‘Close Enough’ – the debut single from the Miami based producer with the world at his feet
Interview by Dan Prince
Alyx a huge welcome to DMCWORLD…where in the world are you today?
Thank you DMCWorld, I’m actually on the beach in Miami right now soaking up some sun…definitely one of the advantages of living in a tropical environment.
Nice!! What was the first piece of music you heard this morning after crawling out of bed?
I usually like to start my mornings a little funky and groovy. Today I woke up listening to Otis Redding’s Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay.
How very civilized. Well, a really exciting time for you at the moment thanks to the release of your debut track ‘Close Enough’ ft. Maria Z – please talk us through the history and production of the tune…
It’s very exciting! Originally, Maria and I were introduced through a mutual friend with whom I attended the University of Miami. Maria and I quickly developed a great relationship and we started working on music together. The moment I started working on what would eventually become Close Enough I immediately knew that was the track. Her voice is breathtaking so I really wanted to emphasize her vocal, while adding a bit of flavor with the pitch down and vocal chops.
So let’s rewind for a moment. You hail from the very nice Kew Gardens neighborhood of Queens, New York. You’re in good company dude…Charlie Chaplin, Burt Bacharach and George Gershwin also lived there once upon a time! What is your earliest musical memory from your childhood?
My father, a great musician who plays 5 instruments (Violin, Bass, Piano, Viola, Guitar) was always playing or singing at home and my grandmother, who was offered a recording contract in the 1940s used to sing me some of her favorite songs as a child. They influenced me to attend LaGuardia High School otherwise known as the “Fame School”. At LAG, you would walk the halls and hear dynamic freestyles then turn a corner and run into a choreographed dance. Being surrounded by so much talent pushed me musically and is something that I look back on fondly.
When did the idea of a career in music first spring into your head?
Because of my father and grandmother, I started playing instruments at a very young age. Early on I gravitated towards musical theatre and landed the lead role in my first show at the age of 8. From then, I was involved in numerous productions which led me to attending LAG, where my entire world was music and art. Afterwards, I attended the University of Miami where I found interest in production.
When did dance music first come onto your radar – who were the DJs/producers/tunes that caught your attention?
Like a lot of kids from New York, when I was pretty young, my older friends used to sneak me into nightclubs in NYC and sometimes I ended up getting lost with the flashing lights, music and the crowd. There was one DJ, one of the biggest of his time that always looked out for me. I’d end up spending most of my time with him in the booth and watching him play the crowd like a musical instrument. He would mash Pop with Dance…Britney Spears with Daft Punk and the crowd would lose their mind. He was definitely a huge inspiration when it came to eventually DJing. I particularly remember seeing Tiesto, Judge Jules and Paul Van Dyk at EXIT which were eye opening experiences, and some amazing nights.
What did your family think of your idea?
They were delighted! Since I come from a family of musicians, they have always been amazingly supportive.
If you hadn’t have become a musician…what do you think you’d have ended up doing?
I honestly can’t tell you…
What was your first real break into the music Industry?
The great thing about the music industry is that there are so many ways to be part of it. I feel like I’ve been in the music industry for most of my life because I’ve been performing since I was a kid. As I’ve gotten older, my journey has taken me down different paths, and I’m still finding new ways to be part of this industry because this is all I can ever see myself doing.
I loved your new post you started on Facebook last week, Music Mondays where you are going to list a piece of music that has been a huge influence on you. Give us 5 tracks here and now…
Angus Dei – Samuel Barber
Valodja – Steve Angello
The Impossible dream – Man of La Mancha
Aerodynamic (Daft Punk remix) – Daft Punk
Nas – Affirmative Action
Not many people know this…but Alyx Ander is really good at…
Tennis!
Let’s jump ahead 12 months. What do you want to have achieved by this time next year?
A Grammy…is that too much to ask?
The best and worst thing about living in Miami?
The weather is beautiful all the time and it’s amazing we can wear shorts and a t-shirt and lay by the pool sipping Rosé year round. The worst thing? The sports teams not named Hurricanes. I happen to be a huge New York Knick, Mets and Jets fan and since 95% of the population here roots for the Dolphins, Heat, and Marlins, it gets dicey sometimes.
A dream studio collaboration?
Outside of Daft Punk? I’d love to collaborate with Eric Prydz. He’s such an amazing musician, the only dance music artist I know of that uses 6 measure phrasing. He consistently pushes himself to produce quality music and I would be honored to share a studio session with him.
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
I’m currently working on a few remixes for some pretty top notch artists and also working with Angela McCluskey on a follow up single. She’s unbelievable and I can’t wait to release what we’ve been cooking up.
https://www.facebook.com/iamalyxander
