Behind the DJ: Ali Story
It’s been under a year since Ali Story released her first track, Trippin’ on Toolroom Records and since then, she’s shown no signs of slowing down. Despite 2020 being a tough year – she still managed to hit over 139k streams and release three new tracks. And with three more coming out soon - it’s just the start of good things for the Irish DJ, producer and vocalist.
Since she started DJing three years ago, Story found it challenging balancing a full-time job with producing. After losing her social media and marketing role at a label due to coronavirus, she saw it as an opportunity to do what she does best – make more music. And it’s clear to see that she’s been utilising the extra time on her hands.
We caught up with Ali to find out everything. From her history with classical music to more about her next release – keep on scrolling to read the Q+A:
How did you keep motivated last year to release new tracks in lockdown?
Last year was tough. Full of ups and downs. But I saw a big opportunity to get ahead in all areas of my music. Losing my full-time job gave me something more precious… which was time! All of a sudden, I had 24/7 to focus on my music, so I’ve been working hard.
Have you got any new releases in the pipeline?
Yes, I’ve got my next release on a Club Sweat compilation which is coming out on March 19th. I sang my own vocals on that production so I’m really excited to see how it goes. I was recently approached to make a remix of Nervo’s latest track ‘Gotta Be You’ which will be released soon on Thrive. I loved getting to work on this all-female project and can’t wait to work with them again. This week, I signed a track to Axtone, receiving personal feedback from Axwell himself. He’s someone I’ve admired and followed for years, so it’s incredibly exciting for me! It wasn’t that long ago I was standing in Ushuaia watching him play as part of the Swedish House Mafia, so it’s safe to say 2021 is going absolutely amazingly so far. I’m very excited to share all of this new music!
What can we expect from your next release?
To be honest, I’m staying quite safe in the territory of music I’m making at the moment because the industry has shifted massively due to COVID. There’s no underground scene, there’s no club scene. I’ve pushed out some clubbier tracks but feedback from pretty much all labels is that they want the more commercial top line vocal, radio-friendly music.
How did you find your first year officially releasing music?
Incredible! I’ve dreamt about producing and releasing music for years. Now I have artist accounts and music on Spotify, Apple Music and Beatport and so much more. It’s very surreal to see how far I’ve come from simply dreaming about it whilst standing in a muddy festival field years ago.
Does your history with piano and violin influence your sound?
Not so much in my under-ground tech-house tracks, but definitely in my more house-influenced tracks. I’m a sucker for classic keys and a top line vocal.
What made you realise you wanted to move into electronic music from classical?
I’ve been classically trained from eight years old, so music has always been in my blood. I knew I wanted to get into electronic music when I moved to London after university. I went to my first music festival, Global Gathering and remember watching Above & Beyond headlining in one of the tents, thinking: “wow, this is what I want to do…”
Who are you listening to on repeat at the minute?
My musical preference is so wide, but Dennis Cruz has been getting me through the last few weeks. I miss the clubbing scene loads, so I’ve been cranking the volume and blasting the beats any time I’m out in the car.
Have you been watching any streams in lockdown?
I actually haven’t been watching many streams. I don’t really enjoy seeing my favourite artists through a screen. It’s just not the same as a live performance. Although I have to hand it to Defected, they’ve really put a massive effort into the live stream ‘experience’ and putting on a show. They’re the only ones I’ve watched.
What have been your favourite events to play at?
My favourites have probably been Sankeys in Ibiza and ABODE in the Park Festival in London so far. Sankeys was a venue I always wanted to play in, and ABODE was my first ever festival.
What three clubs/venues would you love to play at?
1. Burning Man, Nevada
2. Ushuaia, Ibiza
3. Glastonbury, UK
Which five tracks have kept you going through lockdown?
1. Lift Your Energy - Eden Prince
2. Transition - Biscits
3. Girl - KC Lights
4. If You Wanna - Leftwing & Kody
5. Hal - Tiga, Kolsch
Written by: Megan Milstead