JiaLing x Soda Dream Mix
We are happy to present the first Fokus Global Mix of 2021: Jialing + Soda Dream. The couple teleports quite nicely between Tel Aviv and NYC. The couple (yes couple we so love that flex) doesn’t hold back on their slaps + love for absolute acidic-industro flavors spiced with some bottom heavy super yummy alien-techno, electro and breakbeat. Fun Fact: JiaLing is classically trained and plays the Cello (more on that here) and Nitzan Hadar aka Soda Dream is an Israeli Producer & Dj who’s a regular mainstay in Tel Aviv’s bubbling electronic scene. Both JiaLing and Soda Dream have affirmed and manifested a super cute place for themselves in Tel Aviv’s well-known venues and underground raves. Rest assure they will be serving and swerving more of this love post-panorama pandora-demic LOL. K lets get 2 it:
Where in the world is JiaLing and Soda Dream?
We are currently in between Tel Aviv and New York figuring out our next step.
How did you two meet?
It was 2017 during a film class in New York. We teamed up to write a script for a short film, which ended up in two pages of numbers and questionable Hungarian. Our professor did not understand.
What are some of the tracks that inspired you for this set?
We included two tracks in the mix from FU FU RECORDZ! in Moscow (Mix Master Kutyma and PNG Crew). Really affected by their style - wicked sampling
We’ve listened to your set numerous times and it's definitely the benchmark of what Fokus Global stands for - genre-bending, emotional dynamics, slapping, and globally heart-shaped without getting stuck in a four-cornered box. Are we safe in describing it that way??
Thank you for having us! We try not to be constrained by one genre or BPM, focusing more on the connection between the tracks that inspire us.
Where do you see the future of DJ’ing? Are you ready for this pivot?
While nightlife may resume in the future, a lot has moved online in the past year including DJing with live-streams. We’re being flexible given the unpredictable situation and working on some new material.
Favorite tracks at the moment - or of all time?
DJ Who - In D'Faze (Street Knowledge Mix)
Favorite DJ and/or producers at the moment?
Denham Audio, Anz, Stones Taro, Fisky, Gallegos, Alienage
What is a city or scene that you feel is underrated and needs more hype/awareness?
Taipei & Tel Aviv - both have supportive local communities for DJs/producers and diverse nightlife.
As a couple, describe your creative process together and how you approach sets.
We spend a lot of time together listening to music and discussing why we’re into a certain track. Analyzing why we’re inspired by a sound, an artist or a tune that has shaped our mutual taste and collection.
Labels that are a go-to must-have in your arsenal?
Powerpuff Trax, Tooflez Muzik, Scuffed Recordings, FU FU RECORDZ!, Raiders, Sneaker Social Club.
Name some of the tracks that consistently inspire you to do better and just...well, get you through it.
Venetian Snares - Szamár Madár
The Prodigy - Everybody in The Place
If you both had any superpowers it would be:
Abolishing bureaucracy
Your fullest expression of love is watching tutorials together.
What is the best piece of advice you could give to a DJ just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out to producers/DJs that you like.
Bandcamp and Discogs are our go-to sites for digging and buying music.
The future is __adjusting to the new “norm”____ and your focus is __on not panicking:)
Follow JiaLing:
Soundcloud: @pbnstrawberryjam
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jjjamminshih
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jjjamminshih
Website: www.jshihart.com
Follow Soda Dream:
Soundcloud: @nitzan-hadar
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sodadreamm
Instagram: www.instagram.com/soda_dream_/