Alignment is an Italian DJ/Producer based in Berlin who is making a real name for himself at the moment with releases on Suara and Second State, and a very eagerly awaited ’Time’ EP soon approaching on Charlotte de Witte’s KNTXT imprint on 17th April. We spoke to him recently to discuss how it all came about, how he’s been dealing with the enforced lockdown, and his plans for the rest of 2020…
WWD: How are you, how has the year been so far music wise?
I’m fine, this year started very well, both in terms of releases and shows. Unfortunately the virus has blocked everything and I believe that several concerts and good festivals will be postponed to next year. I hope this all ends as soon as possible to return to the normality.
WWD: What is life in Italy like right now, can you give us some insight
The situation in Italy is very critical at the moment because of the virus outbreak. People cannot leave the house, there are police checkpoints on every street, video systems, drones and so on. I can’t exactly describe the situation because I live in Berlin, but my family has described me how the situation is right now. I really hope it all ends as soon as possible and people stay healthy and safe.
WWD: Have you been able to make music on lockdown, has it been a form of escape for you?
Yes, making music every day helps me to lighten up the days in lockdown. I can say that my life hasn’t changed so much haha, producers feel me 😉
WWD: How did you come to release on Charlotte de Witte’s KNTXT? What was your first contact with her?
Artistically me and Charlotte have known each other for many years. I met her for the first time this year at ADE for the KNTXT x Awakenings show. If it comes to my EP on KNTXT, I simply sent tracks to her via mail, luckily she digged the tunes and signed the EP.
WWD: Have you met up with her? Has she got involved with feedback on your tunes? Did you write music specifically for the label, with its dark and driving style in mind?
I simply sent some tracks to her, some new, some done a few months earlier. However, the style was the same vibe as KNTXT pushes so we could confirm the release. I don’t make music specifically for a label. Everything I release, is in my style without compromise. I only release tracks I’m 100% proud of, even if that sometimes take quite some time. 😀
WWD: What gear did you use to write it, are you a software or hardware kind of person?
I use Cubase as a software and VST instruments like Namesis, Electrax, Phase Plant, Omnisphere etc. I prefer to work only with VST, I am not in the world of modular systems or similar stuff.
WWD: Do you make tunes you want to play in your own DJ sets? Is there synergy like that?
Yes, every time I do a song I try to imagine something powerful to insert in my DJ set, not necessarily aggressive, and high energetic all the time, maybe sometimes I’m smoother with the melodies etc, but generally I try to create something that leaves a mark during the DJ set.
WWD: What sort of DJ are you, what sort of setting do you prefer? Are you a dark and late night kind of guy who plays intensely?
I use two CDJ 2000 NXS and Allen & Heath 92 or 96 mixer. Normally I like to play not too early nor too late, around 2.30 – 4.30 is my ideal time. I don’t like playing mega extended dj sets of 5/6 hours+ , I rather prefer to create a trip which is shorter but more intense in two hours. I almost always play only my own productions, so each set has to be also classy and various enough for each gig.
WWD: What else have you got coming up/are you working on?
Right now I’m producing new songs every day, I can’t do anything else because of the quarantine situation. The next releases will be April 17th on KNTXT and in May I will release again on Involve Records, we don’t have a precise date at the moment but we will announce it soon.
Aligment’s ’Time’ EP is out on 17th April on KNTXT. Follow him on Facebook & Soundcloud.