This week with Aza Sirelis
Aza is a pretty cool operator, not just behind the decks, but also in life itself. He’s producing organic sounds and playing them in the best organic venues in town. I’m sure you’ve seen him around. So, let’s find out more.
The basics.
Where are you from, how old and how long have been in Bali?
I was born in Armenia and grew up in cold Siberia, Russia. I am 32 years old and I’ve been in Bali 2.5 years
Single or hooked up?
Single
How did you first get into electronic music? Like, was there a certain moment it all made sense?
Five years ago I went to an underground club in Moscow for the first time. Instantly, I fell in love with the underground party vibe, the role of the DJ in the party; how much positive influence he had on the people, the drop, the beauty of the free minded community, and for sure, the electronic music itself! It blew my mind so much that I quit my job as a financial advisor, where I was pretty successful, and started my new electronic music life. All in a week!
Who are your greatest influences in DJing or electronic music?
Bedouin, Be Svendsen, Monolink
What do you think makes electronic music so good?
The bass groove. Unlimited amount of sounds and soundings. Repetitive formula that makes you go into trance state and to be in the present moment.
Do you produce music?
Yes, in fact, I started producing before I learnt to DJ. It happened during Covid when I had a lot of free time and decided to try something, because all my life I was playing different instruments (piano, electric guitar, and saxophone), but I had never tried to compose any music.
How long have you been a DJ and how would you describe your music you make or play?
I’ve been DJing since 4,5 years ago. I play 70 to 135 bpm, 9 genres, in all moods, vibes and energy levels. I can’t choose just one or two. Same about my production, I create really different music as in variety, but mostly love indie dance and organic house.
Above: Aza Sirelis talks with EsTeh about his life and music.
I see you are bringing together a live music element to your DJ set. What is that about?
Yes, because DJing is not enough for me to express myself even if I play my own productions. My actual dream is not just to be a big DJ, or even an electronic live act, but to be a performer with an extraordinary show, merging together my live music, with my vocals, choreography, a special light show and even dancers, or actors in the background. I want to be able to make a 5 minute breakdown and read a poem. I have many talents and experiences, and my big dream is to integrate them all together for one and only live show, where the music will be a powerful tool, but not the only instrument. I want to tell stories, to open minds and hearts, I want to create an electronic live musical. And now I am just doing the first steps, with sometimes implementing live instruments into my DJ sets.
Ok, your Bali life! What brought you to Bali?
I saw a lot of opportunities for professional growth and comfortable living, so I gave myself a try and now I am happy to be here for more than 2 years!
What’s your favourite area in Bali to hang out (day-time)?
Nuanu City
What’s your favourite place in Bali at night (where you don’t work)?
Klymax Club
What do you do in your spare time? Any other interests?
I’ve had a lot of hobbies in my life, but now I am so much and widely involved in the music business, I don’t have time for hobbies. But sometimes I do go to a computer club with my friends. Gaming.
Where are you a resident, or regular DJ?
I’ve been an exclusive resident of K Club group for five months. Now I am on the roster of Savaya/Desa Kitsune, but not sure if I can call myself a resident.
