Making "happy mistakes" - in conversation with Alya Sambe
Illés HalászAlya is a DJ & Producer from France, he's been producing electronic music for 8 years , and is also a ghost producer, mixing & mastering engineer.
Tell us about your musical roots and upbringing, what brought you to the audio field?
I've been organising events since I was 16, from local bars, to clubs and private parties, but 8 years ago I decided to move into a different dimension of work, because I was more interested in music than organisation.
That’s actually quite the switch! What got you into organising and then what made you leave?
Well, I started because I've always loved parties, music and sharing, but I "left" this job because music is really the thing that makes me vibrate the most.
I never actually left the organisation, in fact I'm still doing it today, including showcases this year for my future label Yotto, but the big difference is that now everything revolves around my musical project, which wasn't the case before.
What kind of music genre you're mostly drawn to, what styles do you prefer working on in the studio?
Mainly Tech House, House, Deep Tech, for me, but as a ghost producer too, I’ve produced a lot genres like techno, afro house, amapiano, trap
Which of these was the most challenging for you? How is the ghost producer life in 2025, are there many gigs to be found?
Tech House & House music is the real challenge because I made this type of music for myself, and yes I got few gigs many in the south of France, sometimes in Spain, Amsterdam, but there is still work to do!
And what are the projects you're most proud of?
My biggest release HIGH TIME in 2023 with my friend Simon Erar, on Reecords Music Label and we’re gonna launch our label together this year
Congratulations in advance! Is this label going to focus on the above mentioned music genres, or is there going to be some venturing to other styles as well?
Thanks! This label is totally focus on my type music but to me having my proper label is a goal life. I want to release my unique sound, and embrace with me a team of artists with unique sound too, and play together around the world.
What is the Buso desk of your choice?
I bought the Master XL, because of course I loved it, the design is very cool, the quality is dope and I was looking for place and racks. Its fits perfectly with my workflow.
What about your main musical influences?
Mainly Disco, Funk, Hip Hop, and 70/90 Pop Rock
And who are your main influences from the audio world?
I love artists like Michael Bibi, Pawsa, and engineer like Luca Pretolesi or Igor from Strob Studio, these last 2 really made me see music and audio processing in a totally different way.
Regarding gear, what are your main weapons?
Softube Console 1 with UAD plugins, ASH Clipper, Fabfilters
So you’re workflow is more or less in-the-box?
Totally more in the box for arrangement, mixing & mastering but I got few analog gear to create music.
How do you approach your workflow?
My desk has very little resonance, which is rare and gives me very good basic sound. Coupled with speakers and a quality acoustic treatment, I feel really at ease when I'm working and I have a very professional ear now. This allows me to go far in sound and discover new things to test every day.
Where do you stand on the analogue vs. digital debate? How do you see the future of analogue equipment?
I love the analog touch for synth, for me, you do better "happy mistakes," and bringing more life to a sound, just by touching knobs.
I love the concept of "happy mistakes!" Wrapping up our talk, I'd like to ask you to contribute your pick to the Buso Audio playlist!
Back & Forth, it was the first track I’ve made with my new desk