Anastasiia Makhrova & Alexei Oulton (Ana Pak & Lex Laurence)
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
Ana Pak:
My artist name is Ana Pak. I’m a DJ and music producer currently based in Spain. I was born in the Far East and have been passionate about electronic music since my teenage years—it’s been a constant presence in my life. One day, I asked myself: if this music means so much to me, why not make it a bigger part of my life?
That’s how my DJ journey began.
I’m now a resident DJ at Papagayo, one of the largest clubs in the Canary Islands, and have performed at festivals such as Mappa and Chacho Festival. My sound primarily leans toward Afro House and Indie Dance, but I enjoy surprising my audience by weaving in unexpected elements and storytelling through music.
Lex Laurence:
My name is Lex Laurence. I’m half English, half Russian, and I grew up in Tenerife—a place rich in cultural fusion from Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Arab world.
I’ve been DJing for over a decade, but things really shifted when I started producing my own music and curating my own events. That’s when everything became more real for me—more personal and impactful.
What inspired you to pursue a career in electronic music?
Ana Pak:
My life changed after attending a Solomun concert in Moscow when I was 19. Something clicked in me that night—I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to music. It wasn’t just inspiration; it was a calling.
Lex Laurence:
Growing up, I was mesmerized by how DJs at festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra could shift the energy of an entire crowd. Music is a universal language—it connects people across borders. That power of connection through sound is what drew me in.
How would you describe your style and sound? What sets you apart as an artist?
Ana Pak:
I gravitate towards Indie Dance and Afro House. These genres allow me to connect deeply with people emotionally. I’m drawn to soulful, storytelling music—tracks that move both the body and the heart. I aim to create sets that are sensual, expressive, and truly memorable.
Lex Laurence:
My sound reflects the journey of humanity—from deserts to jungles, across time and culture. I blend Afro, progressive, and organic house with emotional depth. For me, it’s about creating a journey—something healing, immersive, and cathartic.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release. What’s the story or inspiration behind it?
Clandestine is a track we’ve dreamed of creating for a long time. It’s inspired by the theme of secret love—deep, powerful, and hidden emotions. Everyone carries something unspoken within them, and this track gives that feeling a voice.
We used contrasting vocal elements: soft French female vocals representing one side of the love story, and African male vocals representing the other. They move independently and then unite in an emotional crescendo—a symbolic meeting of two souls.
It’s a love song at heart—one you can dance to, cry to, or travel with.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
We hope Clandestine makes people feel seen and free. It’s a tribute to the quiet, personal emotions that shape who we are. Whether you’re dancing, dreaming, or reflecting, we want the song to take you somewhere meaningful—where love feels raw, real, and magical.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
The track actually started from a different idea. Lex had used the French vocal in another production, but it didn’t quite fit. Ana heard it and loved it. She began building a new track around it, but eventually got stuck.
That’s when Lex stepped in again, and during one creative session, everything clicked—the energy, the story, the emotion. It felt like the track had found its true form. That moment was pure creative magic.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
What makes Clandestine so special is that it’s our first official release—ever. We’ve both created music before, but nothing ever quite made it to the finish line. This release marks the real beginning of our journey as artists, and we’re proud that this song is our first statement to the world.
INDUSTRY AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
Finishing a track is just the beginning. The biggest challenge is getting it heard—navigating the world of promotion, labels, and playlisting. It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see instant results. But the key is to stay grounded in your passion, focus on your message, and keep pushing forward. The magic lies in the feeling, not the numbers.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
Events have played a vital role in shaping who we are. We’ve spent the last few years organizing our own events on the island, building a space for our sound and our people. Releasing Clandestine together is a powerful next step.
Doing it with Cafe De Anatolia makes it even more meaningful. We’ve long admired the label’s dedication to ethno-electronic music and have included their tracks in many of our sets. To now be officially part of their artist family feels like a full-circle moment—an honor and a milestone.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
We’re still learning ourselves, but one piece of advice we stand by is: don’t be afraid to fully express yourself. Don’t chase trends—chase authenticity. Your emotions, moods, and evolution are part of your sound.
Also, collaboration is a powerful tool. It opens creative doors you might not reach alone. And above all, don’t let fear hold you back. Each release is a step closer to discovering your true artistic voice.
LOOKING AHEAD
What can your fans expect next?
Expect the unexpected. Our sound is always evolving, but one thing stays constant: we aim to make music that touches the soul. We’re already working on future releases, and this is only the beginning of our journey.
Clandestine – Ana Pak, Lex Laurence. Released on 17.06.2025 via Cafe De Anatolia