World Exclusive Interview With The Miami Space Spinning Sorceror
Interview by Dan Prince
Alex a huge welcome back to DMCWORLD. What is the best piece of music you have heard today?
Jimmi Hendrix Live from Woodstock. Definitely helps me disconnect and reset when I need a small break from long studio sessions.
You like so many other people became obsessed with the dance music scene thanks to an older sibling, it was your brother you got you into trance when you were barely into your teens. What were the tracks/producers that you learnt your dancefloor ropes on back then?
My older brother Dennis opened my ears to electronic music and, at the time, it was all about trance. Some of the earliest DJs I remember listening and tagging along to were Armin Van Buuren, Markus Schultz, Oscar G, and Carl Cox, to name a few.
True or false? You went to your first club when you were 13? WTF???!?!
True…what can I say? Miami kids grow up fast (especially when there’s older siblings involved.)
Tell us about the first time you went to Club Space Miami. Who did you want to see and what was the experience like?
I can’t even remember who was DJing because it was just such a big deal to go because Space was THE club in Miami. There was nothing else like it.
When did the idea of a career in the music industry first start to form in your mind and what were your first steps…
Things just started coming together and it crossed my mind once I became a resident at space. Prior to that, it was strictly just for fun. I definitely didn’t see myself going in this direction; I just kind of fell into it. I always figured I’d be working or technology (what I went to school for) or in sports (my first love).
How did the role as resident at Club Space happen?
Throughout the years of going to Space as a spectator, I was able to meet some of their team. The industry is a small world in Miami so they heard me play at some of the other gigs. One day, they offered to let me play on the loft for my birthday. I was unbelievably nervous but it went well. I played again ever once in a while and eventually they brought me on board as a resident.
What does it take as an artist to play the terrace?
The Terrace is a monster of it’s own and the crowd is full of die-hard, experienced music heads. It goes beyond being a good DJ. It takes adaptability, endurance, a variety of musical knowledge (from classics to obscure, energetic gems), careful programming on the fly to carry the crowd through the night into the sunrise and early morning. The vibe and energy you create in the early hours of the morning as the sun rises is what really sets DJs apart. It took me years to even have an idea of how to carry them through the night into sunrise.
Check out alive set from Space Miami here :
What has been your best ever experience up there?
That’s a tough one. I’ve played with quite a few DJs on the terrace that have trademarked their own Club Space Terrace experience, like Nicole Moudaber, Chus & Ceballos, Maceo Plex. The most memorable for me is when I debuted my Descend party on the Terrace because it let me play a greater role than just the DJ. We had set up the decor, sound, and vibe exactly how I wanted it. It was a hugely rewarding and humbling experience with me as we played into the next afternoon.
The best DJ you have ever played alongside?
It’s hard to define one as the best because the venue, crowd, and energy made them all unique. Most recently, I played an impromptu back to back after-hours set with Roger Sanchez and Boris on the Groove Cruise- that was one for the books.
“So many clubs have come and gone, but Space has been there the longest and they bring in the least amount of headliners.” How key is that?
Space isn’t Space just because of the DJs. The DJs help fuel the party but they don’t make the party; the crowd does. The crowd at Space is like no other and full of die-hard troopers that are very willing and able to stay for the long haul if the energy is right. An amazing DJ will play an amazing set, but it’s ultimately the crowd who decides on the energy.
UP CLOSE…AND PERSONAL time…
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your life and how did you overcome it?
I don’t consider “them” mistakes. They’re life lessons. Learn from it, grow, and move on.
Which famous person would you most like to see play you in a film?
Big fan of Johnny Depp. (I could say something mean about DiCaprio right now, but can’t do that to him.)
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Getting into the music industry. It was a big leap of faith during what still is a very crucial time in my life now that my son was born.
What makes you angry?
Blind referees, overcooked BBQ and burnt fries (…guilty…)
Describe someone outside your field of interest who inspires you and why?
My parents are a huge inspiration to me. They came to the United States with nothing, started at nothing, and overcame countless challenges to build a strong foundation for not only my brother and I, but for my wife and newborn son. They’ve showed me that regardless of what obstacles may appear to be in the way, moving forward is not an option, it’s a necessity.
What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
Music aside, being able to be there and provide for my loving, dedicated, and ever-supporting wife and newborn son. Elizabeth has been there for me from the beginning and paramount to everything I do. She goes the extra mile to care for our son when my schedule gets hectic and even manages to still make it to my important gigs- there’s nothing greater than looking over and seeing her at my side.
A record that always reminds you of Miami?
Anything Oscar G is an instant reminder of Miami. He’s one of the first DJs I heard back when I was tagging along with my older brother.
Tell us about the moment you hit Ibiza and heard ‘Don’t’ played…
Totally caught me by surprise and almost surreal. Here I am in this amazingly beautiful place, ground zero for the electronic music industry. I was happy enough as it was to be hearing Pan-Pot, who I hugely respect. I thought maybe I had one too many shots of Hierbas.
“Too many artists forget they were a fan. They forget about all the time they spent on the dancefloor. I never will. Discuss…
Being a down-to-earth person and approachable is a priceless quality. In this industry, every DJ started on the dancefloor. You never know what a fan may be going through in their life that you just helped them forget about for a few hours. People as a whole like to share their experiences and moments with you, and I feel it’s important to join them and hear what they have to say. I get to do what I love because of the hard work they do that too often goes unnoticed. Just because I’m in the DJ booth doesn’t make me any better than any customer or staff member in any club. The customers, bartenders, sweepers, cashiers, security, etc., play just as big of a role in creating this experience and are there before we arrive and leave long after we’re gone.
Your favourite 3 Miami restaurants…
Miami’s food scene is always growing. Right now, my three favorites would be Swine Southern Table & Bar in Coral Gables, Pub Belly in Miami Beach and Islas Canarias with their world famous croquettes (hands down the BEST in Miami).
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise…
Aside from my usual studio productions, I’m working on launching the Descend brand…who knows what 2016 will have in store?
