IN DARK WE TRUST: Ilya Santana

Modern electronic disco music producer owner of Astrolead recordings, Ilya Santana has been asked to do a dark disco set for Berny’s IN DARK WE TRUST mix series. We took the time to prepare some questions for a short interview. Enjoy the music!

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Connect with Ilya Santana on Soundcloud | Facebook

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Ciao Ilya, where are you from and how is the Dark Disco club scene in your country?

Hi guys how is going? I was born and still live in the Canarian Islands. Your question is easy to answer, here we dont have anything near to a Dark Disco scene, maybe some parties that turn on ‘Dark’. It’s hard for someone like me that comes from a semi-decent club scene  of the last 20 years. I like very much to play since the begining of the night and slowly build my own ‘dark’ atmosphere.

When did you start DJing/producing and what or who were your early passions and influences?

On 2004 i released my very first Ep on Balihu Records from Berlin after starting producing music only 6 months before but i’ve been djing for the past 25 year. I spent my chilhood listening my father´s records like Alan Parson Project, Giorgio Moroder, Jean-Michael Jarre..

The best & worst experience as a DJ?

On my personal experiences i have to say that nothing bad never happened to me, just maybe the lack of a good management due to non professional bookers, for that reason i avoid begineers requests for gigs.

With this pandemic situation and clubs lockdowns how are you spending your time home?

I started as a Dj years back in 2000 when i discovered my real passion, making music. Since that i never stopped, it’s like a daily routine.. if i’m not making a remix i’m making original stuff or creating new patches for my syhnts or just messing around playing and mixing. Currently I do not deviate from what I normally do.

What can we expect from your Podcast for IN DARK WE TRUST? Talk us about your selection.

For me the ‘dark’ in the music could be many different elements, a deep bass, some ‘dark’ chords, a crazy solo lead or the mood of the track itself, the point is that it can take you on your deepest feelings, dark doesnt have to be something “bad”.

Thank you