DJ AliA wants to take you on a journey

AliA never set out to become a DJ. Rather, it’s a career she fell into, first playing records for fun before getting involved in the nightlife scene in Brussels, where the 24-year-old is based. The community aspect of the job was an added bonus: over the last few years, she’s become a bit of a club music stalwart in her home country, curating stacked line-ups for the likes of Ghent-based club Funke. As of 2024, AliA runs her own label, Artisjok Records.

​“I’m surrounded by so many talented friends whose music deserves to be heard,” she says. ​“The music world can be weird and gatekept sometimes, so I see the label as a way to uplift voices that might otherwise get overlooked. To this day, the simple act of mixing and discovering new sounds brings me a lot of joy. It never gets old.”

But the seed for all of this was sewn way back. Growing up in the Belgian city of Leuven, her parents played jazz, soul and funk around the house – influences that permeate AliA’s sets to this day, blended with plenty of dub, techno and broken beat. Her dad was a DJ, too, though she sadly never got to see him play – he got rid of all his records to make space in the house when she was born. ​“Luckily, there are still plenty of CDs around the house. A lot of the stuff I buy now used to be in my dad’s collection,” AliA says. ​“Even now, when I visit home, music is our family’s language.”

One of the highlights of AliA’s year is Horst festival in Brussels, which she’s been attending since she was 14. The experience formative to her education in dance music, and she’s played there every year since 2018. This time around, she’ll be going back to back with London jungle/​dubstep DJ Mia Koden on the newly minted Weaving Weeds stage. AliA’s remaining tight-lipped about what we can expect from the set – mainly because she’s not quite sure herself what shape it’ll take.

​“I can’t wait to join forces with someone who’s not limited by genre,” AliA says. ​“In a scene that can feel like it’s stuck on repeat, she definitely brings some groove. All I can say is that given we’re playing quite late, you can expect some 140 rollers…” See you front left.

If you could make a rule for a month, like dry Jan, what would it be?

Impact April – a month where people support grassroots efforts or community projects or sponsor a local nonprofit. It’s all about keeping these efforts alive and standing up to the influence of big capital!

Describe your morning routine…

A big glass of water, a coffee, a ciggie.

What do you do when you can’t sleep?

Mostly make myself even more unable to sleep.

Can you recommend a set that FACE readers should listen to?

The RSO.LIVECAST [006 — 230325] – a live recording of Skee Mask’s March 2023 set at RSO in Berlin. It’s a big masterclass.

What’s your earliest memory?

Good question!

If you were on a game show, what would be your entrance song?

Some Japanese fusion jazz.

Who is the last musician you discovered and loved?

[Memphis trumpet player] Jon Hassell is an artist whose music I have become especially addicted to. Unfortunately he passed away in 2021, but what he left us still hits and continues to inspire. This album is playing non-stop in the house right now.

What makes a great set?

One that’s a story: [it] surprises people and brings something unexpected to the table. It’s less about perfection and more about the journey.

Horst festival takes place in Brussels, 1 – 3 May. There are (very few) tickets left here.