Dallas Observer Mixtape with Aleah Axiom

Aleah Axiom's passion for techno is intoxicating. As a music blogger, college radio DJ and club DJ she has spread the word of the technology laced genre to any and all who will listen. Outside of performing, that passion has manifested itself through her writing and interviews on the Robotic Peacock music blog. A willingness to travel great distances to see many of the techno elite who rarely make it to this part of the country has provided Axiom with a real insight into the modern techno scene. Conveniently, all of these attributes come together in this week's Mixtape, which features a nice variety of the crème of the modern techno crop. 


Dallas Observer: How did you get started DJing? How long have you been at it?

Axiom: I’ve wanted to be a DJ since I was 12, before I even saw one, which is pretty weird for a preteen … But I just knew. I went to the University of Miami, and one of the first things I did when I got there was sign up to be an on-air DJ on WVUM, the college radio station. That was in 2007. I had my first gig in 2009 and have been going strong since!

How was this mix made? Is there a particular theme for the track selection?

In Traktor on my beloved 2007 MacBook and the Kontrol S4. I used to have a much bigger setup, but had to downsize when I moved here. There’s no certain theme, but most of these tracks are ones I’ve been listening to for a long time and had yet to mix, so it was a fun challenge.

What DJs or producers had a profound impact on you?

I would never be who I am today if it weren’t for the Chemical Brothers, Moby and the Prodigy, my first exposures to electronic music. My first techno love (and still my favorite producer) is Gaiser. Marco Carola, Adam Beyer, Max Cooper, Ben Klock and Ricardo Villalobos have also tremendously helped me find my voice.

What is your relationship with techno?

It is my home. I knew from the first moment I heard it. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for technology, and it’s the only music which I feel appropriately utilizes it. It’s limitless and innovative, always inspiring. I’m truly thankful to be part of it.

Do you buy vinyl?

I don’t actively do so unless it’s a full album I know I’m going to listen to for a long time. Unfortunately I’m too young to have ever had a real record store to depend on, and I think my answer would be vastly different if that was the case.

What is your most memorable music moment of the past year?

No way I can pick just one, so here’s three: Ending up in the DJ booth at Story in Miami with Dubfire (nerding out the whole time); celebrating my birthday at Dance Spirit here in Dallas (next generation of great live acts right there); and seeing Matador absolutely destroy the Underground with his live set at Movement in Detroit.

Where do you like to dig for tracks? Any specific websites or stores?

I am completely spoiled and get most of my new music delivered right to my inbox for my blog. Most of my other digging happens on YouTube; those wormholes are the best.

What other genres or artists do you like to spin or listen to outside of dance music?

My lifelong favorite bands are Nine Inch Nails and Bad Religion. Also been listening to a ton of Assemblage 23 and other EBM (note the B!) lately, which I would love to play out at some point. Outside of that, you’ll find everything from Muse to Mozart to Metallica in my library.

How did you get involved in music blogging?

My best friend and I had wanted to start a website since college — both of us have always been writers, tech-savvy and totally obsessed with music. We got Robotic Peacock up and running in April 2013. I’m incredibly humbled by the amazing artists I’ve had a chance to see and connect with because of it. Means the world to me to get to share the music we find important to a global audience.

Do you produce music?

Yes, although I have been majorly slacking lately. Since I work in the music touring business I can barely come up for air between February and August. But hoping to get back in there very soon. There’s nothing like getting lost in synth patches!

What gigs do you have in the near future?

A few that haven’t been announced yet! Follow me on Facebook to stay updated.

Tracklist:
?1. Dave Shokh & Holgi Star - Lirum
2. Joseph Capriati - Iron Pump
3. Kalden Bess - No Kings
4. The Advent & Jason Fernandes - Dissonating
5. Rrose - 23 Lashes
6. Len Faki - Death By House (A. Mochi Remix)
7. Dosem - Invasion
8. Sam Paganini - Prisma
9. Joop Junior - Funktion One
10. Egbert - Straktrekken
11. JPLS - Submerge
12. Jorge Ciccioli, Nsound, & Justin James - Intertwined
13. Recondite - Caldera
14. Final Exposure - Vortex (Function Remix)
15. Matador - Korrado
16. Joris Delacroix - Oui Mais Non
17. Auk - Tomorrow Morning
18. Par Grindvik & Pfirter - Untitled (Skudge Remix)
19. John Tejada - Sweat (On the Walls)
20. Moderat - Bad Kingdom (DJ Koze Remix)

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