Get some insight on Miami-based artist Alyx Ander as he discusses his releases, working with 1 Hotel South Beach, playing EDCLV, and more!
Hailing from New York, Alyx Ander was born into a family that is full of musicians and passionate about all things music. While growing up he was trained at the famed LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, and ever since has been on a serious rise to fame. Now based out of Miami, he has continued to make waves in the electronic music scene and clearly has no plans on stopping any time soon.
Performing at high-profile events during Miami Music Week as well as taking the stage at major festivals like EDC Las Vegas this year, it is clear that Alyx is prepared to dominate the scene in the rest of 2018 and beyond. From the production side of the spectrum, Alyx has continued to impress tastemakers and fellow artists with releases like “Wake Up For The Night” and “Hush”.
Coming off the release of the collaborative track “Casually” that saw him combine forces with Redondo and vocalist Maria Z, Alyx sat down to chat about his passion for electronic music, working in the scene, and more. Listen to his guest mix below and read on for our chat with Alyx Ander!
Stream EDMID Guest Mix 120 || Alyx Ander on Mixcloud:
Congratulations on the release of “Casually” with Redondo and Maria Z. The track brings with it some infectious house vibes that take us back in time, did you approach this tune differently than other releases when producing it?
Thanks!! It’s my first collaboration, so overall the entire process was different from other tracks I’ve released. Redondo and I spent time honing in on the vibe of the song that would best complement our styles. As soon as Maria sent me the first sketches of what would eventually become Casually, I knew that it was the one. Lots and lots of emails, Whats App chats, and session file transfers later, we had it.
You previously worked with Maria Z on the track “Close Enough” two years ago. What brought you back together again?
Mainly it had to do with timing. Over the past few years, we’ve become good friends, facetiming/chatting often, so we’ve been in touch, but creatively didn’t have the proper follow-up…until we came up with “Casually”.
When you’re in the studio working on a track, do you have a type of setting that you feel helps your creativity flow better?
I’m usually at my best late at night or early in the morning. Having a bottle of Rosé on hand often helps too. Generally, when I work I prefer to try and work intensely in short bursts for 3 and a half to 4 hours at a time. I find that my ears start getting fatigued after and I my creativity diminishes.
You’ve released tracks on a variety of major labels like Armada Deep, Spinnin’, and more. What has it been like as a growing artist to get the support of these major players in the scene?
It’s pretty surreal! These are labels that I grew up wishing/hoping I’d be able to release on one day, and it’s amazing that it’s now happening. I sometimes take a step back and reflect on everything and say…holy shit…I’m living my dream…I just can’t believe it sometimes.
Last month you took the stage at EDC Las Vegas on the cosmicMEADOW and Corona Electric Beach stages. What was that experience like, and was there a specific moment that stuck out to you as special from the festival?
It was such a crazy and unbelievable experience! CosmicMEADOW was a massive stage and the Corona Electric Beach had such a great vibe. One moment that really stuck out to me was when Maria Z. joined me on stage to perform “Casually”. Seeing so many people humming along and vibing to the track was such a special memory. I’ll cherish that one forever.
Aside from your work as an artist you also work with 1 Hotel South Beach to provide the soundtrack for guests. What type of vibe do you try to create at the hotel and what is the curation process like for the music that is played?
Curating the music and booking different bands and different DJs allows me to break out of my own mindset. Music touches guests at a multitude of places within the property, and I have put myself into our guests’ shoes. I have to think about what one customer or one guest will like in this space and what I can do to take elevate their experience to take it from an 8 to a 10. I really enjoy it because it forces me to listen to all types of music that I might not otherwise be exposed to. I sometimes incorporate elements of those styles into my own work.
One of the largest weeks in the world for electronic music is Miami Music Week. How have you seen MMW change over the years, and can you share a favorite set or party from a past edition?
Miami Music Week has definitely changed a lot. It used to be a combination of business and partying but the business side has started to dwindle in favor of partying. Ultra recently acquired the Winter Music Conference, so I think there’s going to be more of an emphasis on business and panels in the next few years, similar to how ADE is positioned.
Outside of the events I played (of which the Spinnin’ Hotel and No Sugar Added were my favs), one of my favorite parties was Get Real at The Delano. Get Real’s (Claude VonStroke & Green Velvet) set was absolutely outstanding.
Who are three artists you can listen to for the rest of your life and never get tired of their style?
Daft Punk, Mark Ronson, and Eric Prydz
Finally, where is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat in Miami?
La Sandwhicherie…it’s a Miami institution!
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