SAF Interview with amita

The Beginning

What pulled you into DJing? Was there a defining moment, or did it happen more slowly over time?

Both of my parents are musicians, and I’ve been playing piano since I was three. I was deeply rooted in the classical music space, which can be inaccessible and exclusive; but then I also grew up listening to lots of punk and New Wave thanks to my mom's love of UK music.

I ended up studying music in undergrad because it was the only thing that could keep my attention. Once I graduated, I felt disconnected from performing and stopped completely. A few years later I stepped into a club for the first time and realized the magic these spaces had for discovery. I always loved punchy and bassy sounds of electronic music, but how DJs curated and worked the room unlocked something for me. The selections got people moving. These artists were storytellers, historians and archivists.

Listening to dance music, whether it be at a party, club, or in my headphones; felt like a reconnection to that thing that I initially cared about. Music felt accessible again. I wanted to start DJing to share that feeling and help people feel grounded and connected. The actual defining moment connects to your next questions!

How did rally come to life? We’d love to hear the origin story.

Alyana Vera (my dear friend, collaborator, and co-curator of rally), shared with me back in 2023 her goals of wanting to curate, promote and book musicians. We both met working in the music industry, and my first memories of clubbing are with her. We would always be sharing events during the workday and then go see these talented DJs on the weekends (and let's be honest, sometimes on a weekday too). Alyana and I mutually hold the value that these musical spaces are integral for community, belonging, and personal identity; we created rally to foster that. 

Alyana is the real deal. She is so intentional about how she curates a line up, thoughtfully communicates with artists, and builds community on the dance floor. I feel extremely blessed to have her as a creative partner and friend. I shared with Alyana that I wanted to begin DJing, and she was incredibly supportive. We ended up talking about how we could help each other accomplish our goals together, and that turned into rally. The rest is history! 

Current Projects & Residencies

Tell us about Futago, your residency on HKCR!

I began futago the end of last year as a challenge to myself to explore new styles and genres of DJing, while collaborating with artists and friends I looked up to. I wanted to use the b2b format to invite DJs to bring concepts and ideas, while I followed their lead to create 60 minutes of something new. Each mix is drastically different, and extremely fun! 

Shout out GENG PTP, Takuya Nakamura, Sola System, Derek Schultz, and Swaya; recent guests of futago who have really impacted the way that I select, DJ, and perform.

You just wrapped a tour with Slowrolla — any standout or unforgettable moments from that run?

Yes! Through rally, we went on tour with SlowRolla across the East Coast. I have got to say that seeing SlowRolla perform live was truly magical. He approaches his sets with such precision, high energy and a kind heart; it really shines through his music. We’re so lucky to have such a gem in the Southwest scene out here on the East Coast. If you have the time, check out the Lot Radio set he did when he was in New York.

The Lot Radio — your second set there was amazing. How did it feel returning, and what does that space mean to you?

The first time I ever played the Lot, I was invited by my friend and collaborator GENG PTP. I remember being so nervous the first time I played back last September. I had a lot of fun that time, and being in that space was extremely fun. Coming back to the Lot with GENG as "GENGmita", I knew I wanted to embody the playful, experimental, and inquisitive energy GENG brings. We played with all four decks, went different directions, all while surrounded by our dear friends in that booth (if you can see, we had like 10 people in there). It was awesome to have SlowRolla in there with us, and his first hour really set the tone for the energy we brought into the booth.

Personal FlavorWe have to ask… basmati or jasmine? 

Both, I don't discriminate rice lol

That said, my go to rice is Japanese short grain. Koshihikari if I could choose.

You speak three languages — how has that shaped the way you discover and select music? Any genres or sounds you’re especially drawn to lately?

I think I'm always fascinated by how vocal samples are chosen when producers make music. Specifically, I've really enjoyed listening to Japanese producers who choose certain references and sounds that I can relate to (like Crayon Shinchan, or the shamisen). I think I'm always drawn to uniquely chosen samples. For example, one of my favorite Japanese footwork producers is Gnyonpix because he selects through so many varieties of genres. Thelonius Monk, Rachmaninoff, every track of his is such a fun surprise. 

The Scene From your perspective, how has the music scene shifted over the past few years?

It’s unfortunate that so many venues and DIY spaces in New York City are shutting down due to rent unaffordability. It's a historical pattern of clubs opening and closing. That said, there are very dedicated and closely knit scenes of organizers who want to keep the underground running. I'm so grateful for these organizers and musicians because they’re inspiring the future of performance in the city.

Outside of NYC, are there any cities you feel are carrying similar energy or momentum right now?

I love the sound coming out of the Kansai cities in Japan, specifically Osaka and Kyoto. Tokyo has a very eclectic and expansive scene, but I find that Osaka and Kyoto have such a distinct sound and nurture some fascinating artists; Ko Yang, Stones Taro, Samo, amongst many. In addition, it is a great place to search for records!

