The global dance music scene has never been richer in diversity and innovation than it has been over the last five years. And it is against this backdrop that Asch Pintura, a dynamic talent from New York, has gained a footing and position of prominence in London’s pulsating electronic underground.
Her style represents a unique melding of trance and progressive house genres, bearing influences from notable names like Einmusik, Eelke Kleijn, and Jeremy Olander with a signature sound that is all her own. With her music, Asch exemplifies a deep and intricate blend of two worlds—an American-born artist deeply entrenched in the UK music scene.
But she manages it all with style, embodying what it means to be a global artist in the new era where everyone is connected by default. With its bustling streets and relentless energy, New York formed the backdrop to her early life. Yet, the elusive, underground sounds from the UK struck a chord, perfectly synchronizing with her American spirit. With such a blend, Asch has positioned herself at a unique crossroads between the UK’s meticulous beats and the soulful rhythm of the US, often citing how societal issues from both worlds seep into her music, shaping her sonic identity.
The Journey of Pintura Radio
University life often serves as a springboard for many innovative ventures, and for Asch, the University of West London proved no different. Here, she initiated Pintura Radio—a project that began as a passion-fueled endeavor that kickstarted a deeper ethos within her, one of diligent curation and an intrinsic drive to support the up-and-comers.
With an ability to dive into the depths of online record crates and music pools to find the hidden gems rarely heard before made by passionate artists with no spotlight, Pintura’s radio shows quickly evolved into being a go-to source for listeners to find new and exciting music even the most critically acclaimed touring DJs were unaware of. It didn’t take long for the show to soon morphed into an acclaimed mix series, drawing listeners from all over, eager to savor Asch’s distinctive sound.
‘This period of my life was so special. Learning to DJ and curating the mixes – this was all coming from a place of pure love. I hadn’t even remotely entertained myself with the idea that I would one day be playing in front of people, in clubs around London and beyond. I was just a music lover who loved making mixes in her bedroom and sharing them on Soundcloud for no other reason than simply wanting to.’ -A.P.
Beyond its commercial success, Pintura Radio was, for Asch, a medium of self-expression. It offered an emotional respite, especially during the tumultuous periods of her life. Each mix mirrored her personal and professional growth as the series evolved, drawing listeners into her universe who were drawn to the quality of the mixes which stood and still stand today as proof that a handful of amazing curations will find you more success than a thousand algorithm-feeding bits of hastily-made music.
This unexpected success didn’t just amplify Asch’s status in the dance music industry; it also led giants like Anjuna to recognize her potential.
Anjuna’s Golden Touch
Allying with Anjunabeats wasn’t merely a professional advancement for Asch; it was realizing a dream she’d nurtured for years. While the vastness of such a platform can overwhelm many, Asch saw it as an unmatched opportunity. Upon this stage, she could communicate her passion for music to an expansive audience while helping shape and sound and potential of the same artists and communities she had fostered and nurtured through her earliest days of the radio show.
So the full story of my and Anjunadeep relationship started when, during covid, Anjuna had a segment as part of their weekly Twitch streaming schedule called Fan Club where they would reach out to members of their community and allow them to live stream on their Twitch and I got selected. I have no idea how. But I gained 400+ followers on my Instagram from that 2 hour stream. I then ended up interning with Anjunadeep in their A&R team. During my time with them and after my time with them, they’ve continued to offer me gigs and helped me play at places such as the Ministry of Sound, The Dockyard for their ABGT Weekender 2-day festival, and Anjunadeep Explorations twice in Albania. They’ve backed me this whole time as a DJ and played a pivotal role in where I am now.’ – A.P.
Not only did Anjuna help shape her taste and vision of the future she sees herself inhabiting within the world of dance music, but it also gave her a platform to elevate her skills as a live performance and touring DJ. Landing her opportunities to play at some of the biggest clubs in London and beyond and being showcased on Anjuna’s ever-popular livestream series, seemingly overnight, she claimed the industry ladder two rungs at a time. She appeared right at home upon each step.
Coming out the other side, it is evident that her new and fresh perspectives on a genre as timeless as the progressive and melodic house will help further evolve the scene and the culture surrounding it.
From Trance to Melodic Techno: The Evolution
A listener tracing Asch’s journey will note an evident shift in her musical preferences. Initially, her heart lay with trance—a genre she embraced enthusiastically. But as the years passed, her soundscape expanded, incorporating progressive house’s deep, melodic rhythms. Major labels like Anjunadeep were no longer mere music producers in her eyes; they became pillars of inspiration, pushing her to experiment and evolve.
Asch’s meticulous selection of tracks underscores her belief in the expressive power of music. Each piece she selects isn’t just for its melody and the narrative it brings. Her mixes aren’t mere compilations; they are stories, with each song acting as a chapter, collectively weaving tales of love, loss, hope, and resurgence.
“My tastes have changed. They change every few years or so, and at the moment, I’m feeling pretty settled in melodic house and techno. I enjoy the intricacies that come with this genre. I think this is where some of the best sound design lies, some of the best story telling. It’s danceable but also very smart music. So many producers honestly leave me in awe. They can even come up with some of the tracks they do is insanely impressive! Don’t get me wrong, I still like deep house and listen to it occasionally, but these days, I need a bit more punch to my music.” – A.P.
Delving deeper into her inspirations, Asch frequently cites the societal issues she witnessed growing up. From the civil rights movements in the US to the activism and solidarity displayed in the UK, especially with movements like Black Lives Matter, she’s never been one to shy away from weaving potent messages into her mixes.
Supporting Acts and Asch’s Commitment to the Community
Belaboring the point is essential when we restate that a defining quality that has helped Pintura gain success and lasting notoriety in the industry is her devotion to supporting acts and talent smaller and less recognized than her. In an industry often lauded for being cutthroat and out for itself, the rare faces that put more attention into the giving than the taking are often labeled naive by the ill-intentioned. But the reality is that those who respect the art, nurture the artists, and support the communities are the ones who go the furthest for the longest and that much is evident in the past few years alone for Pintura.
Recognizing budding artists’ challenges, she’s often extended her platforms, Pintura Radio, or live events to showcase their potential. This isn’t just a testament to her love for music but reflects her commitment to the dance music community.
Refuge, her rebranded radio show, has become a haven for emerging artists, offering them the spotlight they often struggle to find. Through such endeavors, Asch isn’t merely building her legacy; she’s fostering the future of the global world of dance music culture.
In Conclusion
Asch Pintura’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, dedication, and resilience. In an industry rife with challenges and competition, Asch’s meteoric rise from New York’s bustling streets to the limelight of London’s electronic underground is inspiring and symbolic of a global artist’s potential in today’s interconnected world.
Her unwavering commitment to the craft, coupled with an indomitable spirit to support emerging talents, reiterates the notion that genuine success in music is not just about personal accolades but also about elevating and empowering those around you. Asch’s blend of American spirit and UK influences, her ever-evolving soundscapes, and her deep-rooted connection with societal issues make her more than just an artist; they make her an ambassador of dance music culture.
As we look towards the future, Asch Pintura stands as a beacon, showing the path for budding artists and signaling the endless possibilities the world of dance music holds for those daring to dream, persevere, and support the passionate creators around themselves.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
