We're thrilled to be joined by the Belfast-born Aika Mal — a powerhouse producer, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and fierce entity behind the decks.
Renowned for her striking fusion of tech-house and progressive trance, she’s been steadily carving out her place, playing alongside the likes of Peach, Spray and Chris Stussy and recently performing her debut Boiler Room at Belfast’s AVA festival, plus having self-released her debut track earlier this Summer. We’re stoked to have her on for our 77th edition in the series. Let’s dive in.
First and foremost thank you so much for taking the time to put this mix together, can you tell us a little bit about the energy behind this mix, is there anything you would prescribe doing while listening?
It’s an honour to be involved. So many of my biggest production influences have been on this mix in the past so yeah great to be involved. The energy. Throughout this mix I wanted to keep things deep, rolling and groovy. I get things started with a tonne of my fav 90’s and 2000’s prog and then move into some newer sounds toward the end. Included of course my own track ‘Dream Realm’. Which dropped on Ryugu Records on the 18th of July. This mix i’d say is perfect to stick on at the afters or getting yourself ready for the night ahead.
You’ve had an intriguing evolution — from a past life as a singer-songwriter performing live to lending your vocals to various underground productions, and now, stepping into the spotlight as a producer and DJ. Since when have you been singing, where/how did you start and how many instruments do you play to this day?
So I started singing 15 years ago. Actually I've worked as a musician professionally all my life. My main instruments were vocals and guitar and I performed in bands mainly. But I also tinker on the piano and play a little bass here and there too.
The people I meet, both DJs and musicians, are my biggest influences—those I’ve connected with intimately or played alongside. My environment also plays a huge role in shaping my selections and approach to mixing. I’d describe my sound as healing and transcendental, with a strong spiritual dimension.
Earlier this year you self-released your debut piping hot electro dancefloor heater, ‘Beyond’. What was the inspiration behind the track, and how does it compare to the sound you typically play in your sets?
Thank you for your kind words on this release! For this release I really wanted to encapsulate the music I play as a DJ. My main aim with regards to production is to make music that is solely dance floor focused and so coming into this new joinery as a producer has really helped me to achieve that.
For my second release ‘Dream Realm’ on Ryugu it’s far more driving and intense compared to Beyond. I really wanted to make a track with far more intensity in energy and with a longer and bigger drop compared to Beyond.
Are there any more tracks coming out this year, and will hear some of your vocals on future productions?
Yes I’ve got some fun collaborations coming up this year as a singer and have been exploring some more downtempo trip/hop vibes. I really feel like I'm finding my style as a singer in the electronic world and excited to get some stuff out there.
“I really feel like I’m finding my style as a singer in the electronic world and excited to get some stuff out there. ”
Who or what would you say are the biggest influences on your sound and creative process — musically or otherwise?
I mean there are so many great producers out there that I love. In terms of some newer producers people like Spray, Wigs, Maara and Guy Contact, but I also listen to a lot of 90’s and 2000’s prog and love that real early old school analogue sound in some of those earlier recordings. There are some labels like Niche Blue, Choo Choo, and Red ’n' Raw that I’ve been delving deep into lately.
Last and not least, what’s next for Aika Mal?
Just some more club productions coming out throughout the rest of 2025 and I think going into 2026 we'll see some more vocal collaborations coming up.
Stay up to date with Aika Mal here!