An artist with a cultured past, and venturing into new territory under a refreshing new moniker — alias_j (aka Jon Ojeda) has existed throughout key eras of electronic music that have contributed to a new artistic package. Inspired by many electronic greats, alias_j comes with an invigorating sonic palate all of which spans the realms of Melodic House & Techno.
alias_j talks to 6AM about his latest release Recovery Loss EP on Ibiza-based label Chrom Recordings as well as the deep dive he took into his inclination for cutting-edge Melodic Techno for his lyrical track that he wrote entirely by himself. Ahead of his upcoming EP, we also caught up with the San Francisco local to talk all things music, creativity, work, and everything in between. alias_j’s Recovery Loss EP will be out on Chrom Recordings on September 23rd, 2022.
Hey alias_j, welcome to 6AM. Let’s kick things off by talking about your latest release. What can you tell us about Recovery Loss?
Thanks for having me! It’s a three-track EP I wrote during lockdown (lots to unpack there — lol). It’s coming out on Chrom Recordings on September 23rd, which I’m really excited for. It’s been a long time coming.
This EP is only your third to date. How do you feel you have progressed across releases?
I think it’s some of my best work. Every time I write a track, I learn something new. I developed new ways of sketching, improved frequency relationships, and gained a better sense of musical harmony and storytelling.
“Every time I write a track, I learn something new. I developed new ways of sketching, improved frequency relationships, and gained a better sense of musical harmony and storytelling.”
You never know what to expect when it comes to creativity. Art can unpredictably good.
What inspires you to make great music?
Honestly, I regularly imagine a crowd — hands in the air, whistling, screaming, big bass. I try to imagine being in the moment when the music takes you away. That inspiration never dies.
“I regularly imagine a crowd and I try to imagine being in the moment when the music takes you away. That inspiration never dies.”
Imagination can be great inspiration. Never stop dreaming.
What artists do you feel are influencing Techno at the moment?
That’s a curious question. It changes every week — lol. I’m quite fond of Shiffer, Hollt, Sacha Funke is doing some amazing stuff, Kevin D Vries is unstoppable at the moment, and maybe Remcord and Made By Pete. I think the scene is pretty plentiful at the moment.
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Are there any other up-and-coming artists that you enjoy?
Lexer is amazing — Massano has been coming up, Adrian Roman, Malandra Jr. Honestly, there are a ton right now.
What is your favorite non-dance genre?
Don’t tell anyone, but I have a soft spot for teen pop. Something about the convincing chord progressions — shhh.
You’re a renowned family man. How do you manage the balance between music and family life?
Well, I’m not sure I do — lol! I think it evolves. Sometimes I focus more on family, other times I’m more in the studio. I think finding the balance is about understanding your internal compass and following that. It’s surely different for everyone. For me, the most important thing is to try and be as true to my instincts as possible. At least doing that means I’m making decisions based on something that has a physical response. It’s not always the right decision, but it’s the most honest.
“Sometimes I focus more on family, other times I’m more in the studio. I think finding the balance is about understanding your internal compass and following that. It’s surely different for everyone.”
Find what brings you personal comfort and joy.
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Do you have any surprising hobbies or interests outside of music?
Go-Karting, and if I’m not doing that, watching documentaries on conspiracy theories and shows about history gone wrong. Other than that, watching my son play soccer. He’s decided he wants to either be a professional soccer player or a formula one racecar driver — we’ll see.
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If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Oh wow, good question. Currently, I’d love to be in the room with Adriatque. There is something magical about their work. Historically, Depeche Mode or Queen. I’d lose my mind for one of those opportunities.
Lastly, do you have anything in the pipeline you’d like to share?
Life is unpredictable, so what the future holds can change. Right now, I’m focused on my release on Chrom Recordings and the socials and PR campaigns around them. The EP has received some great support, and I’m really excited they are about the see the light of day.
Aside from that, I’m focused on writing as much music as possible. I have about an album worth of work I’m shopping for (about ten tracks), so we’ll see where that takes me. I try to live by the expression “expectations breeds suffering“. If all goes well, I’ll naturally progress in a positive direction.
“I try to live by the expression “expectations breeds suffering“. If all goes well, I’ll naturally progress in a positive direction.”
Go with the flow when it comes to creativity. Don’t stress about the outcome.
Connect with alias_j: Website丨SoundCloud丨Facebook丨Beatport丨Instagram
