Exposed Vocals just caught an exclusive interview with ‘ALEX’

Originating from Edinburgh Scotland, ALEX is a Scottish born electronic music producer, composer and DJ. ALEX broke through the Synthwave scene after catching the attention of New Retro Wave Records. ALEX is dedicated to the sounds and styles of the 80’s and known for his dark synths. His unique approach to composition and production led to his debut release with NRW, the ‘Blood Club’ EP. And things haven’t slowed for the young producer, with two more EP’s and an album since his debut, each showing another side to the artist. His most recent darkwave album, ‘Akuma’, reached #15 on the Billboard Dance charts. The album features collaborations with Hayley Stewart and Rachel McAlpine, as well as Synthwave heavyweight Tokyo Rose.

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

I was never a musician to begin with. I never even took music classes at school until towards the end of high school. And they were only small ones. I did apply & was interviewed by music college. However, the interviewers of the course didn’t seem to want me onboard their course and never bothered to get back to me. So I was pretty much rejected from music school.

Growing up in my little town in Scotland, there was rarely ever an electronic producer or anything like that. It was something that was overshadowed heavily by indie bands solo songwriter guitarists so it felt like something that wasn’t really understood. I guess I was always musical but never really clicked until later on.

I suppose it all started when I listened to daft punk’s album ‘Discovery’. That’s what really got the ball rolling. It snowballed from there. It’s when I started to really get into music more & more as before hand the music that I was exposed to wasn’t really resonating with me. I had finally found a sound that did eventually though.

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?

I would say to find a platform to get heard. It’s the best way to organically grow & get heard. Finding & using a youtube channel with a decent amount of subscribers is a solid way of accumulating hits & feedback. It can open many opportunities like future gigs, music videos & other exciting projects.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Of course, most recently I was more rehearsed & knew what I wanted so a setback is rare. However, there have been instances with technical difficulties which come from nowhere catching you off guard. For example, music softwares crashing unexpectedly. The natural remedy is patience & confidence, just accept that these things are a possibility & learning curve. So just take I’d just take it on the chin & move on with fixing it if you can.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

I’ve not toured yet, but it’s looking like things are picking up so a tour could be a real  possibility.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

I’m working entirely on a MacBook Pro right now after my PC died. I chose it because of the power & portability, ideal for live shows & Djing. I’m planning on upgrading

The current model to something with more memory & power at some point. Right now I rent out a recording studio in my local city as it has everything I need at low rates.

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

The best ways to promote my music are in the forms of music videos, extensive social media sharing, streaming through twitch, youtube channels, radio play and live events are the best for me so far.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

It’d have to be with daft punk, justice or power glove because they are my main influences. Although I’d love to do something with ‘Aurora’ as she has a really interesting voice.

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

I’m currently working on 5 albums right now. One has finished & comes out on Xmas day which is a compilation of all my unsigned tracks, titled X. After that, I’ll be releasing my biggest & most ambitious album I think to date, ‘HERO’.

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

I’d Probably wouldn’t be enjoying myself I suppose.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

They should definitely be looking forward to ‘HERO’. It’s something I’m very proud of so far. And hopefully allot more exciting projects as well as live events.  

Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?

Artist:

I’d have to give shoutouts to Tokyo Rose, Rachel Mcalpine, Megan McDuffee, Tonebox, Playmaker, and Ten from New Retro Wave to name a few