After moving to London to pursue (and later receive) his degree in architecture, Amirali set his sights on the music industry. Without a single release to his name, Amirali was signed to Crosstown Rebels just last year. Following two successful releases with the label, Amirali put out a full-length in May, which was met with tremendous critical acclaim. For one so new to the industry, the maturity displayed in his productions is simply incredible. With the keen ear of Crosstown Rebels head Damian Lazarus to guide him, there is no telling where Amirali will take us next. We had the opportunity to chat with Amir about his impending album, the Crosstown Rebels fam and his live set-up.
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Amirali will be playing U Street Music Hall tonight, Friday, July 27th, alongside Danny Daze and Yacine A. Doors open at 10pm, entry is free before 11pm for ages 21+. Entry for ages 18-20 by presale only. Purchase tickets here.
How would you describe your sound in four words?
Deep, Thrilling, Atmospheric, Emotional
After just two releases on Crosstown Rebels, you put out an LP with the label. What was that experience like, from production to release?
It was a great experience; making this album was a period of self discovery during which I got to know myself on a deeper level; it was a year and a half journey into an experimentation of myself and my sound which consists of thirteen tracks. Each track has a different story to tell and is a reflection of my past.
In electronic dance music, the art of the album, and the creative vision that accompanies it, is altogether dead. Having created such a cohesive and consistent work displays your precocious maturity as an artist. How did you decide to release an album versus the usual numerous-EP structure?
I never actually decided to release an album until I sent Damian [Lazarus] two of my very first tracks that I produced in London. As soon as Damian heard those tracks he told me to start working on an album for Crosstown Rebels, which took me almost a year and a half to finish. Writing “music” and not just producing dance tracks is what keeps me going and makes me want to stay where I am in music. I feel I always need to challenge myself in order to survive in music, otherwise it would be pointless for me, to be honest. I produce what I’m feeling in that moment, and my records reflect my life experiences, and one thing that is certain about life is that it’s always changing.
What’s it like being a part of the Crosstown Rebels family, and particularly being able to work with Damian Lazarus?
It’s a great honour to be working with Damian; he’s an amazing person. As the Crosstown Rebels family, it’s always great and fun to hang out with the whole crew when we do certain parties together. It’s a big family with great vibes and great hearts. Each of us has different characteristics and that makes [being a part of] it very interesting and fun.
What’s your favourite BPM?
Well, it depends on the type of music I’m writing or the mood I’m into in that moment. I don’t really like to limit myself when it comes to production. Some day it could be 80 bpm, and the next day it could be 124; it all depends really.
In all your interviews you seem to be a very intelligent individual. How would you describe the intellectual and philosophical motivations behind what Crosstown Rebels is doing, and this new era of underground dance music the label seems to be ushering in?
I think Crosstown Rebels is all about quality alternative sounds and coincidentally Damian was looking for something “more alternative” when we met each other. This in itself shows that he’s always looking for raw and unique talents. I don’t think we can say Crosstown Rebels is following a particular sound, because each of the artists has their own unique taste. Damian really knows what he’s doing; he’s got a great vision for what he does and I truly respect that.
Has anyone ever told you that you sound a bit like Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode?
Yes, I do get that sometimes; it’s as great a compliment as someone could get.
What kinds of new artists are inspiring you these days?
There is so much great music and talent out there that affects me in many different ways; it all depends on my mood. For instance, I could listen to a new unknown band and love them for that day; it doesn’t necessarily have to be electronic. I just admire good intelligent music.
Tell us about your live show: both the setup and the kind of experience you hope to convey?
My live shows are like concerts that have been semi-planned. I usually prep myself before each gig and review my set to make adjustments; it’s a very natural process. For this world tour I’m doing right now, I have prepared a live set in which I play some tracks from my album mixed with other unreleased materials. I sing all my tracks live, play keys, add extra effects and loops and re-edit my tracks. That’s the kind of process I’m undertaking at the moment for the live shows. I want to provide deep, thrilling emotional experiences in the human mind.
What do you have coming up this year and beyond? Another stellar LP, we hope?
I cannot say too much about it, but I’m working on gathering a band for my next album. My plans for the near future are more towards bigger live performances and that’s what I’m working on at the moment.
Amirali