Coming from Melbourne, Elena likes the underground techno scene as she just debuted her first live set @New Guernica, she also enjoys design too which makes her audience see 2 sides to her social media which is why we chose Elena. Recently we caught up with her to give us some more information about herself & things like what can we see form her in the future etc!
Interview w Elena
Q & A:
Question 1: When did the drive to start mixing and being involved in Dance music be a big thing for you in your life?
A: Music has always been a pretty big part of my life, however I only really properly discovered dance music and learnt to appreciate it over the last few years when I started going to events. Growing up, I loved learning instruments. I started with guitar, but slowly shifted my attention to piano and still continue to teach piano to younger kids to this day.
I would say my appreciation for dance/electronic music first started when I picked up an old version of FL Studio and realised it was much harder than I thought. Once I started getting a bit better at producing, I made the switch to Ableton where I also put together some sets. And then, beginning of 2021, I invested in my first set of decks.
Question 2: Who inspires you music wise & design wise?
A: I’m always drawing inspiration from different artists. Currently (in terms of music), I’ve been loving Indira Paganotto, Stef Mendesidis, Richie Hawtin and I Hate Models. I feel like they all have different elements in their music that I like to try and incorporate into my own.
Design wise there’s just too many artists I’m obsessed with at the moment, but some of my current inspiration comes from @mortogvng, @vicmcmxciii, @mutationmxg and @arjintai. I really love anything that incorporates gothic themes, metallic and chrome elements and just darker moods in general with some pops of bright colours.
Question 3: Your biggest achievement in the industry for you so far? What are you excited about the most in the future?
A: I think my biggest achievement so far would have to be getting my first live gigs! I only started learning how to mix at the beginning of 2021, so I feel super grateful to be given a shot. I’m just really excited for more gigs to come and even more excited to start releasing my own music which I have been working on for the last couple years now.
Question 4: When did you start designing? and do you still design as much as you do music now or has music taken over?
A: I would say my design journey started in 2020. I’ve always enjoyed design but never got around to properly learning until the beginning of 2020 when I quit my job and had nothing else to do when COVID hit.
I still design when a cool project comes along, but music has always been the main focus.
Question 5: Favourite All time tune?
A: This is kinda lame but my favourite all time tune would have to be Shake It by Metro Station (don’t judge haha). It was my absolute jam back in year 7 and still makes me happy when I hear it come on… just kind of nostalgic I suppose.
Question 6: Do you have a certain style you enjoy producing and playing out at venues?
A: Techno. I love playing and producing melodic, hard and hypnotic techno.
Question 7: What is one piece of advice you can give to those people just starting in the industry!?
A: Honestly, I feel like I’m just starting out in the industry myself, but I guess for me it comes down to prioritising learning and practising - whether it’s watching tutorials, taking courses or asking others in the industry for advice. Whether it’s DJing or producing, the more you learn, the more you build your confidence and start developing your own sound.
Question 8: How much has COVID affected you!?
A: Like most people, COVID has definitely impacted my life a fair bit, but I’m happy to say that with the bad also came a lot of good. Although COVID left me unemployed for a long time, it also gave me a lot of time to slow down, think about what I wanted to do and the time to study and practice consistently.
Question 9: After your first live set at Cicada @New Guernica do you think your confidence has boosted and given you more drive?
A: It definitely has boosted my confidence! I was actually so nervous for my first live set, but everyone there was so nice and it honestly went way better than I could’ve hoped. Super keen to be playing there again!
You can also follow Elena on all her socials down below!
SOCIALS:
Instagram: @syrup.e.sounds
Design: @gooeycherrysyrup
Soundcloud: We decided to share something below..