markets it in big venues with the same focus. The vibe and energy of our events is more important than any other aspect so therefore we will always be 'counter to the mainstream'.MP: Undercurrent's core is made up of yourself, Thomas Zahlten and Ashlinn Gallagher each bringing something different to the collective. What brought you all together originally? How do you all work together cohesively to push Undercurrent forward?A: I met Thomas on several occasions playing for friends at different parties and we ended up having some in depth conversations. He was inspired by the ethos and what we were envisioning and joined the cause. Ashlinn was brought in after careful deliberation and a need for her expertise which she was happy to get involved with because of our ethos. Thomas helps fund and create the infrastructure based on his architectural experience and building our business. Ashlinn covers a wide variety of back office needs that develop many aspects of the business along with community outreach with her connections. I curate the events and build the collective of artists and residents that create the feel and vibe of our events. Together we are able to push Undercurrent towards our goals.MP: You have a healthy roster of artists united under this creative collective. While trying to provide an eclectic range in styles what are the underlying elements that bring you all together under one banner?A: I truly believe that our roster of resident artists believes in the ethos and the track record that Undercurrent brings time and time again. They all capture what I consider the 'spiritual' side of underground house and techno. We all know that this whole thing isn't about one individual but collectively we can push the true passion that each of us has for the music and the experience. Individually we can only do so much, collectively we can move mountains and shake the souls of the masses that don't know about the underground.MP: Undercurrent is comprised of several offerings that all center around creating experiences with an unique narrative. The most intriguing one to me is the Mobile Sound Stage. Can you illuminate our readers on what this is comprised of?A: Our mobile sound stage is comprised of a 40,000 watt custom built sound system that is a one of a kind and will be mounted onto an elaborately transformed fire truck. It also comes with a 500 gallon water tank which will allow us the capability to cool off our audience during hot days or throw foam parties. Full lighting system along with shade structures to create a fully immersive environment completes the package.MP: The sound system you use for your events is custom built by Jeremy Walker and Frequency Sound Systems. Can you tell us a bit more about the system and different ways you've harnessed and utilized its capabilities?A: It's the only design of its kind and hasn't been replicated. Jeremy has other generations that are somewhat similar but ours is unique. Its is fully hand built from the ground up. We initially had the sound system built for outdoor festivals but have used less than the full system for all of our warehouse events. The system was built with pre wired internal active LED DMX controlled lighting that can be changed on the fly. The sound quality rivals that of Funktion Ones and Turbo Sound with its own signature flavor.MP: Fire dancing can be so captivating and because of its raw natural existence also provide exciting emotional additions to music events. How did you first get involved with this art forma and subsequently the the dancers you work with?A: I've attended many burning man events that featured fire performers and was captivated by the artistic nature of the flow. I realized that it goes in tandem with the music and is simply another craft cut from the same cloth. Ive personally reached out to performers in the scene that I thought captured what Undercurrent stands for and like our residents, created a safe haven and residency that supports local talent. Our events wouldn't be the same experience without them.MP: We at LAMP much like your collective really enjoy the energy, existence and resulting creative inspirations that come with purveying events in the desert. If you could invite 2 of your favorite DJs to join a lineup curated by Undercurrent, who would you consider?A: I would love to have Hernan Cattaneo and Stas Drive play at one of our desert events. It would be an honor and privilege to have a legendary DJ and a Legendary producer grace our decks in such a special setting thats like no other.MP: Speaking of events, what have you personally and Undercurrent have in store for the rest of the summer?A: We have a monthly warehouse series called, Alchemy that we have been building consistently over the last few months. There are some exciting headliners scheduled including Gregor Tresher, Quuiver, Darin Epsilon, Third Son, Affkt, Mark Farina, Doorly and many more. I personally have a full schedule of gigs in San Diego, Los Angeles, the Mojave Desert and will be making my way to Ibiza in September for a special venue thats known for its 'sunsets'. Stay tuned <3

Tracklist

1. Stas Drive - Apotheosis (Dub Mix)2. East Cafe - Indian Summer (GMJ Seasonal Shift Mix)3. G-Mohris - Endless Stories (Robert R. Hardy Remix)4. Dj Beat2 - Subterrestrial (Maddux Remix)5. Sea - Cosmic Love (Stas Drive Remix)6. Jelly for the Babies & Mou. - Aragvi (Michael A Remix)7. Soulwerk - The New Beginning (Simos Taigas Remix)8. Hernan Cerebella - Donky (Subandrio Remix)9. Books Shade & Yoruba - Meet Me In Oblivion (Original Mix)10. Derek Howell - Interstellar Homecoming (East Cafe Remix)11. GMJ - Fathoms (East Cafe Remix)