Discovery & Inspiration

Where do you go to find new music? Any hidden gems (online or IRL) you can share?

The best way I find new music is through some good ol' research. If there is a genre or scene that I'm interested in, I'll listen to those DJ's mixes, search labels they had released on, and then keep finding artists that way. There is so much historical context that can become lost when we play genres outside of their created community or scene. I like to learn as much as possible whether it's through interviews, articles, books, posts, whatever I can use to better understand more of the personal and community connections to the music. 

I did this when I first got into Japanese juke, where I basically made a document of all the labels I could find, the dance crews that collaborated with the artists, the competitions that happened around the country, so on. It really allowed me to better understand how these artists were heavily inspired by Chicago footwork, and specifically DJ Rashad and the Teklife crew. I try to approach all styles of music I play out that way.

I'm constantly listening to old compilation mixes on Youtube and using Discogs to find them. For newers tracks, I use BandCamp and am very blessed to have a community where we can share what we are listening to and finding. All of this is genuinely fun for me and I look forward to it every moment of the day.

Which producers or DJs are inspiring you the most lately?

The mix that I go back to every time I need inspiration is B. Calloway's High Off Booty Acid Mix. He goes through over 50 tracks and loops, creating a masterpiece that quickly journeys through a wide range of genres and styles. I think I love it so much because it cleverly references a wide range of samples and you really get a look into how fantastic of a historian, DJ and producer he is. 

Whenever I get the chance to mix with three decks, I love to play a vocal sample over two or three consecutive tracks. I keep the loop going over different songs, letting the audience get used to the voice. Once it is removed, it's actually this really fun catharsis and you feel a longing for it to come back. That's what I felt in the B. Calloway mix and it will always be a staple for me.

What labels do you think are absolutely killing it right now?

Kool Switch Work, 85acid, and Asionyta have some of the best releases. Please give them some love if you haven't checked them out.

Please give us a list of your favorite Japanese juke and jungle tunes! 

This is like choosing my favorite child. Okay, here are a few to start!

Ufoe In This House - D.J. G.O.

Haul and Pull - Lil Tozan

Lava Land - Pharakami Sanders 

Shout out to these incredible Japanese producers!

Fun Stuff

What’s one track you’ve rinsed way too many times but still can’t let go of?

Phonky No. 69 by DJ DR-660 - it is an absolute must for me. It's my favorite tune to play out to read the room, and begin taking the crowd on a journey.

Any underrated artists we should all be watching?

satoruohno is one of my favorite producers out of Japan right now. He doesn't stay in one genre, and makes a broad range of kick ass dance music. The mirasol EP is very miami-bass and electro forward and I can't get enough!

GENG PTP, (who runs PTP) is one of the best DJs in the city. I'm also very grateful to call him a friend. He recently has been performing with Dreamcrusher as Centennial Gardens where they are rooted in noise music. You really see how GENG uses these influences when he DJs as well. He uses CDJs as a weapon, consistently keeping his hands on the mixer and listening to the delicate harmonies and purposeful clashing. He is doing some really important work for the community out here in NYC in terms of organizing and musically. Big love!

 If you could throw a dream party anywhere in the world, where would it be — and who’s on the lineup?

Oh that is such a good question. I'd love to have a daytime house party with lots of good food, friends, and sunshine. My dream lineup would be SCRAAATCH, RP Boo, Decibella, b2b Mantra and Brava. That would be crazy, I would actually cry haha

What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found musical inspiration?

The trains - you never know what you are going to hear. Whether it is a conversation or a tune being played on a bluetooth speaker, I always feel very inspired just taking public transit.

Crowd & Community What’s the best (or weirdest) crowd moment you’ve ever had behind the decks?

One of my favorite shows I'd ever played was Club Melody's Year of the Snake party this year. The crowd was so responsive to the music, and I especially liked it because all my friends were in the booth with me. My loved ones were rotating on light duties, and were yelling and cheering, and it just really boosted my energy. Did I get too excited and accidentally go over decibel the meter? Yes. Oops, sorry!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new DJs trying to break into the scene?

Listen, listen, listen. If there is a track or artists you like, dig deep and listen to their discography, find their collaborators, labels they have released on. Part of the fun in the digging! Also go to a bunch of shows and stay connected to the local scene. You'll naturally meet a lot of friends, and it's really lovely to learn and share with people who are just as passionate.

Beyond MusicIf you weren’t doing music… What do you think you’d be doing?

A big reason I love music is the way it brings people together. I am such a natural born extrovert, so maybe I'd own a coffee shop or bakery where people could gather and find community. Anything that I could do to help people feel seen and grounded.

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