KEYI MAGAZINE had the chance to sit down and talk with Alna & Dinamite about their vision, production and connection to Berlin techno. Plus, get ready for ‘Breaktrough’, a new dynamic track from their compilation ‘Places We Go’.
OUT OF CTRL Collection
OUT OF CTRL presents its debut Various Artists compilation “Places We Go” VA [OOCVA001], out on January 3rd, 2025. This dynamic collection brings together 10 international artists, each offering an original track that reflects their personal and authentic take on techno’s groovy, dark, and hypnotic essence.
Label founder ALNA kickstarts the release, showcasing her signature style of driving grooves and hypnotic rhythms. Joining ALNA are standout contributors from across the globe. Spain’s BØHM delivers a pulsating, tension-filled track steeped in the hypnotic rhythms of the European underground. Moreover, Berlin-based Dinamite, resident of the iconic Tresor club, crafts an energetic composition that reflects her years at the forefront of the city’s techno scene.
Adding a melodic edge, J. Blofeld of Mannheim weaves impulsive beats with emotional undertones, creating a captivating soundscape. French-born and now Berlin-based Ket Robinson contributes a relentless and powerful track that mirrors his performances, blending hypnotic percussion with mechanical intensity. Similarly, Küetzal, whose influences range from classical music to ’90s punk, pushes boundaries with a richly textured and genre-defying contribution that honors his knowledge as a curator of innovative sounds.
Milan-based Marthial channels Detroit-inspired rhythms into a dark, soul-stirring piece, blending tradition and technological innovation. His work highlights his deep connection to Milan’s underground culture, where his Tempio Del Futuro Perduto continues to shape the local electronic scene. Toronto’s Nodding Heads injects fresh energy with his distinctively raw sound, embodying the experimental ethos of his label.
Rounding out the compilation, Pre Silent, a live performer and curator of Noise Orchestra events, offers a spontaneous, groove-laden track that epitomizes the organic energy of his analog improvisations. In a special twist, the legendary Jerome Hill contributes an electrifying remix that pays homage to the compilation’s diverse roots while injecting his unique style.
Together, these tracks form a cohesive yet eclectic narrative, showcasing the multifaceted nature of techno as both a genre and an art form, while embodying OUT OF CTRL’s ethos of uniting diverse talent.
Interview @Alna @Dinamite
“Places We Go” VA [OOCVA001] will be available on all digital and streaming platforms on January 3rd, 2025. Here is a little taste of what’s to come.
Hello, dear! How are you doing? It’s great to have you back in our magazine! What’s new since the last time we talked?
It’s always a pleasure to be back on Keyi Magazine! Some things have changed since last time we spoke. My label is one year older, I am one year wiser and I am currently working on my live set. I have recently purchased a Toraiz-SP16 and Electribe EMX-1 and together with my TR-8S, I am creating my first live set.
Planning on purchasing Push 3 in the new year, which I believe it will take my live set to the next level. As a producer, DJ and label owner I like to constantly challenge myself and progress as years go by.
How did you select the artists for this compilation, and what was your vision behind uniting such a diverse group?
I was in contact with all of the artists even if I haven’t met everyone in person yet. We were supporting each other online so I reached out to the artists who’s productions I like/play and I had a positive response back.
I give space to creativity and artists who are a little ‘out of ctrl’ 😉
Alna
Can you tell us more about the track you’ve contributed to the compilation “Places We Go”?
I wrote ‘Quiet Days’ over a weekend. At the time, I was working on different projects and my live set and when I realised the VA was ON. I started the whole process on my SP-16 then exported the audio files and worked on post – production in Ableton.
You know, I called the track ‘Quiet Days’ in memory of my grandfather who recently passed away. He has been a great inspiration to me and the only artist in my family, before me. In that way, I am grateful for his love and for passing on to me his creativity.
What do you hope listeners take away from the “Places We Go” compilation?
Through OUT OF CTRL, I would like to showcase the multifaceted nature of techno as a genre and as an art form as well as embody OUT OF CTRL ‘s ethos of uniting diverse talent. Therefore, I hope listeners feel my intentions and stay open minded about every artist‘s take on music.
Usually, I contact artists whose sound I like and whose experience and expertise is worth sharing and supporting. I don’t ask for a specific direction. I give space to creativity and artists who are a little ‘out of ctrl’ 😉
We’re excited to premiere your track ‘Breakthrough.’ Can you share the story behind it and what makes this track stand out from your others? Were there any specific inspirations that influenced its creation?
When Alna invited me to take part in this compilation, I was working on different projects, and this one, in particular, felt like it could fit. There wasn’t any specific direction from Alna, except to go with the flow and follow my intuition. My working method was the same as usual: I designed the key sound, in this case using the TETRA by Dave Smith Instruments. Once I’m satisfied, I record it in one take.
After that, it’s all about post-production and adding dynamics and rhythm to the entire track. I don’t recall having a specific inspiration, but it’s true that the process flowed very organically and effortlessly. When that happens, I believe it’s because you’re truly connected.
We have to transfer the roots and influences of techno as a sound, but also the underground spirit of community, respect, and inclusivity within it.
Dinamite
Dinamite, it’s nice to have you back here. You are strongly connected with the Berlin scene, especially with your residency at Tresor. What can you tell us about your contribution to this compilation? How did you connect with Alna and the label?
Yes, it’s great to be back here at KEYI!
When I decide to collaborate on a compilation, the label’s sound direction is very important to me, of course. However, it is also about the motivation, the passion, and the work behind it. If there’s a woman leading it, fighting for it, then it’s the perfect combination. So, I hope I’ve contributed with my vision of techno to this wonderful VA.
Alna and I DJed together a few years ago at a gig in Vigo, Spain, and we had some time to chat and get to know each other. But it’s only now that we’ve reconnected, thanks to Alna reaching out to me.
How do you view your role within the techno movement in Berlin, and what direction do you see the city’s scene taking in the future?
Apart from continuing to share my vision of techno through both DJing and producing, I truly feel and believe that those of us who have been in the scene for a long time, must show the new generations. We have to transfer the roots and influences of techno as a sound, but also the underground spirit of community, respect, and inclusivity within it.
We must also emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces, free from external pressures. In that space, art and creativity can continue to develop as part of the counterculture, which, after all, is what it has always been.
Although many aspects of Berlin’s techno scene are changing—especially due to gentrification—I trust that Berlin will remain the global epicenter of techno. I am sure it can adapt to new times without losing the essence it has always had. not just in the 80s and 90s, but also in the 20s and 30s of the 20th century.
What’s the future for you and the label?
I will continue to support artists whose sounds, expertise, experience and contribution to the techno community are authentic and professional.
From a personal point of view, I will continue to improve as an artist. I like to challenge myself and keep evolving. I hope you will enjoy my productions, live sets, DJ sets and label in years to come.
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