In Colombia, the techno scene is rich and has been booming very fast the last few years. Hailing from Bogota, Aleja Sanchez is one of main figures of the movement with her well-established Northallsen Records label that she launched in 2016. Her sound is hypnotic and it is a fusion between experimental techno with organic aesthetics, acoustic elements and an orchestral approach. She started to produce in 2014 and since then, she has been signed on notable imprints such as Semantica Records, Bassiani Records, System Revival Recordings, among others.  She has collaborated with prominent artists including Oscar Mulero, Mike Parker, Reggy van Oers, Deepbass, CHPTR and Dino Sabatini to mention a few, notably with the “Raices series” of her imprint where she also releases her work. She performed at Boiler Room and regularly plays at famous venues and festivals as Tresor.Berlin, KHIDI Tbilisi, Laut Barcelona, Mostra Festival, Azimut Club Torino...

How was your childhood and environment in which you grew up?

My dad was a music collector, he is the first Dj I met. I participated in a symphonic orchestra when I was a child. I learned the fundamentals of harmony and music theory.

Your first influences?

Pink Floyd, Depeche Mode, Massive Attack, Portishead, Trent Reznor and his band NIN.

How did you discover electronic music?

I was trying to find my identity and I think the first shelter was into rock music… later I came across electronic music and I like the fact of doing everything by myself, no band was needed, that was a huge discovery for me.

Your first approach to Djing?

I was sixteen, at school a friend of a friend had a DENON dual CD player, I think the reference was DN4500, yes I know! That's old. I think I caught the fundamental principle of matching tracks there. Later I went to dj school and I learned the real essence of djing with the classics Technics 1200.

What was decisive to become a producer?

I wanted to create my own voice. In the past I deeply believed that it was the key to make a real and successful career in the industry. Over time I realize this game is played in a different way, so, I quit the game.

Could you define your sound in 3 words?

From the heart.

Your favorite gears in your studio?

I don't have a favorite one. I think that it is not about the gear, it's about what you can do with it.

The philosophy behind Northallsen records?

Northallsen is the fusion of two passions, electronic music and Nature.

What are the main difficulties to head your own label?

I would say that the main difficulty is to keep loyal to yourself, to your concept and identity.

One of your tracks that best represents you today, and why?

“The Gift of Imperfection” I created the track as a reminder to myself about the importance of avoiding comparison and perfectionism. At some point in my career I was very unhappy because I was trying to reach standards I was never enough to… In the last five years I have been diving into a spiritual path of self discovery and self understanding, this track is a result of that.

You are a strong supporter of DIY, could you speak about the art identity of the label please?

I am a biologist, I love Nature and it is definitely something I wanted to incorporate into my art, musically and visually.

What about the “Raices” Series?

Raices was a project I started to go out of a long period of introspection. I wanted to create a compilation with artists I share perspectives with.

A good track in 3 words?

Keep my attention

Any ritual before a performance?

Not specifically

Nature or machines?

Of course Nature

What comes to your mind when I say AI?

A bunch of kids playing with a bomb.

Who are the emerging talents from your native scene we should pay attention to?

There are so many young and passionate talents in Colombia, Esteban Miranda, Red Noise and his label 1024, Sepian and Zemog and his Tepuy records.

Your last time you were in Colombia?

In 2022 when I came to perform at Tunnel club in Pereira with my husband Reggy Van Oers.

Your last vinyl you bought?

Sofi Paez "Silent stories".

Your top 5 venues?

I don't have a top 5. I would say Bude Club in Georgia and Laut Club in Barcelona are my favorite places to perform.

Why did you move to Barcelona and what do you like there?

I needed to go out of my comfort zone, I felt I needed to come here to learn something, something deep, profound. Nowadays I can say that Barcelona is the place where I discovered my real-self. For years, unconsciously I was living with the mask of “Aleja Sanchez” the artist. When I came here, I had to face my personal reality, nude, no masks, no lies, no superficial constructions… I found myself, my foundation, who I am as a person, and I felt the deep feeling of diving deep into myself to really understand the role of music in my life…

For you, what does the term “underground” still mean today?

A commercial catchy word.

Your top 5 new releases?

- Systeme "Bersarin Quartett" [Denovali]

- Emika "Haze" [Emika Records]

- Sofi Paez "Silent Stories" [Opia]
- Alessandro Cortini "Nati Infiniti" [Mute Records]

- CHPTR "Epilogue" [CHPTR]

Your top 5 oldies?

I don't have a top five. I think Vangelis is still today a deep source of inspiration for me as a Composer and producer.

If you could have a short conversation with an artist, which one would you choose?

Vangelis, I would like to understand more about his metaphysical vision of music.

Your projects?

Still working on my album, I think maybe this year is the year to finalize it and release it.

Finally, who is the “current” Aleja Sanchez in 3 words?

Learning music composition

Interviewed by Sabrina Bouzidi / Picture by Jesuz.Nu