Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Carabarin.
Alicia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It started with a Macbook. I was 13 years old and almost immediately started illegally downloading all kinds of music through Limewire, which sounds more bad-ass than it was. Naturally, I transitioned to more reliable platforms like Soundcloud and Spotify to get my music, and when I moved to Miami (I’m originally from Puerto Rico) my music network blossomed. In high school, I would go to Grand Central all the time with friends and danced to the likes of Andy C, Doctor P, Subfocus, Excision, Flume, Disclosure. etc. Basically, all the music that I rarely listen to now, lol, but those shows really shaped my appreciation for music. In college, I intentionally worked for events that booked the artists I liked listening to and/or attracted a crowd of creatives. I was always tasked as the photo booth girl or artist hospitality because of my personality. I love meeting new people and learning about their artistry, whatever it may be. I got to meet so many talented locals, as well as renowned producers. Also, during college, I co-ran two record labels, XTENDED Records and Effortless Audio, with friends. When we went our separate ways Alice in the Jungle took hold.
Throughout all of this, I fell in love with vinyl so I began collecting loads of them (mostly house, minimal techno, disco, funk, and reggae). I was also saving up money to cop some audio equipment, and meeting some very talented artists along the way. I started a radio show at my university (Barry University) which revolved around minimal techno and house. I then moved the show to a start-up radio station at The Womb Miami. However, when the station fell through, I started my own: Empty Plate Radio, and this is where I am at the moment!
Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, I’ve been lucky enough to work with amazing brands in Miami like Secret Garden, Rakastella, Red Bull, Un-Mute, & HGAB, as well as with amazing people in general. I co-ran 2 different record labels (XTENDED Records (minimal techno, tech-house) & Effortless Audio (lo-fi hip hop, trip-hop)) and the team I was working with not only taught me so much about the music industry and music publishing, but they also became life-long friends. However, I didn’t feel like I was fully able to express myself creatively and after a while, things dropped off with the labels and I began doing my own thing with Alice in the Jungle and later through my newest venture, a radio station called Empty Plate Radio. Sharing music and being around people who share the same appreciation for music as I is natural. Any inconvenience is merely a learning lesson and a step in a better direction.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Alice in the Jungle & Empty Plate Radio – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I recently launched a radio station (literally last week) called Empty Plate Radio.
I wanted to create an environment where people could not only find music by artists they like but also help them develop their tastes and enjoy new music. The goal of this radio station is to support the bustling ecosystem of music by thoughtfully curating a selection of titles and programming! It’s a mouthful, but it tastes good.
I started this station because with my regular Alice in the Jungle radio show I would solely play minimal and house music (I still do) and although I love that genre, it’s not the only thing I listen to. I wanted a platform to showcase all the music I like, and have full brand/design control. I also wanted to encourage others to come in and share the music they like through guest mixes or regularly scheduled programming. Empty Plate Radio then became a creative outlet that fulfills my passion for music. I’m really proud of this and how seriously I’m taking it, I want it to be something people look up to and want to be a part of.
Alice in the Jungle is the umbrella company in which Empty Plate Records falls under. It is also a platform for creatives to showcase their work, but on broader fronts, not just music. Photography is an example. The artists I’ve been showcasing are all really good friends of mine that also happen to be really fucking talented. I also work with a few of them on new merchandise concepts that are forthcoming. For me, it’s all about sharing talents of all kinds and fostering creative growth.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I graduate from uni this fall and will be well on my way to the workforce. I’ve always had projects on the side while I was at school (ie: record labels, events, radio shows) so juggling a job with my creative outlets won’t be an issue. If anything I’ll have actual money to reinvest in the growth of the station! My goal for Empty Plate Radio and for Alice in the Jungle is for them to become platforms for people to showcase their work, share their common passion for music and exchange ideas. My dream is to open up a brick and mortar record shop and event space, but this is more down the line. For now, I want to keep releasing shows, collaborate with more artists and get a great fucking job.
Contact Info:
- Website: aliceinthejungle.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliceinthejunglee/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/aliciacarabariu
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/emptyplateradio/
Image Credit:
Tello Internet (blue pants and arms spreading it out), Natasha Ribeiro Austrich (topless woman with pink pants), Camila Rocha (Graphic image of blue circles and orange background)
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