EMA: The ‘Wednesday Alternative’ Mix

Dublin-based DJ EMA is one of the minds behind Woozy, a club night in the capital dedicated to celebrating low-end frequencies and pushing contemporary soundsystem culture.

Earlier this year, alongside co-founder and fellow Dubliner Sputnik One, she launched the night’s label arm with a V/A compilation that highlighted several underground artists manoeuvering in sub-heavy realms — the likes of Jurango, Kamus, Kellen303 and more.

Her regular slot on Dublin Digital Radio is yet another space to spread her love of all things bass, but every now and then you might hear a cheeky dose of trance of UKG. She sticks to her guns for this week’s Wednesday Alternative mix, though she takes the levels up a notch launching us into 150+ bpm territory… hold on to your hats!

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you

I am EMA, she/her, Dublin-based DJ and founder of clubnight and label Woozy.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)? 

I feel like I have finally found my groove with dub-heavy sounds. Always look for a lot of textures, something that really interests your ears, something that gets into your bones. Often gives rise to ‘bass-face’ kinda sound.  This illustration by my pal Sonel looks like it sounds – a variety of expressions, something for everyone.

Where was the mix recorded?

It was recorded in the beloved venue that is Yamamori Tengu in Dublin – lights off, full club soundsystem in use and the dancefloor, now turned storage room filled with tables, chairs and random stuff covered with black sheets which kinda created big dark silhouettes.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

On a cycle or in your bedroom with a Guinness.

What should we be wearing?

Well it’ll be a sweaty one, so very little.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

Okay so, let’s go with the Sinai Soundsystem + OHM Berlin + preferably with a full dance floor xo

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Laksa – Sen On One – Timedance022 

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

I rinsed Darwin’s ILIAN TAPE a lot over lockdown.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

BUFO!? is it really too much to ask for…

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

Numark Mixtrack Pro + my laptop and terrible PC speakers. Now I have a shared setup with my partner, x2 1210 Technics, Pioneer DJM 350 mixer, x2 CDJ 350s & Fluid Audio C5 speakers.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

First track, you have to try and rope people in for the hour.

What were the first and last records you bought?

First record was Willie Hutch – In Tune – 1978 – I was obsessed with the song Easy Does it  Last record was a very sick comp, LCR003 – Lechatroom – my pal Cando released a remix on it ‘Soreab – Cave Walk (Cando Remix)’

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

All spicy foods.

If it was an animal what would it be?

Deep sea glowing sucker octopus :3

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

Any of the ECM records I own.

Upcoming in the world of …

Career pivoting DJs…

Anything else we need to discuss?

Keep your eyes peeled for Woozy002 coming out early next year on wax 🙂 

Tracklist
Etch – Sphynx -Keysound Recordings
V.I.V.E.K – Slumdog -Bristol x Tokyo
Dalek One – Witchcraft -Overdue
Thing – Need You -Self release
DYL – Words -Detach Recordings
Untold – Winding Shott -Hotflush Recordings
Lurka – ssppeedd -Timedance
ASJ – Sublimity – Decisions
Pearson Sound – Cobwebs -Hessle Audio
COLLO – Bantu Nilote -Decisions
Laksa – Sen On One – Timedance
Hatcha Vs. Lost – King Of The Trees -BLACKBOX
BZMC – WURAL -Winged Sun records
??? – ???
Larry – Derdach -Super Hexagon
Coco Bryce – Night On Earth -Fresh86
Tractor Troubles (Part II)- Who’s The Technician –
Wah Wah Wino
Sleep D – Reggatron -Incienso
Pugilist – Nightshade -Dext Recordings
LCY – Milan – SOS Music
SK-1 – Shockout Fass (X-Altera Remix) –
Sneaker Social Club

Follow EMA and Woozy.