SoCal duo AOTA debut on Unlearn with the gritty, atmospheric two-track tech house bumper Run / Take Me There.
ALL OF THE ABOVE, or better known as AOTA, is a quickly rising duo originating from Southern California. The electronic producers and DJs are quickly making a name for themselves with their stellar productions and groove-filled performances. With a musical background ranging from rock to metal, AOTA are now firmly rooted in electronic music, aiming to engulf their listeners into the world they create with their deeply atmospheric productions.
With Unlearn, you know you’re getting quality with every release, and this latest EP from the label debutants is no exception. Run sets the tone with looped vocals over rolling basslines, creating a steady groove with an underground feel. Take Me There continues the journey, offering deep, immersive soundscapes driven by pulsating bass and subtle loops.
With Run / Take Me There, you’re stepping into the spotlight with a fresh, underground sound. How do you feel this EP represents the direction you’re taking as artists?
Run / Take Me There marks a significant step forward for us as AOTA. This EP encapsulates the gritty, atmospheric vibe we’ve been cultivating, which is deeply rooted in our love for underground tech house. It’s a raw and authentic representation of where we are right now. This EP sets the tone for our future releases, where we’ll continue to push boundaries while staying true to the raw energy that defines us.
Tech house is a competitive genre with many talented producers. What do you think sets AOTA apart from others in the scene?
What sets us apart is our ability to infuse the intensity and grittiness into our tech house productions. We’re not just about creating tracks that get people moving; we aim to evoke a visceral, emotional response. Our music often carries a darker, more atmospheric edge, which gives it a distinct character that resonates with listeners who crave something more. It’s this fusion of gritty emotion with danceable grooves that makes our sets stand out in the scene.
You’ve mentioned influences from rock and metal in your background. Are there any specific artists or bands from those genres that still inspire your electronic productions today?
There are a few bands that help inspire our productions. Metallica’s raw power and the way they build intensity have always inspired the energy we aim to bring to our productions. She Wants Revenge adds that moody, dark atmosphere that gives our music a brooding, emotional edge. On the electronic side, Rufus Du Sol’s ability to create immersive, euphoric soundscapes helps us layer melodies with depth, while MGMT’s blend of psychedelic and indie-electronic elements pushes us to experiment with more eclectic, vibrant textures. These influences, combined, help shape a sound that’s both powerful and atmospheric, keeping our music emotionally charged and unique.
When it comes to production, do you prioritize creating for live performances or for the listening experience at home? How do you balance the two?
For us, the live performance experience is paramount. There’s nothing like the energy exchange between us and the crowd when we’re on stage. We also understand the importance of crafting tracks that resonate during solo listening sessions. The key is finding that sweet spot where a track can both ignite a dancefloor and take someone on a journey when they’re listening at home. We achieve this by focusing on atmosphere and storytelling within our music, ensuring that each track has depth and movement.
Can you tell us about a moment in your career that challenged you but helped you grow as producers or performers?
Winning the EDC Las Vegas Live Stream Discovery Project was a pivotal moment for us. The pressure was immense, knowing we were performing alongside some of the best in the industry during a time where in person live performances are not available. It challenged us to elevate our game, both in terms of production and performance. The experience forced us to refine our sound and stage presence, pushing us to become more cohesive as a duo. It was a trial by fire, but it ultimately solidified our identity as AOTA and gave us the confidence to take bigger challenges with our music.
With the electronic music scene evolving constantly, how do you stay ahead of trends without compromising your sound?
We stay ahead by staying true to ourselves. Trends come and go, but authenticity is timeless. We’re constantly exploring new sounds and techniques, but we always filter them through the lens of what feels right for us. Instead of chasing trends, we focus on evolving our sound organically—drawing from our diverse influences and experiences. This way, we remain current without losing the essence of what makes AOTA unique.
Outside of music, are there any other forms of art or culture that influence your creative process, such as film, visual arts, or literature?
Visual arts also play a role; we often think about how a track might look if it were a painting or a piece of street art. These influences help us craft a more complete and compelling narrative in our music.
Many artists are experimenting with AI tools or other tech in their productions. Is that something you’re exploring, or do you prefer to keep your process more traditional?
For us, the human element—our emotions, instincts, and imperfections—is crucial to our sound. We’re open to experimenting with AI as a tool, but it’s important that it enhances rather than overtakes the creative process. Right now, we’re more focused on using technology to amplify our vision rather than letting it dictate the direction of our music.
How do you approach collaboration with other artists, whether within the electronic music space or beyond?
Collaboration is about finding a balance between different creative energies. When we work with other artists, we’re looking for a genuine connection—something that can bring out a new side of AOTA while respecting the other artist’s voice. We approach it with an open mind, ready to explore new ideas and directions. The key is mutual respect and a shared goal of creating something unique that neither party could achieve alone.
As a duo, how do you manage creative differences when working on new music? Do you have a specific way of resolving conflicting ideas?
As with any creative partnership, differences are bound to happen, but we see them as opportunities for growth. Communication is crucial—we always take the time to listen to each other’s perspectives. If there’s a conflict, we’ll experiment with both ideas and see which one feels more authentic to the track. Sometimes, the solution is a blend of both concepts. The important thing is to keep the music at the forefront, letting the best idea win, no matter whose it is.