Australian DJ & producer Blake Strange gives us an insight into his background and what inspired him to pursue a career in music. His passion for techno was ignited after travelling, and upon his return home he made the bold decision to switch careers and focus on learning the art of DJing and music production.
He’s now preparing for the release of his forthcoming ‘Alter Ego’ LP, which delivers a soundtrack that’s geared towards the club and features intense breakdowns and explosive climaxes. It also includes collaborations with names like BOHO, Jakob, and Rad Lez, alongside excellent remix work from both Mala Ika and Mr. Bizz.
Blake talks more about the journey of how he found techno, his decision to pursue it as a craft, what we might expect to hear from his upcoming debut album, and more. Read the full discussion below.
Hi Blake, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into music production and DJing?
Hey there! My journey began with a transformative experience while living in the magical land of Guatemala. I stumbled upon the techno scene of the vibrant city of Antigua, and immediately felt a deep connection to the music and the community surrounding it. It was at this moment that I realized my true calling was not in the film industry, where I had previously been focusing.
Upon returning home, I made the bold decision to switch gears and dive headfirst into learning the art of DJing and music production. It was a tough road at first, but with dedication and discipline, I slowly began to improve my skills.
Another significant influence on my artistic path has been the “doof” (Australian term for rave) culture in Australia. These festivals are set in the heart of the wilderness, with massive sound systems pumping out electronic beats while the natural world surrounds us. The energy and love that fills the air when thousands of people come together to dance and celebrate is truly indescribable. This juxtaposition of technology and nature has sparked a fire within me, and continues to inspire and inform my music to this day.
Your new album, ‘Alter Ego’, is set to be released on May 15th. What inspired the creative direction of the project, and how does it differ from your previous releases?
The inspiration for this album came from my love of the cutting-edge sounds emanating from Europe, and the amazing tracks being released on the label. ‘Alter Ego’ is geared towards the club, featuring intense breakdowns and explosive drops that will make your heart race and your body move.
As an artist, I create music to play in my sets, and this album is all about making the dance floor go wild. When I see the crowd lose themselves in the music that I’ve produced, it sends shivers down my spine. There’s nothing quite like that incredible feeling.
‘Alter Ego’ is similar in style to my previous EPs, ‘Phantom’ and ‘Twisted’, but with a fresh, evolved twist. My sound is always in flux, as my musical tastes are constantly evolving, so expect a new direction and fresh experiences with every new release.
The album includes collaborations with BOHO, Jakob, and Rad Lez. Can you tell us a bit about how these collaborations came about and what it was like working with these artists?
My journey with BOHO began when I discovered his Senso Sounds EP, and was immediately drawn to his sound. When he started showing an interest in my music and wanted to release my tracks, I felt incredibly honoured. A few months later, we were working together, and he has really helped my career come along way. I’m grateful to him and the label for all the support they’ve given me. It’s amazing how things fall into place when you follow your passion!
Early last year, Jakob and I made two amazing tracks together called ‘Taboo’ and ‘Nightcrawler’. Working with him was an incredible experience, and I’m so happy that another of those tracks will finally see the light of day via my album. Collaborating with Rad Lez was a fantastic opportunity, as we’re both signed to Jannowitz and its sub label Jaw Dropping Records. We exchanged some ideas and selected the best one to work on together. I learned a lot from his production style and was thrilled to work with him.
And it also features remixes from Mala Ika and Mr. Bizz. How did you go about choosing which artists would remix your tracks, and what was your reaction to their edits?
I’m super stoked about the remixes that feature on my album. Honestly, one of the coolest parts of the whole process was handing over the tracks to some incredible artists and seeing how they put their own unique spin on them.
The mastermind behind the remix selection was none other than the label head BOHO. He carefully chose artists who he felt could add a whole new dimension to my tracks and take them to new heights, and they definitely delivered!
One of the remixes on the album is by Mala Ika, who has been making some serious waves in Europe with her driving indie dance beats. She put her own unique flavour on ‘Alter Ego’ and it was a true pleasure to hear her interpretation of my music.
The other remix on the album is by Mr. Bizz, who I’ve been a fan of ever since I first heard their releases on Senso Sounds. So, you can imagine my excitement when I found out they were going to remix one of my tracks, and their remix definitely did not disappoint.
And what else can people expect to hear from you in 2023?
2023 has already been a big one for me! I’m currently creating some new sounds that I can’t wait to share with the world. They are still in development, but I’m feeling like it’s going to be something fresh and authentic with a new direction for where I’m heading musically.
But that’s not all – I’m also making a big move over to Europe in June. I’ve been dreaming of this for a while now, and I’m ready to take on a new adventure. You can definitely expect to see some new EPs dropping throughout the year, and I’m also planning on touring around Europe and beyond.
All in all, I’m really excited for what’s to come, and can’t wait to share it all with you. So, stay tuned, as this album is just the beginning.
Blake Strange – Alter Ego LP is out May 15th on Jannowitz Records.