One of house music’s pioneers smashing Italy with Ministry of Sound
Alex welcome to DMCWORLD. You are in the middle of the Ministry of Sound & Nissan Italian Tour taking in Florence, Naples, Rome and Milan. How has the tour been going?
“I am very enthusiastic about this whole experience. The tour started on the 3rd of November with a great party at Tenax and all the gigs are going great with a lot of interest and support from everyone involved and great feedback from the crowd. The last party in Rome at Circolo degli Illuminati was amazing. I am looking forward for Take it Easy in Milan next Saturday, definitely looking like one of the big parties of the year.”
You have a long standing relationship with Ministry of Sound, what are some of your memories of this seminal world famous club?
“The Ministry of Sound has always been an icon for everyone, so working there for the first time back in the day was full of huge emotion. It was a great goal to reach and I was very thrilled. The first time I was there was for a party with Renaissance then later for another with Pete Tong…a big party and a beautiful night. I also played at Ministry of Sound for an Italian night with Vertigo – brilliant also.”
You had been playing other clubs in London before gracing the decks at MOS, what was your first impression of the club?
“The London’s club scene in those years was the best in Europe. Everything was good…the parties, clubs, everything…but Ministry Of Sound was definitely a major point of arrival for myself.”
Club brands and brand sponsorship is nothing new in 2012, twenty years ago it would have been frowned on as ‘selling out’. Is there a fine line in deciding who to get involved with these days or do we just need all the money we can get in today’s tough times?
“Of course we have to be selective with all the requests we receive from brands. I’ve always preferred to do less of them except the very best. It works both ways naturally, my music and image has to suit the brand we are involved with.”
You started your DJ career at just 13 playing music in your father’s club. He was a big funk man, you enjoyed other areas including rock music. How long did it take for you to be able to mix?
“When you begin at such a young age you are less influenced and your mind is free from any pressure therefore you learn quicker and better. Also, I’d been studying at the Conservatory (piano) so my background has helped a lot later in life. Technically, I learnt in a week . But to become a real DJ you need time and experience…”
Was it a given acceptance that you would follow your father into the world of music, was there anything else that interested you?
“Actually I didn’t want this career to be begin with. As I mentioned before, I studied at the Conservatory but then I realesed that DJing was more then just a passion to me.”
Who were your early DJ heroes?
“The Italians playing Afro Funk (Italodisco), such as Moz – Art and Baldelli.”
What are your views on the American EDM explosion with stories like the Sensation brand being offered $100 million dollars for their brand and Sander Van Doorn signing to Jay Z’s Roc Nation label?
“To be honest, I think they are really lucky!”
You have been one of the key figures in shaping dance music in Italy over the years, nowhere more important than Tenax in Florence. Pete Tong claims DJing at Tenax is like coming home to one big family, what are the qualities of this club that keep it right at the top of the European elite?
“There is an unlimited research at the club with everyone always making sure they do their best and trying to bring new emotions on every night. And as Pete says, Tenax has a group of people working there for many years and growing really like a family. Whoever comes there can feel it. Thanks a lot Pete!”
You have had another magical summer DJing at some of the most fabulous parties in the world. Where have been the stand out clubs over the last few months for you?
“I had a great time in Ibiza for Sankeys where we did the Tenax party in August…a special atmosphere and an amazing night. In Italy in the summer it’s always a pleasure to play in the south especially in Puglia in Salento’s clubs. Also Tinì, one of Tenax’s latest summer venues (in Tuscany) is growing and becoming one of the hottest Saturday nights.”
What was your summer anthem?
“A re- edit of Janis Joplin. I didn’t appreciate at first how big it was going to be.”
What is coming next from the famous Neri studio?
“I am now working on my new album, I hope I’ll finish it soon!! We also have a lot of Tenax Recordings’ releases with new young producers and many collaborations with international producers coming your way too.”
Your studio window overlooks the River Arno. Have you ever seen a better studio?
“I’d say our studio is more of a factory! Of course I’ve seen many beautiful studios especially in the UK but our studio is unique thanks to it’s incredibly lucky location on the river banks.”
Who are the producers from around the world you are giving high fives to at the moment?
“In my opinion, at the moment there are a lot of great releases but nothing is well, really special. There are too many remixes and re-edits of old songs.”
Has house music had a good 2012?
“House music will never die!! There is always great records being made.”
And finally, what is your New Years Resolution for 2013…
“If we pass December 21st and all survive…then call me again for another interview and I’ll tell you!”
Alex Neri’s Italian Tour Mix:
http://soundcloud.com/aleneridj/alex-neri-pres-tnx-rec-dj-mix
