We recently caught up with Rex Club resident, Alexkid, and discussed his Rex Club residency in Paris, his performance tonight at Underground Ibiza for tINI and The Gang and his latest LP titled “Selected Dubs”.
With backgrounds as a DJ/Producer, a multi-instrumentalist and a sound engineer, you have been described as an early protagonist of 90s Parisian underground culture. What appealed to you the most about this scene and how did you first get involved with it?
It just simply happened. I have been raving since 1992 and was already producing. By 1995, I had my first release and towards the end of that decade, I released regularly on Laurent Garnier’s F Communications after I gave him a demo tape (yes .. tape).I liked the concept of freedom available to all through electronic music. No need for bands, rehearsals etc… with some home studio gear and a drum machine, you could get interesting results – experimentation was the key.
Such involvement led to you holding down a residency at Rex Club in Paris. What have you enjoyed most about your Rex Club residency and what can you remember from your very first residential appearance there?
Strangely enough, I got it after leaving Paris. I grew up in that club and I can easily call it home. It is a pillar of club culture and definitely the most influential club in France over the years… I’m proud to be going into my fifth year there! It is always special to me, probably for nostalgic reasons, but also for its amazing sound system, staff and booth. It feels like a family… I’m actually answering these questions from the boss’ house in Ibiza; I’m staying here for a few days… I like that spirit and friendship.
How would you compare the 90s Parisian underground music scene to the golden years of the 90s in the party capital of Ibiza?
Uh… I have no idea… I wasn’t in Ibiza in the 90’s, I would have liked to have witnessed that though. It seemed to be quite epic. Paris was fascinating for sure as it was really something new and totally open minded. I was strictly going to raves in the beginning, and then clubs. I stopped the raves and the Rex and Garnier’s parties became home. Every Thursday, you would get your education.
With regards to Ibiza, tonight sees you appear at Underground Ibiza for tINI and The Gang. What are you most looking forward to about this particular performance and why?
Seeing my friends and hanging out a bit in Ibiza? It’s always been quite cool and laidback and I like that spirit. There should be more of this in Ibiza… I have the feeling it is all getting staged too much and too big. This isn’t always enjoyable, therefore, something this size and with this vibe, is always a pleasure. Underground Ibiza is one of the more exclusive and secluded nightspots in the party capital.
What is your favourite aspect of this venue and why?
Well, I think you just said it… I think Underground has some of the most relevant line ups, it is secluded, and people who go there usually know why they are there. More clubs should defend quality music, and not try to “juice the raver”. This is becoming unfortunately a constant in Ibiza.
tINI is considered to be one of the leading ladies in the electronic music industry. What are your thoughts on her as an artist and the example she sets to other up and coming female artists trying to make a name for themselves in this business?
I don’t really like to talk about that subject as I don’t like to make a difference in DJs. She is a female, and of course it has an influence on her career somehow, but what is relevant here is the music and not the gender… She is a talented artist who has developed her thing over the years. She is a leading artist in her own field. Now, if you ask about integrity towards the music and the fact that she is not using her tits to do what she does, well, yes she is setting an example towards other DJs who might be tempted to use their looks to become “famous”. Isn’t it a bit the fault of everyone in making a difference between female and male DJs?
She famously hosted her tINI and The Gang parties on the beach last summer for free – these were a real success amongst tourists, workers and locals alike and were set to return this summer until they were cancelled due to Spanish law restrictions. What do you think these free beach parties offered differently to the nightlife in Ibiza and what has been missed the most about them?
Well… it is simply sad. The cooler stuff has disappeared… for purely economic reasons.
Switching gears now, your latest LP titled “Selected Dubs” is now available for purchase on your own vinyl-only label called Wu-Dubs. Can you tell us a little more about the story behind this concept and what you were trying to achieve with it?
Mmm… I just wanted to have a Dub Techno label… as I love that. It’s almost a hobby! I released a compilation of my best dubs and some exclusive songs too, strictly on vinyl. I just want something a bit timeless that can be played in a few years…
Which track from this eight-part LP is your personal favourite and why?
I would say “Winterdub”. The original is from Elias Landberg , half Skudge, hailing from Stockholm. And I just like the energy of it. It works mint in a club! The focus of your vinyl-only label, Wu-Dubs, is to unearth timeless pieces of music as well as providing an expressive platform to yourself and friends for your own music.
Since setting up Wu-Dubs, how do you think the label has progressed and where do you see it in five years time from now?
I’m taking things slowly and trying to make things happen one by one… My plan is to be more proactive next year and have more releases. For the moment we’re still in the debut, and we’re trying to get our marks and references right.
Finally, last month saw you visit Australia and you will return Down Under for Subsonic Music Festival in December. What did you enjoy most about this particular Australian experience and what are you most looking forward to about return for Subsonic?
Subsonic is just an amazing festival… it’s in an amazing location and has amazing people. Everyone who’s been there can testify that it is something quite special. The line up this year is mind-blowing and I’m looking forward to playing there again. It’s three days of bliss…
You can catch Alexkid playing tonight for tINI and The Gang at Underground Ibiza and buy his album titled “Selected Dubs” which is now available on his own vinyl only label called Wu-Dubs. You can purchase it on the following link: http://www.juno.co.uk/products/alexkid-selected-dubs/619925-01/
You can also follow him on social media at the links below:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/alexkidofficial
Twitter – https://twitter.com/alexkid_music
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/alexkid
Beatport – https://pro.beatport.com/artist/alexkid/4810
Resident Advisor – https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/alexkid
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/alexkid/