PixelRust (real name Alec Lowrey) is an innovative and unique EDM producer in the style of The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk, but with tremendous energy and surprising twists. Living in Atlanta, Georgia, his artistic interests (painting, animation, film) in addition to his music gives rise to EDM interpretations that transcend the usual.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

PixelRust: I was born in Atlanta, Georgia to a very happy and supportive family. My mom is a doctor and my dad is a business manager. However, I have never expressed too much interesting in either one of those fields; I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to make art and affect others with my creativity. I’ve tried many different mediums, such as painting, animation, cartooning, and even video production, which I am currently studying. I also enjoyed making “let’s play” videos on YouTube where I would talk while playing video games. However, it was in late 2014 when I had found a new appreciation (and eventual obsession) in music, especially electronic and EDM made well known by artists like Daft Punk and The Chemical Brothers. I began making music using Audacity and various online tools in order to create an album called Modern Physics. I never released it, although I did give a few CDs to friends as gifts. Later, I got to work on new tracks, mixed them in with some tracks of Modern Physics, and created my debut early last January. Later that year. I upgraded my equipment and got a copy of Ableton Live, enabling me to do more with my music than before.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

PixelRust: A while ago, before I even had any interest in making electronic music, I was taking piano lessons and my instructor advised me to make a SoundCloud account. It took a while to come up with the name, until pixie dustpopped into my head. Since I did not want to be associated with Peter Pan or something like that, I decided to kind of mess it up. Pixel was included because I was a HUGE retro-gaming fan at the time, and rust was added to make it more “edgy.”

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

PixelRust: I think online music sharing is a great thing! It is a good way to promote your music as well as make connections with others. Also, it’s free! Sites like SoundCloud and Bandcamp offer loads of great music to listen to and support musicians. Besides those CDs I gave my friends, I have also allowed people to download some of my tracks on SoundCloud for free. In fact, I am currently experimenting with the idea of allowing free downloads until the limit has been reached, and then selling it.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

PixelRust: I have performed at various open houses in my area. I would recommend doing that as a way to start performing, as well as encouraging others to listen to your music through word of mouth. It may as well be the best way to promote, period!

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

PixelRust: Inspiration can come to me at any time. Sometimes it’s an idea I had when I was younger, and other times it just comes to me when I am doing something else. I then open up Ableton and set up my melodies, instruments, and drums so I can begin putting together my track. A few long hours of improvisation, experimentation, tweaking, and mastering later, it’s ready to go!

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

PixelRust: At the time of this interview, my website (pixelrust.com) is still under construction. I promise that it will be a great one, though! When it is finished, you will be able to listen to my music, subscribe to a mailing list, and look out for upcoming live shows. In the meantime, my work can be found on SoundCloud, YouTube, and even services such as iTunes, Spotify, and Bandcamp.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

PixelRust: I would take classes to improve myself and my music and get a new laptop so I can work on music on the go, as well as go on a vacation to Europe. I would also want to visit Los Angeles and Nashville to meet other people who work in the industry.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

PixelRust: Along with spreading my music through word of mouth and social media, I also connect with other musicians and friends as well as building a mailing list and website.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

PixelRust: I currently have an upcoming album, called Hyperrealism, that is currently awaiting a release date. This will be a bit of a transition towards a more defined and groundbreaking sound. I also have ideas for projects inspired by pop, rock and even a relatively new genre called vaporwave.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

PixelRust: Aside from studying video production, I would be creating video games or YouTube videos.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

PixelRust: At the moment, my music is mostly something I do in my free time. I am a duel-enrollment student with a part-time job, so I get time to work on my music on the weekends and during the summer. I love making my music, so I try to do it as often as I can!

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

PixelRust: Expect more and more awesome tracks, music videos, and other great content – including the new album – to be heading your way!