AOTA Discuss Making Their Unlearn Debut With Run / Take Me There

ALL OF THE ABOVE, or better known as AOTA, is a fast rising duo originating from Southern California who have been making a name for themselves with their stellar productions and groove-filled performances.

With Unlearn, you know you’re getting quality with every release, and this latest EP from the label debutants is no exception and with cuts like these, its easy to see how AOTA were winners of the EDC Las Vegas Live Stream Discovery Project.

With the EP landing this month, we caught up with them to discuss their approach to production, and what the future holds in store.

Your new EP, Run / Take Me There, has a gritty, atmospheric vibe. How do you translate your diverse musical backgrounds, ranging from rock to metal, into your tech house productions?

When working on Run / Take Me There, we wanted to channel the raw energy and intensity from our diverse musical backgrounds—ranging from rock and metal roots—into a tech house framework. The heavy, driving beats and textured atmospheres nod to the powerful, immersive soundscapes of those genres, which we incorporate into our underground productions. By blending gritty basslines with atmospheric synths, we aim to create tracks that retain that urgency and emotion, but with the hypnotic, rhythmic drive that defines tech house. Our love of a variety of genres pushes us to create diverse music.

You’ve made a strong debut on Unlearn with this EP. What drew you to this label, and how does its ethos align with your artistic vision?

Unlearn was a natural fit for our debut because of its focus on pushing boundaries in the tech house and techno scene. The label's ethos of challenging the status quo and encouraging artists to explore new, uncharted territories resonates deeply with our approach to music. Our vision has always been about blending different influences to create something that feels fresh and raw. Unlearn's dedication to supporting innovative and gritty sounds aligns perfectly with what we are trying to achieve artistically, making it the ideal platform for Run / Take Me There.

Both tracks on the EP create immersive soundscapes. What is your creative process like when crafting these deep, atmospheric productions?

When creating, we focus on the overall picture and what we want our listeners to feel. With an emphasis on mood and texture, we usually start by experimenting with sound design, layering elements until we find a combination that evokes the right atmosphere. For both tracks on Run / Take Me There, we spent a lot of time shaping the basslines and selecting synths with a gritty feel. Once the core elements are in place, we build the rhythm section to enhance the track’s intensity, ensuring the groove complements the atmospheric layers. This is how we envision our tracks in a live setting.

Winning the EDC Las Vegas Live Stream Discovery Project was a big moment for you. How has that experience influenced your approach to music and your career trajectory?

Winning the EDC Las Vegas Live Stream Discovery Project was a pivotal moment for us. During the pandemic, we felt directionless, but getting on the Discovery Project validated our musical path and gave us the confidence to fully embrace our sound and passion. That experience taught us the importance of connecting with an audience on a deeper level, even through a digital platform, which has influenced how we approach both production and live performances.

Southern California has a rich electronic music scene. How has the local culture and environment shaped your sound and artistic identity?

Southern California’s vibrant electronic music scene has greatly influenced our sound and artistic identity. The region’s diversity in music styles and the constant exchange of ideas within the scene have allowed us to experiment and blend different genres into our own. From underground warehouse parties to large-scale festivals, the local culture celebrates both innovation and tradition, which has inspired us to push the boundaries of tech house.

The tracks Run and Take Me There have a strong underground feel. What influences or inspirations did you draw upon while producing these tracks?

For Run and Take Me There, we drew heavily from the raw energy of the underground scene, where music feels more intimate and unfiltered. Influences from early techno and acid house played a big role, particularly in the use of driving basslines and dark, moody atmospheres. We were also inspired by the gritty, industrial sounds that often characterize underground venues—spaces where the vibe is all about losing yourself in the music.

Your performances are known for being groove-filled and engaging. How do you approach translating the energy of your studio work into a live setting?

When translating our studio work into a live setting, we focus on capturing and amplifying the energy that drives the tracks. It starts with selecting the right tracks, both our own and others, that align with the vibe we want to create. We look for moments within the tracks where the groove is strongest and build around that, allowing for smooth transitions that keep the energy flowing.

We also rework and remix tracks specifically for live performances, adding elements like extended breakdowns, buildups, and unexpected drops to create dynamic shifts that engage the crowd. In a live setting, it's about reading the room and responding to the audience’s energy, so we always leave space for improvisation, tweaking effects, and layering sounds to enhance the experience.

As you continue to grow within the electronic music scene, what message or experience do you hope listeners take away from your music?

As we evolve within the electronic music scene, we hope listeners take away a sense of connection and authenticity from our music. We want our tracks to evoke emotions and create a space where people can lose themselves, whether on the dance floor or in their personal listening experience. We want our audience to connect deeply with our sets and remember the journey we take them on by incorporating our unique twist.

Get The EP On Beatport Now