Aleno, congratulations on the release of your debut single, ‘Through’, in collaboration with giacca.! What inspired the vision behind ‘Through’, and how does it feel to make your recording debut on such a unique project?
Thank you very much. Personally, giacca. and I are hopeless romantics who adore love songs, so we wanted to add a touch of that to a track meant for dancing and togetherness. I hope it will stir emotions and bring back memories of someone special and help people remember a cherished moment. I am beyond grateful that “Through” has received so much attention and that I can release this track together with giacca. as my debut single.
As someone who’s been a key figure in Switzerland’s dance music scene, how does creating and releasing your own music compare to your long history of live DJing?
I’ve always been the guy who loves to be behind the decks, and I need that connection with the crowd to find inspiration for new music. There are a lot of changes going on in Swiss nightlife right now. Going out is changing, and classic clubbing is under pressure, while private parties, day dances, etc. are on the rise. This leaves room for a new, more vibrant sound – just like “Through”.
Club Control Records has such a prestigious history in house music. What does it mean to you to release your first track on a label with such a legacy, and how does it align with your goals as an artist?
Firstly, we are very excited about the opportunity to release the track on the esteemed Swiss label Club Control Records – a roster of groundbreaking artists such as Mas Collective, Dario D’Attis, EDX and many more. We feel honored as Club Control has extremely high standards for signings. Personally, after more than 2 decades as a DJ, it’s high time for my own music…:-) Seriously: I’m at a point where I know exactly where I want to go musically and I feel that now is the right time to take off again as Aleno. With my own label LAGOOON, a big network and a lot of support from label, management, DJ bubble and many more, I get a lot of support and can be sure that my music will be heard.
After decades of building a successful career as a DJ, what inspired you to transition into music production now? Was there a specific moment or realization that motivated you to take this step?
This has to do with several happy coincidences. On the one hand, as a mature artist, I can do what I love without any pressure and remain authentic. On the other hand, thanks to my network and the many great people on my team, I have a lot of opportunities that I really want to take advantage of. And that’s why now is the time to get my music out there.
Do you think spending so many years DJing has given you a unique perspective or advantage as a producer? If so, in what ways?
Clearly: YES. I have seen a lot of hypes come and go. In my time as a DJ I have had many musical influences – Garage, Progressive, French House, Chicago House, Afro… All this has sharpened my understanding of music.
Who are some of the producers or artists that have influenced your sound as you begin this journey into music production? Are there any specific tracks or albums that you find especially inspiring?
I followed the beginnings of house music very closely, even though I’m a bit younger. Chicago Baby… Marshall Jefferson, Frankie Knuckles, etc. Then in the 90s, I was really taken by French House, Daft Punk, Justice, Alan Braxe, DJ Falcon – you name it. Sébastien Léger is an artist who has always accompanied me and still does. My all-time classic is Donna Summer – I feel love.
How has the house music scene in Switzerland changed since you first started, and what role do you think you’ve played in shaping that evolution?
The scenes have become more diverse. There is no longer just one house scene, but many subcultures within the house movement. We certainly helped shape the club and house culture in Bern by playing week after week for years and having a huge community behind us.
You’ve been part of a tight-knit music community in Bern. How important is community to you in the music industry, and how has it impacted your journey as a DJ and now as a producer?
Community is key – it always has been and it always will be. Unfortunately, today it is much more marketing-driven through social media. But if the quality of the music isn’t right, people can still decipher it. The “product” has to be right, otherwise you can’t build a community.
As you launch this new chapter as a recording artist, what are you most excited to explore in your future projects? Are there any specific sounds or styles you’re eager to dive into next?
There are many specific projects in the pipeline. I have already finished a follow-up to ‘Through’. The track is called ‘Vida Loca’ and is a melodic/afro house banger with a catchy vocal sample. There are many national bookings coming up, and dates in Brazil and Greece are already confirmed for 2025. With Lagooon I am starting my own event label with a big team and a lot of effort – in 2025 we will offer festival hostings and a Lovemobile at the Street Parade in addition to our own signature events.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs who want to create a lasting career in the music industry, especially in a scene as dynamic as house music?
Burn for it – but always have a Plan B and don’t get addicted. You have to be able to act without pressure. You can only do that if you can be relaxed, regardless of whether your track is charting or not.
