From the Lab to the Cab! If you’re an electronic music lover, chances are you’ve turned your car into a personal mini-rave. Especially if the journey is a long one. But have you ever imagined a DJ playing in your car? This ingenious madness has been brought to life by Aimjé, a Geneva-based DJ and creator of TRAXI.
For a while now, this project has been on the prowl, scouting the freshest talents across the European scene in the most peculiar setting. A car, a generator plugged into a cigarette lighter, a mic, a controller and a carefully curated selection of music. That’s the winning formula that has effortlessly captivated its audience, all delivered with a touch of charisma.
While TRAXI refuses to be confined within the boundaries of a specific musical genre, it finds its place in house music and all its subgenres. On the decks of this rolling “booth”, artists such as our very own Ethyène, the Swiss trio Mont Rouge, Loulou Ferrari (resident of Sacré Paris), Jennifer Riva and many more have played.
But this mobile electronic experience demands a closer look. Let’s discover TRAXI in detail together!
- One day you were chillin’ and you said. I’m going to get DJs in my car, playing while I drive. What inspired the creation of TRAXI? Who was the first guest?
I’d been wanting to find a place where I could mix at any time without bothering anyone. So the car seemed like the perfect place – I’ve never been arrested for listening to music too loudly. I looked for a way to power my controller, and I quickly came across this little converter that you plug into the cigarette lighter.
Once I got it, everything worked, but I thought I might not use it that much. Naturally I thought it wouldn’t be so bad to share my car with other djs. We’re all familiar with that programme where celebrities are interviewed and sing, so why not mix? I had the idea, all I needed was the name. Being a pseudo taxi with a dj at the back, it seemed logical to combine the two: taxi + track.
For the first one I wanted to do it with a friend. That would make it easier to put the ideas in place and especially in case of technical problems. He’s a mate so I thought he’d be more accommodating. And he was. I forgot to record his first pass on the USB. (DJs have two 30-minute sets). It was with La Forêt, DJ, producer and director of the biggest electronic club in the city and of the brand new festival Le Minuit Festival. Thanks again to him!
- What is the most memorable moment from the entire project for you?
It’s not easy, but it’s a lot of fun and sharing with the different artists. I did a lot of touring with friends, and I met some brand new djs with whom I became friends. But if I had to choose one moment in particular, because it was spontaneous, I’d say with Keikowasgreat. He’s a friend of mine who’s part of a collective called ‘from disco 2 disco‘. On the day he was mixing under his solo name.
We did our usual little tour of Geneva where he played his two sets. As we had some free time ahead of us, we went up into the mountains for another session. We parked in a panoramic car park. Everything was there: the sound, the setting.
- How would you define the musical direction of the artists that come to TRAXI and how has it changed over time?
Originally, Traxi doesn’t have a defined musical genre. But generally, they’re DJs with electronic influences. We’ve had nu disco as well as house, tech house, afro house and EDM.After hosting a few producers, they take the opportunity to play their new tracks. In particular, Geneva-based Mont Rouge, who are blowing up at the moment.
- The million dollar question, have you ever been stopped by the cops?
Well, I’d love to, but it hasn’t happened yet. Also, I’m taking it easy and driving carefully.
- Is there any requirement(s) to be one of the lucky guests invited to play?
The first DJs were friends of mine because it was easier for me to sell the idea of mixing in the back of my car. Then people started to get to know and take an interest in Traxi and the requests came naturally. A quick message on Insta, an email. It couldn’t be easier. Despite the amateur, friendly nature of the show, I still ask for a minimum of experience, so that it remains enjoyable for everyone (especially our ears).
- Beyond the uniqueness of TRAXI, it has a humoristic twist that defines it in social media, to what extent do you think this has helped the project grow?
To tell you the truth, I have absolutely no idea. It just comes from my character, I like to laugh and joke. I’ve always done that on my personal Instagram and I thought ‘why not?’. Although, I always ask the artists if they mind if I hijack certain parts of the set.
- What are the next steps for TRAXI? Do you have plans to expand or experiment with new elements in the sets?
I’ve just invested in a light that I attach to the chair so that I can do night sets. The DJ’s were very keen, I think they’re tired during the day (2-3 had just come out of an after party before they played in Traxi … but shhh). I was contacted to bring my car in a festival (Le Minuit Festival). But we didn’t manage to do it because of some of my professional commitments.
I don’t set any limits, I’d love to have a monthly party where I’d bring in the DJs of the month who have performed in Traxi. But, I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m going to open a secret room in Geneva in October/November. That should be fun.