Asal: "I launched DRAGON VOID to reflect my sound and vision"
ASAL is an Italian DJ and producer shaping a distinctive sonic identity at the intersection of darker atmospheres, expansive melodies and dancefloor-driven energy.
With releases on internationally recognised labels such as Afterlife, Watergate Records, ERRORR and Captive Soul, his catalogue reflects a continuous exploration of sound and emotion. Collaborations with MRAK, including "Nobody" on Afterlife and the acclaimed rework of "Yamore", have further established his presence within the global electronic music scene.
Alongside his artistic evolution, ASAL has launched Dragon Void, an independent record label and creative platform extending his vision beyond music into visual culture, fashion and contemporary art. A project built around creative freedom, a strong sense of identity and a constantly evolving perspective on electronic music.
When did you first understand what the true sonic identity of ASAL should be?
My musical identity is constantly evolving, so I try to avoid rigid genre labels. Rather than sticking to a single style, I focus on building a recognizable sonic signature through my selection, energy, and atmosphere. My sound has naturally matured over time, shaped by years of experience and a constant search for fresh, authentic inspiration.
Your sets combine melodic tension, depth and dancefloor energy. How would you describe your current musical language?
Instinct always comes first for me. When I'm DJing, I rarely rely on pre-planned tracklists because reading the crowd and responding to the energy in the room in real time is essential. In the studio, it’s a similar process—I might start with a specific idea, but I always leave room for spontaneous decisions to guide where the track ultimately goes.
You have performed in different settings, from Milan’s club scene to international events. How do the location and the audience influence the way you build a set?
Milan means everything to me—it basically gave me my start. I moved here when I was very young, so it deeply shaped my foundation as an artist. Over thirty years ago, I experienced my first clubs right here, and Milan has always been a city way ahead of its time across all creative industries. Being immersed in such a forward-thinking and dynamic environment naturally feeds into my aesthetic and creative vision.
Milan exists at the intersection of music, fashion, design and visual culture. How much does the city influence ASAL’s aesthetic and creative universe?
The core message is always about connection, energy, and freedom. I want my music to create a space where people can completely let go, disconnect from their routine, and feel part of something shared on the dancefloor.
Beyond the immediate desire to make people dance, what do you hope to communicate through your DJ sets?
More than anything, my goal in every set is to leave people with a genuine emotion. I want to create a moment that truly resonates with someone. Even if I only manage to reach a single person in the crowd, that's a win for me—because it means they'll carry that memory, that track, and that feeling with them forever.
How did your collaboration with SEISHO on "Burning" begin, and what did each of you bring to the track creatively?
I talk a lot with up-and-coming DJs and producers because I love discovering new talent—people with real drive, passion, and a great sound. That's exactly how the collaboration on "Burning" came about. When I first heard the vocal, I absolutely fell in love with it. From there, it was a natural match: SEISHO brought the core idea and fresh energy, while I brought my own sonic identity to flesh out the track and bring it to life.
The title "Burning" evokes intensity, urgency and transformation. What does it mean to you, and which stage of your artistic journey does it represent?
For me, "Burning" truly marks the beginning of my solo project. It represents a fundamental starting point in this new chapter of my journey. I believe in this track so much, and I’m confident it’s going to bring us great satisfaction.
Why did you feel that this was the right moment to establish DRAGON VOID, and what space do you want the label to occupy within electronic music?
I had this track, "Burning," which I felt was a total banger, but things didn't go as planned with its original release schedule. That was a turning point for me. I realized it was time to take full control of my creative vision rather than relying on others. What better way to launch DRAGON VOID than with such a strong record? I wanted to create a platform that directly reflects my sound, my vision, and the music I truly believe in, without compromise.
What kind of artists, sounds or creative attitudes would you like to bring together through DRAGON VOID? Could it also develop into a platform for events and collaborations?
I don't like putting music into boxes, so I want DRAGON VOID to be a platform that bridges different genres rather than restricting them. I love the idea of bringing together elements like a tech house groove, melodic synth textures, and house vocals—even within a single track. I'm looking for artists with a free, open-minded creative attitude. Absolutely, the vision is definitely to expand DRAGON VOID into a full platform for events, showcases, and unique collaborations.
Looking ahead, what would represent the most significant achievement for ASAL: developing an instantly recognisable sound, bringing the project to new international stages, or building a community around DRAGON VOID?
For me, all these elements are connected, but the ultimate goal behind creating the label is to bring this sound everywhere and give people genuine emotions. The most significant achievement for ASAL isn't just playing bigger stages or hitting milestones—it's knowing that people leave a show or finish listening to a DRAGON VOID release carrying a real feeling with them, a memory that stays with them long after.
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