I first became acquainted with DJ/producer Alison Swing on the shores of Tisno, Croatia (2022). The Los Angeles-born, now Berlin resident, pulled up for an afternoon set on the iconic Beach Stage at Love International and took those present on an effervescent ride. I still recall the joy of prancing around to her selections on that barmy July day.
A set of Alison’s is a miscellaneous experience. She has no qualms mixing obscure Italo House into bass-heavy UKG. Her priority is emotional pacing, taking dancers on journeys that never feel rushed and make the heart swell. Alison was introduced to music at 10 when her father introduced her to the piano. Next came trombone and bass guitar, which landed her a spot in the school’s Jazz band, quite an achievement back then.
Cutely, Alison tells me, “I used to go to my local music store and pull phone numbers from flyers of those looking for bass guitarists for their bands.” After throwing her hat in the ring for a spot in several and not getting the gig, she felt lost.
After Alison discovered house music, things improved dramatically, and she was hooked. In the following months, she attended events spinning the genre nonstop. That said, she still couldn’t find people in LA booking what she calls “soulful house”, the music genuinely moving her.
The only way to fill the void was to create something of her own. So, along with close friend and fellow DJ Masha Mar, they brought Dig Deeper to life. Dig Deeper became a popular series of warehouse parties in the City of Angels, booking the likes of Axel Boman, DJ Sprinkles, Danielle Baldeli, Paramida and more. “Masha and I used to play the opening sets for these parties, hone our skills, and soon got booked to play shows in our own right.”
As Alison grew in confidence performing sets around town, Coachella’s booking crew tapped her on the shoulder. And almost immediately after that, she tipped her life on its head and moved to Berlin. “I got chosen to be a resident at the Renate club and from here started touring the world full-time as a DJ.” Reminiscing, Alison tells me the back-to-back sets she’s played alongside her heroes, such as Axel Boman, Telephones, and Nick Hoppner, are the fondest memories of that time.
When talking about her recent past, Alison shares that a harrowing breakup crystallised what’s important to her and brought her back into her creative spirit. Focusing on music, friends and rewarding gigs has done wonders! “A few weekends ago, I attended the queer party Buttons with lots of friends. I have also been on a little sober break, working out a lot and embracing the beginning of summer in Berlin. The greenery is back in the city, and it’s lovely!”
With a refreshed and positive frame of mind comes records to accompany it. From here on out, it’s TROVE 023.
1. The DHJ Project | “Your Spirit”
Just picked this one up in Tokyo recently! It was my favourite record that I found. I love how funky it is, and I’m looking forward to it being a mainstay in my bag.
