Metronome #102: AudioHell

Insomniac’s Metronome series features mixes from some of today’s fastest-rising electronic stars, as well as championed legends. It takes listeners deep across a wide range of genres, movements, cultures, producers, artists and sounds that make up the diverse world of electronic music.

AudioHell (aka Jimithesun) has been going strong ever since he began cutting his teeth in the Eastern European club scene of the late ‘90s. The noteworthy Italian has an inexhaustible output that has landed him everything from a successful record label, Digital Traffik, to a high-tech recording studio, AudioHell Department Studios, to a series of successful parties throughout Ibiza, such as Ibiza Underground Movement.

Beyond his own steady output of releases for labels such as Snatch!, 8bit and Amam, Jimi always has his ear to the underground for other talented artists. As such, he’s put out music by the likes of Tania Vulcano, Supernova, Basti Grub and Bimas, to name a few. And though he’s put in serious work everywhere from Florida to London to Brazil, Jimi continues to focus his energy on his personally invested projects, such as the aforementioned recording space and imprint, the latter of which just celebrated 10 years with a standout vinyl compilation.

Today, AudioHell slides into a deep and dusty mix of underground house, tech house and techno. It’s truly a journey, which is only fitting for someone who thinks of music in global terms. So, stop whatever you’re doing, find a secluded place with a sturdy sound system, and let this trip take you away.

You functioned under the name “Jimithesun” for a long time. What is your distinct vision for the AudioHell moniker?
Jimithesun is a project [that was] born in 1998 and continued until 2010 (the year of my last season at Space Ibiza). I changed my artist name after all these years, and it has been a great challenge for me. [As Jimithesun], I’ve played all over the world, I mixed two official Space Ibiza CDs, and I have worked for years with Tresor in Berlin.

AudioHell is a new project dedicated to the discography; [it] began as a future live project (although for the moment, I’m starting my new tours as a DJ). This restart with a new name was a rebirth and a great source of inspiration. This choice is like going back to zero level. I feel rejuvenated and full of enthusiasm.

You’ve been working hard toward a live show for AudioHell. How’s that been going, and how does the process differ from how you make music for DJing?
Honestly, my analog live project is not ready yet; I’m still working on different elements and musical choices. I’m a huge perfectionist, and I really want to be the best. I’m sure that will be ready later this year, maybe for the summer. Of course, it will be very different from a DJ set—and very different from other live sets already on tour by other artists. I [seek] the possibility to improvise and choose different musical ways during the concert—nothing preset.

Who currently is exciting you in the underground, especially in terms of possible Digital Traffik releases?
This is my label, and it is going very well. The last vinyl—with Marco Effe, Neverdogs, Alexandar Ivkovic and CLiVe—has a lot of amazing feedback by the audience. This year, we’ll work to include other different names, always-great producers, and excellent material for the dancefloor.

Somewhat recently, you did a stint of shows through Asia, and now you’re heading to China for another round. How were you received there, and what do you look forward to upon returning?
Asia is fast developing. My company is already investing in this market. Definitely, I want to start a record label of Asian artists, and also, we are developing a lot of the tour market with my WeTraffik events company. In China, for example, we already work with two very professional promoters, Max Shen and Deep. They follow all our tours on that land—same thing for Indonesia with Remy Irwan. Let’s say that we are creating a very important organization for the future. Asia is a very receptive continent, musically speaking, and we are sure it will be a great asset for the future.

My tour in China will start in March. These are the four scheduled events: Sector Underground (Shenzhen), Here We Go (Chengdu), Hangover (Guangzhou), Vervo (Kunming).

With that in mind, you’ve spent a lot of time not only playing through many parts of the world, but also doing so in a large capacity. What insights has this given you into the bigger picture of a global music community?
I have always worked in the business of electronic music. In 20 years, things have changed a lot. To be able to bring good results in the music world, you should always evolve and look to new markets. You must also be able to find new solutions and new communications systems. The world is constantly changing—this is a good challenge for my company and me.

You’ve alluded to the fact that 2017 is going to be an epic year for you, though so far, you’ve given only a loose picture of what that might look like. Are there any concrete details you’re able to speak on at the present?
This is just a matter of energy. I feel this year began with a special feeling by members of my company. All the guys want to do well. In May, WeTraffik will start in Sicily with its first official monthly showcase, curated by our friends Tribalism Boys. In Milan, our partner Knarly Knob is preparing a series of truly revolutionary events. Our world tour is going well… when a team works with synergy and enthusiasm, [it] means that results are coming. I’m also very excited to return to the stage with my new project AudioHell. So, get ready for an amazing 2017!

Your mix for the Metronome series is narrative and cinematic. How did you go about planning this mix, and what drew you to the specific artists/tracks you included?
I love to experiment and mix deep, chill and electronic. I chose tracks and artists based on the heat the sound transmitted to me. I think this 60-minute [mix] is perfect for a nice trip by car, to enjoy a good glass of wine in front of the moon, or returning from a sick after-hours! Enjoy the vibe, my friends!

Follow AudioHell on Facebook | SoundCloud