Hey Aloka, how are you doing today?

Great, thank you!

Let’s start at the beginning! Can you tell us about the origins of the Aloka project? What inspired you to create this alias, and how did it all come together?

After a year or two of experimenting with production, different aliases, and sounds, Aloka was the one that stuck – and it’s been about ten years now. There wasn’t any deep thought behind it at the time, as I never expected it to turn into a full-time thing. But I had a clear idea of the sound I wanted to create, and I suppose a mix of influences from that period naturally shaped it.

Your sound is very distinctive—a fusion of technoid bass music, minimalist grooves, and dynamic breaks. How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before? Are there any specific influences or philosophies that shape your sound?

Yeah, to be honest, when people ask me what I make, I never really know how to describe it. I guess it’s a melting pot of breaks, electro, techno, 140, with an experimental tinge & a UK influence.

What’s been the biggest challenge in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?

Social media – it’s something I really hate. It feels like we’re all slaves to the algorithm, constantly chasing ways to reach our followers through it, rather than being able to focus on the music itself.

You’re Welsh! How would you describe the electronic music scene in Wales, especially the bass music scene? Are there any local artists or collectives that have influenced or inspired you?

Although the town I’m from is really small and far from any real population or club scene, I’ve been fortunate to have a tight-knit group of creative friends. The lack of clubs meant we had to throw our own parties, which definitely shaped our unique approach to music and community.

Bass music, in its many forms, has been gaining a lot of momentum in recent years. Have you felt this growth as an artist? And has it impacted your role as a label manager?

I haven’t really felt the growth in a big way, probably because it has always been a part of my life in some form. I’ve always stayed pretty true to what I enjoy, both in my own music and with the label.

Tell us more about Typeless Records, your label. What was the original vision behind it, and what kind of artists or sounds were you hoping to showcase?

I’ve always wanted to showcase grittier, heavier sounds. In the beginning, there was a strong electro influence with a UK twist. Now, I really feel like the label has settled into the sound I always envisioned for it.

Typeless Records is now entering its sixth year. How has the label evolved since its inception? Has the ethos stayed the same, or has it shifted as the scene and your own tastes have developed?

The sound has definitely evolved over time. It started with a focus on electro with a UK spin. As the scene evolved and my tastes grew, the sound naturally followed suit. However, the core ethos of supporting raw, experimental music has always stayed intact. I can’t forget that my friend Sean was involved for a bit – we curated the Phalanx series together, and he brought a fresh perspective to the label.

Looking back at your label’s discography, is there a release you’re particularly proud of? Or perhaps one that you still enjoy playing out the most?

I’m proud of them all, to be honest. But Phalanx Pt. 2 was the release that really kicked things off. It was a free release on Bandcamp and shot up massively in popularity. That VA really helped establish the sound for the label at the time. But I can’t forget Concave/Convex, which was really what started the whole thing. Big thanks to my friend Olly, who literally forced me to release it – I almost backed out.

What’s next for Aloka? Are there any upcoming releases, projects, or shows that you’re excited about and can share with us?

I’m working on an EP at the moment, along with some singles, collabs, and more. I’ve got more tours lined up this year and some new festivals to look forward to. Yeah, super excited!

For this Adrenaline episode, is there a specific vibe or mindset listeners should bring to the mix? When do you think is the perfect moment to tune in?

Tune in from the start, sit back, and pretend you’re in a small, dark, sweaty room or something.

Do you have a favorite track in this episode? What makes it stand out to you, and why did you choose to include it?

Probably Barrakuda by DJ JM. I’ve played it in most sets since I got the promo last year. It’s just ingrained in my head at this point, but I love it.

TRACKLIST

1. Portway – Supercharger
2. Ozwald – Repeating Myself
3. DJ JM – Barrakuda
4. Doubt – Laced Up
5. WOST – Palo
6. Shai FM – Snake of All Points (Alloy Mix)
7. Aloka – Mind Wash
8. Průvan – TAB3
9. Ma Sha – Extime
10. Edetto – Diff
11. Renslink – Uncanny Valley
12. K-65 – Catch Me Down
13. Addison Groove – DTF
14. Slick Shoota – All Up In My Grill
15. Dom Carlo – Side Mission
16. Chewlie – Inevitably We Fell (Rizla Ops Groove Crush Mix)
17. MM – Dionysus Drums
18. Smogo – La Mantegwa
19. Kessler – Slicker Than Snot
20. noRecall – Look Man (Octopic Remix)
21. Oyubi x Fetus – Earnin It
22. Aloka x RAVL – ID