Blending contemporary hypnotic techno and the raw groove of early Chicago and Detroit sounds, Ali Nepomuceno, known as ALINEP has forged an impressive reputation as both DJ and producer since moving from his hometown Manila to the UK’s northern quarter.
From gigging in his home town, to club residencies across different regions of Asia, ALINEP is known for his ability to control the crowd with his effortless displays behind the decks. His ability to fuse raw and deep basslines with hypnotic samples creates a journey that not only resonates on the dance floor but also reverberates in the mind. Greatly influenced by acid house, jazz and a love of glitchy synthesisers during his childhood. He has formed his own distinctive take on the techno sound that embeds a range of influences.
With a production back catalogue stacked full of high-calibre releases, ALINEP has caught the attention of the global techno purveyors, who are continually playing his Techno soundscapes to the masses. An impressive list is headed up by Richie Hawtin, Fabio Florido, Nicole Moudaber, Freddy K, Darren Emerson and the list goes on. Track drops on notable record labels such as Diffuse Reality and his very own Deepsomnia have elevated ALINEP’s reputation at a rate of knots. His stunning debut album drop “Maharlika” on Diffuse Reality was featured in Mixmag which has only added to the demand for the ALINEP sound. Further releases on Natura Viva, Minitech, West Rules and his very own, Deepsomnia has shown he is producer at the top of his game.
In the booth ALINEP has shared decks with techno masters like Ken Ishii, James Zabiela, Darren Emerson, Dubfire, Xhin, DJ Bone, DJ T-1000, Josh Wink, SLAM, Beroshima, K-Hand, John Acquaviva, Marco Effe, Juliet Fox and many more.
For more on ALINEP’s music, you catch his Deepsomnia Radio Show at on Progress Radio every Monday, every second Tuesday of the month at Digitally Imported, DHRK Sonik Radio, UMT Radio and Bloop London Radio.
We caught up with Ali to talk about his progression as a DJ/producer and the influences that inspired him.
Firstly, thank you for taking the time to share a mix for our Trip Presents Series, we love it. Who have been your biggest influences in terms of your sound and style behind the decks?
My style now is greatly influenced by Chicago house, Detroit techno and old-school progressive house…I am a global underground head and luckily I was able to play alongside most of them – Nick Warren, Darren Emerson, Anil Chawla, Dale Anderson and more. for techno, I think it’s Richie Hawtin and I’m grateful that he has been playing my music since 2013 until now.
If you had to describe your DJ’ing style in just three words what would they be?
Deep, Groovy and Hypnotic
What have been some of the highlights or funniest memories from the parties you have thrown or played at so far on your journey?
My 10-12 hours set every New Year at our Defunkt club called TIME in Manila. I play until noon and go to an afterparty 😛 dot dot dot…
You are throwing your dream event or party. What is the line-up, where in the world is it and who is attending?
Well, Mica my wife is a minimal/deep house DJ and producer and for sure she will be in the line-up! that’s for sure hehe
I would love to play alongside Derrick Carter, Craig Richards, Richie Hawtin on an island with 300-500 people x
Can you tell us three producers or DJs you have your eye on for the coming year?
Mica (UK) – not because she is my wife but her tracks are getting played now but Steve Bug…I hope she will get more releases this year
Elmer Fudge is an upcoming DJ and producer from Manila whom I have been mentoring. He will go a long way.
Ecilo from Jakarta is my techno brother. A good friend from a long time ago is getting signed by big labels like Axis of Jeff Mills. I love what he does. He dedicates his music to his late mother.
Have you any sound advice for new DJs and promoters just starting out?
I just say “Love what you do and the World will surely bless your dreams to come true.”
Producing what you play and playing what you produce is my motto to share with all of them.
Finally, what is on the horizon for ALINEP in 2023?
I am playing Eastern Bloc this May 5th and tentatively in Union Club London again this coming summer. Hopeful to gig around Europe late this year even 3 to 4 countries.