⋆˚࿔ untitled 909 podcast 263: memory palace ⋆˚࿔

“i wouldn’t say there’s a deep concept behind it, other than the feeling of an escalating pulse that becomes more and more complex as it evolves. atmospheric textures morph into dry percussions, which are then complemented by trippy bits, creating a soothing brain massage before tipping into something more explosive and slightly distorted at the end.”

welcoming barcelona-based, barranquilla-born artist memory palace to the 909 podcast this week with a session filled with mystical energy, playing with space and textures that juxtapose the organic with the synthetic.

moving to europe a few years ago, memory palace has slowly immersed herself in the barcelona club circuit. an emerging artist with a clear vision for the dark, introspective soundscapes that lend themselves to idm, bass, techno and trance, memory palace has already appeared at key festivals and platforms such as Primavera Sound 2025, TORAX at Razzmatazz, Extra Mostra and Golpe de Amistad at LAUT plus an upcoming date at the much-loved soundit festival.

hey alex! how are you doing? what have you been up to lately?

all good around here, thanks! finally getting some fully sunny days here in barcelona, so i’m happy to get proper vitamin d. i’ve been quite busy, trapped in the ai wormhole. i’ve been studying and experimenting with ai since the beginning of the year. i’m a photographer, and i think it might be time for me to adapt and see how i can start including this tool in my creative process. evolve or die, i guess!

let’s start from the very beginning. what was your first introduction to music in general, and then more specifically, electronic music?
oh, this is a fun one! back when i was a kid in colombia, we used to have coca-cola trucks driving around town, and you could buy the drinks straight out of them, but also claim promo goods in exchange for bottle metal caps with prizes printed on the back. well, i remember i got my first v.a. cd from a coca-cola promo, and it had these songs (which are obviously drilled in my brain for life).

freak on a leash - korn
fatboy slim - praise you

cypress hill - insane in the brain

creed - one (lol)

years later, when i was probably 9, i discovered dance dance revolution at my local arcade. i became obsessed with it. hundreds of high-energy electronic style tracks were available for me to listen to and play with other kids who were as obsessed as me with the game. eurodance songs were my favourite, but i remember playing happy hardcore, trance, and eurobeat songs as well. long life ddr!

who was the first artist or band that you were a fan of?
i believe the backstreet boys were the first ones i was really into, haha. i think at that time a lot of teenage groups were very famous: spice girls, s club7, abba teens… i just picked the backstreet boys cause i loved their music videos and the way they danced.

was there a formative moment growing up, whether that’s seeing your favourite band live or an incredible dj set, that led you to this path?

as a die-hard dance floor mascot, i’ve spent an insane amount of hours dancing and listening to live music and dj sets. i wouldn’t say i had an epiphany or similar; i’ve just paid closer attention to my relationship with music as i grew older, and i think that’s what ended up pushing me towards the decision of playing music myself. music is how i let myself heal, reach out, and really meet other people. it’s my favourite doorway into self-exploration and connection — a kind of soft but powerful catalyst that opens things up inside us.

what is the most meaningful part of being an artist to you?
maybe the sense of bonding you get to have with those around you who share similar tastes and aesthetic appreciations. its a sincere way of connecting with others, regardless of your context growing up.

where do you look for sources of inspiration outside of music?
moving and still image for sure. as a photographer its very hard not to intertwine the beauty of images with a sound or a song that results in something pleasing to hear. good movies and good photos both help complete narratives, and the will i have to express myself and connect with others.

how have both colombia & spain influenced or informed your sense of self and artistic output?

i’ve lived two-thirds of my life in colombia, and these last few years in europe, and music has definitely been the biggest constant in my life. i think i’ve always had this inclination towards more sombre, dark feelings that most of the time result in difficulty communicating. when i was younger, i was really into emo, post-hardcore, and metalcore. music that felt intensely reflective but erupted in explosive, cathartic ways. i’m fascinated by the beauty of revealing the parts of ourselves that aren’t conventionally “beautiful.” the raw edges.

moving to europe and being exposed to a broader spectrum of sounds has definitely shaped my evolution. it pushed me toward music that floats between introspection and emotional release, still rooted in that shadowy undertone, but now infused with more experimental textures. somehow, the combination of both worlds naturally merged into what i now recognise as my sound.

what has been your most recent musical discovery that you’re obsessed with?

the album “the mind is a heavy burden” by uk duo posthuman. a quite different release from their previous ones, but so so good! it’s slow, introspective and dark. perfect hat-trick for me! tracks incorporate 70s movie samples, 303/808/101 sounds, and psychiatric recordings from the 40s and 50s. a true gem for those who enjoy a good trip of weird electronic music. go listen!

you’ve also contributed a mix for the 909 series. what’s the concept behind this one?

i wouldn’t say there’s a deep concept behind it, other than the feeling of an escalating pulse that becomes more and more complex as it evolves. atmospheric textures morph into dry percussions, which are then complemented by trippy bits, creating a soothing brain massage before tipping into something more explosive and slightly distorted at the end.

how does your approach to dj sets differ from studio mixes and radio shows? is there a narrative in mind that you’re always trying to tell through your sets?
i believe at the point i’m in right now, i’m still finding myself doing warm-ups most of the time i get booked, so we could say i’m always in the hunt for songs that feel just right as night openers, mystic, moody and slowly transforming the mood into something a bit more complex and energetic. other than that, its clear context determines the vibe of the music you can share with the crowd. i like my mixes and shows to be consolidated similarly at the moment. maybe someday, when i start having later-in-the-night set times, i can start experimenting with a more hectic structure. exciting!

when was the last time you were on the dance floor?

last weekend i found myself at a warehouse party where local crew textura joined forces with berlin-based higher.wav. they put together a beautiful lineup soaked in bass weight, experimental textures and deep dubby immersiveness. big love to myrcene, r-010, dj sport, living code and b.bby for delivering such incredible sets <3

what are you most excited about right now?

i am super excited for the summer and all the really cool music i will be hearing. barcelona has been boiling these past 2 years, with a wider variety and a lot more curated events where you get to hear amazing music proposals. i’m playing my first festival this year, soundit, for which i am crazy excited. seeing my name on the lineup around so many people i admire is insane! check their lineup, lots of underground gems around :)

what’s on your vision board at the moment?

manifesting a year in which i can reach a better headspace, more compassion and patience with myself. keep sharing amazing moments around music, making meaningful connections with my closer circle and new people i meet along the way. i would love to have my first international bookings sorted and find new places i can play that value storytelling and curation.