Inside Five: ALISHA on her latest Kaluki single and her journey so far

ALISHA has already secured releases under her belt on Green Velvet’s Relief Records, Danny Howard’s Nothing Else Matters, WYLD, HIPPIES, Criminal Hype, and Under No Illusion. Her records have received acclaimed support from heavyweight DJs including Jamie Jones, East End Dubs & Hot Since 82. 

Her next release, ‘What’s Your Name?’ on Kaluki Musik, delivers the signature sound ALISHA has become renowned for, with intricate percussive rhythms, an infectious bassline, and crisp drum all capped off with a dark trippy vocal hook. 

Naturally, we wanted to catch up and find out more about her latest release and what she has coming up for the rest of 2021 and beyond.

Hello ALISHA, congratulation on the release! Firstly can you tell our readers a little about yourself – what got you into dance music?

Sure! Music’s always been a part of me; I just wasn’t sure what route to take at the time. I just love all music that makes me move. It was when I first started going to clubs that I developed my love for dance music properly; I wanted to create that feeling someone was giving me on the dance floor. 

Who has had the biggest influence on your music career?

No one in specific, if I’m honest. It’s been a collective of people and artists that I’ve seen and followed from an early age. Seeing the biggest DJs in the world that I once saw as resident DJs is the biggest inspiration for me, which means it can be done if you put the work in! 

How did this release come about? What inspired you to make this track?

I like to do an annual release on Kaluki; this is my third time on the label now, which I’m very grateful for! Kaluki is that party that I always used to go to as a raver, so to be a part of the family now is unreal! I sent some music over to label boss Pirate Copy & he happened to love What’s Your Name? The most! 

The inspiration of this track was to definitely give it that more energetic bouncy sound. I’m always influenced by the different sounds that Jamie Jones play, and I was listening to a mix of his once and wrote that tune the day after! 

What in particular are you looking forward to when we return to clubs (apart from the music, of course)?

Just honestly getting back to doing what I love the most. Playing music on a sound system, socialising & meeting new people. That’s the best thing about this, is that you meet new people every week that you probably wouldn’t normally meet if it wasn’t for music!

What have you got planned for the rest of the year? Anything you can reveal to us now 😉

Rest of the year – fingers crossed! Is very, very busy. A lot of catching up to do, that’s for sure. Lots of big lineups that I’m honoured to be a part of and, of course, some more music being released after the summer! See you at the front.

ALISHA’s ‘What’s Your Name’ is out now via Kaluki Musik.