Amine Laje: The Wednesday Alternative Mix

Best enjoyed in a cozy setting, with warm lighting—let yourself get lost in the sound.

This one goes deep.

Listen and read the interview below:

Who are you, where are you and what are you?

I’m Romain Poncet, also known as Traumer, and more recently as Amine Laje. I’m a French music producer and DJ, currently based in Lisbon. My latest project, Amine Laje, was born during the lockdown as a tribute to my friends and the deep connections that shaped that period.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

My music varies depending on the project, but for Amine Laje, I’d say it’s a blend of jazz, trip-hop wrapped in deep and melancholic textures. I approached it in a very intuitive way, almost naïve at times, which gives the tracks a certain raw charm.

Where was the mix recorded?

The mix was recorded during my journey to Romania, on Friday, March 14, somewhere between the plane and the hotel, all within my laptop. It was right before heading to Bar Ton Bucharest to present my album, Amine Laje.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Somewhere cozy, with soft warm lighting, a great old sound system, and a few close friends. Maybe a lounge with a fireplace, or a quiet moment alone with a glass of wine. It’s a mix to get lost in.

What should we be wearing?

Anything that makes you feel comfortable—pyjamas, a cozy outfit, or even your favorite loungewear. Just relax.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

My dream setting to record a mix would be a cozy room, with walls lined with vinyl, a soft rug on the floor, incense and palo santo burning in the background, and plenty of cushions to sink into. I’d be mixing while sitting, surrounded by warm, dim lighting, creating an intimate and immersive atmosphere.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

It’s hard to pick just one since the mix is entirely made up of tracks from the album or unreleased tracks from the same project. Each one represents a different moment and feeling, making them all special in their own way.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

If we’re talking about someone else’s mix, it would be Closer to the Edit by Richie Hawtin. If it’s about a mix I recorded as Traumer, then my All Night Long set at Rex Club holds a special place. And if we’re talking about something in the Amine Laje style, it would be a jazz mix I recorded at Kasheme in Zurich.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

It’s a very difficult question…Giles Petterson must be quite a nice artist to b2b with, for his very wide open music taste and knowledge.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

My first DJ setup was actually my friend Maxime’s when I first moved to Paris for my studies. That was the first time I had vinyl turntables at home.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

Both are equally important. The opening track sets the mood and direction, while the closing track leaves the final impression and emotion. They each play a crucial role in shaping the journey of the mix.

What were the first and last records you bought?

I don’t remember the first one, it was almost 15 years ago — last one was second hand “Pure Science – Speak 2 God”

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

It would taste like homemade paccheri al ragù—slow-cooked for hours, rich in flavor, and prepared with care. I love the whole process of making this dish, especially while listening to jazz, which perfectly reflects the patience and depth behind this mix.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A cat—relaxed, independent and deeply immersive in its own world, just like the flow of this mix.

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

Nothing…

Upcoming in the world of…

I made so many tracks under this moniker, around 70/80. So there will be some more albums coming up, including some features on the next. If you’re a musician out there, feel free to reach.

Buy the record HERE.