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Aleska

shows & mixtapes

coming soon.

Aleska

about

Aleska is a Brooklyn-based DJ and music producer known for her emotive, atmospheric, hypnotic blend of techno—built for late-night dancefloors where time begins to fold in on itself. Her sets and tracks are constructed with intention, layering synthesizer, atmosphere, and pulsing drums that lock you into a rhythm and hold you there, pulling you deeper and deeper again.

spotlight

  1. How has your sound changed over time — and what shaped those shifts?

    When I first got into DJing, I was really obsessed with Electro and Hyper Pop. As I moved through the scene and learned more about hypnotic, acid, psychedelic, & progressive techno, I became entranced by it. As someone with ADHD, I found a sense of calm in that music that I'd never found in other genres — it felt like my brain could finally turn off and just enjoy the sound. That's why I still listen to mostly instrumental music to this day.

    I see underground techno as an escape from the harsh realities of the world, while at the same time revealing the harsh realities that surround us.

  2. How has producing influenced the way you DJ (and vice versa)?

    Being a producer has made me a better DJ, and being a DJ has made me a better producer. Producing has helped me make faster, more seamless transitions behind the decks, because I understand music in a way I never did when I was only DJing. And DJing has made me a better producer, because I understand the dance floor — I know what people want to hear, and I'm able to make music that speaks to that.

  3. When you’re not playing, where do you go to get inspired? Who’s been exciting you lately?

    You'll always find me Nowadays — I even have the membership to prove it. Nowadays consistently has some of the best lineups in NYC, and every time I see a DJ there, I walk away feeling like I've learned something new I can bring into both my production and my DJ sets. When I'm not at the club, you can usually find me listening to DJ sets — or better yet, watching recorded DJ sets on YouTube.

  4. How do you think about the role your work plays in the scene—socially, culturally, or politically? If you could shift one thing about the scene, what would it be?

    Dance music is political. Everything is political, and those who think otherwise are wrong. Dance music was created by queer black and brown people, and it's important that we remember this every time we participate in it.

    One thing I'd love to shift is the constriction that capitalism and social media have placed on our scene. Capitalism shapes the underground scene in NYC because clubs and promoters have to make money to survive. There are plenty of amazing DJs here in NY who haven't been given an opportunity at certain establishments because their social media "brand" isn't deemed strong enough. In a more idealized scene, clubs and big party promoters would make room for undiscovered talent on their lineups, even if that means fewer ticket sales.

  5. In what ways does identity show up in your creative work?

    I've always identified as moody & alternative, whether that's through music or fashion. I grew up on punk, emo, and alternative rock, and you'll often find that same mood running through my DJ sets and music.

  6. What’s something you’ve learned about vulnerability — behind the decks and on the dance floor?

    I had to learn to be okay with not knowing everything — it's our shortcomings that make us better DJs. If I never tried anything new while DJing, I'd never learn anything new. It's okay to make mistakes.