Here at RELAUX we’re ecstatic to bring you another artist from the the Miami-based XYZA collective, P∆ZM∆L. Otherwise known as Alan Menses, P∆ZM∆L blends abstract futuristic sounds with funkadelic grooves of the past to weave a retro-futuristic tapestry. We’re grateful to Paz for taking the time to craft up an exclusive VIBEQUEST mix for our listeners and share some of his story with us below…
What did you eat for breakfast? (Honest question, my breakfasts are getting boring.)
Egg whites, toast and chocolate almond milk.
How did Alan Meneses get into music and become P∆ZM∆L?
I grew up around around music, a few of my older cousin play instruments and my parents are big on Karaoke. I’ve always had a passion for music but didn’t pick up an instrument until I was in the 10th grade when I took guitar class. I started playing guitar and bass, then keys, then drums. I played in a few Hip hop and Rock bands and I wanted to do something on the side so I eventually learned to make my own beats and DJ.
We saw you were originally from Peru, but live in Miami. What sorts of cultural influences lead you to the music you make today?
Living there influenced me a lot because I was exposed to so many genres, I grew up listening to spanish rock, reggae, ska, hip hop and funk. It helped me stay open minded about music and made me want to learn different styles once I started picking up instruments.
How has the P∆ZM∆L project taken shape over recent years?
I’ve been doing this for about 3-4 years, I try to incorporate everything from very abstract progressive stuff from when I started to simple lo-fi beats and groovy stuff. My last tracks were of a combination of all that. This year has been very productive. I’ve been playing shows and actually getting out there instead of DJing in my room and just having my beats up online.
Speaking of which, how’d the name P∆ZM∆L come about?
I used my full name for a while, I guess it worked out but it just felt too long and boring.
Pazmal comes from a french expression, it’s actually spelled “pas mal”. It’s like saying “not bad” or “good job”. I saw someone leave that on a comment one day and it lingered in my head for a bit, I just use the “Z” because it looks nice.
How did you become a member of Florida-based music collective XYZA? What is their focus?
I would have to thank Telescope Thieves. I’ve known him for a few years now, during his last album release he introduced me to the crew. Our main focus is to make the electronic scene better here in Miami, it’s easier when you have a group of people with similar ideas. Miami is all EDM and commercial music, we want to teach people there’s much more to electronic music.
Where do you find inspiration for your music?
Life, in general. When I’m going through things in life I like play guitar on sit in front of the piano.
Lots of musicians say that one of the hardest things about making music is knowing when a song is complete. How do you know when you’ve finished a song?
It’s a hard to say, specially when making beats, I like showing other beat makers my songs for feedback, but my ultimate test is to listen to it on headphones a few times and see how it feels.
Besides music, what are your hidden talents?
Drawing, I love doodling. I’ve use to draw a lot as a kid, it was my first love before music
If you could play at any location in the world, where would it be and why?
Low End Theory in Japan, I’ve always wanted to play there and when I found out they had it in Japan I wanted to even more. I feel like Japan would dig my music.
What was your grand vision for this VIBE.QUEST mix?
To have fun, take people on a journey and expose them to new music.
What’s in the future for P∆ZM∆L? Any new releases, albums, things we should get excited about?
I’ll be releasing singles every month, and I got a few collabs I’m working on and planning an EP release with in the next few months.
Anything else you want to share with the world? Shoutouts, philosophical messages….
Big thank you to Relaux for the chance to share this mix and a shoutout to the XYZA crew. Be good to others and like William Devaughn said, “just be thankful for what you got.”
Follow P∆ZM∆L here:
