Theory Therapy 35: Amelia Holt

A hypnotic live set recorded at Brooklyn’s Public Records.

Amelia Holt is a mainstay in Brooklyn’s electronic scene, known for her experimental and shapeshifting sets and community projects including In Your Dirty Ears and Cute af series on Movement Radio

The former is a weekly music newsletter that started out as an audio-visual program blending cross-genre music with a collage of visuals designed as experimental sensory therapy. The latter, which she curates with Noff Weezy, focuses on various micro-communities worldwide making an impact in the electronic music scene. It’s one of my favourite series at the moment (the latest one with Ura is especially good).

As we’d hoped, Amelia’s recording doesn't adhere to any preconceptions about what a Theory Therapy mix should sound like. It’s a live recording taken from a recent Public Records event that spans trip hop, deep house, IDM, and bunch of other unbelievably good, mind-bending, bass heavy club music. 

Play this one loudly.

 
 

How are you today?

Staying warm lately, NYC weather is pretty bipolar 🔮

What was the last song you listened to?

Hmmmm there are a few on this list, but to keep it short. 

Nicolette - The Dove Song

Where is your favourite place or time to listen to music?

I like to listen in my bedroom especially when it's gray/ rainy outside, while answering emails and late at night baby 😎. I also spend time listening by sharing music with friends and they do the same by sending some tunes back. That was the birth of the monthly letter I curate with my two close friends Yumi + Casella. 

You've said in the past the more unpredictable your mixes are, the better – but is there an artist you listen to a lot we might not expect based on your sets? 

I always try to sneak in trip hop into my sets, for this mix I think I added Tricky. Sometimes I sneak in a massive attack remix here and there. (¬‿¬)

Tricky - Ponderosa

Who's your favourite artist at the moment?

Hassan Abou Alam ;) obsessed over his new Banoffee Pies release

+

Sepehr, this album pure fire vibez 

 Who's your favourite DJ at the moment?

Uffff, well I like a few but special guest dj , deep creep, noff + yumi + livwutang + da gig squad ;)  “managerz”

URA, just saw them slay at False Peak. I am blown away. 

Describe in one word what it's like to live in Brooklyn.

“Productive”

One week is a year in BK. I would say it's a fast paced productive lifestyle - collaborating with so many friends all the time it's a lovely time to be alive. 

Where's your favourite place to eat in Brooklyn?

Idk about BK, but you can find me in Chinatown - I love KIKI’s I am there 24/7 ;) 

Jk, for BK La Cantine and Las Chinalangas, they have the best chilaquiles 🤤

Tell us a little about the music scene in Brooklyn. What do you like about it? 

The scene is striving, I think it's def getting interesting after the big pandemic hit. A lot of great collaborations between friends are constantly occurring, plus every club is doing a great job with programming. 

I like the fact that it's a team effort to do some of the diy events that take place. For example the False Peak parties, I have been organizing them with my two favorites, Ben Bondy + Alien D. ✨I think without them the party would be difficult to execute. Shout out ❤️😎

Team is the key 🔑

Can you tell us about the mix? What were you feeling when you made it? 

This mix is a live recording from my In Your Dirty Ears residency at public records back on March 4th. I wanted to explore my half + double time folder. I was inspired by some trip hop + bass + experimental dance music. Simply polyrhythmic 👅

 

Artwork by Noff Weezy.

 

Where did you record the mix?

public records, my second home ❤️

Where would you recommend listening to it?

House warming party,  gym or spa 

Theory Therapy mixes are about sharing the music that you personally find therapeutic, cathartic or restorative. What does that mean for you?

Share what you love with others. I think this mix fits into this description, and the different sides of who I am..  UwU✨

Is there a particular album or piece of music that you find yourself returning to for similar reasons?

No Protection by Mad Professor and Massive Attack. I find it timeless and relevant, I had to buy this vinyl two times 😂 

What do you have planned for 2022 so far and what would you like to do?

So far my residency at public records will continue with many cool local + international guests. I am planning a big tour in Europe in August with Yumi for our b2b special. It is a work in progress as of now, but I think it will get there. 

I am also working closely with my friend Noff on our label UwU Dust Bath, we have a special reveal hopefully by mid April / early May. So stay tuned.