DJ and producer Alex Cecil is renowned for his unique sets that blend diverse musical styles, residing at the intersection of dark indie dance and uplifting melodies. What distinguishes him is his mastery of the cello, an instrument he has honed since the age of 7, lending a distinctive touch to his performance, composition, and transitions.
Photo credit: Alex Cecil – Official
With a background in classical music, Cecil seamlessly integrates moments of tranquility, tension, intensity, and resolution, taking listeners on an unforgettable journey. Starting from an underground gig in downtown Manhattan, he has established himself as a regular performer at Burning Man’s exceptional day party, DISTRIKT, and other prominent sound camps like Miki Beach. He has shared the stage with esteemed artists such as DJ Tennis, Maceo Plex, Bob Moses, DJ Three, Echonomist, Paco Osuna, Art Department, and Stacy Pullen.
EG had the privilege of interviewing Alex Cecil to discuss his latest release and upcoming projects.
EG: Hi, Alex! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Alex Cecil: Hey there! Thanks for the warm welcome! I’ve been doing fantastic – this year has been quite an adventure. At the moment, I’m in Miami, working on some edits for my upcoming gigs during Art Basel. Super excited about what’s in store!
EG: Sounds exciting! Thank you for sharing your recent mix for A’DAM Tower. How did the impromptu back-to-back with Beard2Beard come about?
Alex Cecil: The mix for A’DAM Tower was such a blast to share! The impromptu back-to-back with Beard2Beard in the final hour was pure spontaneity. A friend of mine who lives in Amsterdam brought them to my gig. They’re a super-talented duo based in Amsterdam. We were briefly introduced while I was playing. Later in the set, the general manager (GM) approached me and asked if I would be interested in doing a b2b with them to finish off the night. Although we had only met briefly, their energy felt right and I listened to my intuition. So I said to the GM, ‘Sure, why not?’.
Their group of friends, all into underground music, later confessed they were surprised when I said yes to the back-to-back during the climax of my set. Turns out, that decision was a game-changer. That group became my closest circle for the rest of my stay in Amsterdam, and many of them are now lifelong friends. It’s amazing how such a spontaneous decision brought such strong relationships into my life. I will definitely never forget this.
EG: What was the experience of playing at A’DAM Tower? Any favorite moments from the set?
Alex Cecil: Oh, it was incredible! The view from A’DAM Tower overlooking the city is just breathtaking. Initially, the crowd was small at first but tuned into the music, which always sets the vibe nicely. From there, the energy and size of the crowd both increased.
You know, the best part for me was that moment during the set when the impromptu back-to-back with Beard2Beard felt like a perfect match. There’s this unique intimacy that comes with a back-to-back set, a sort of musical connection you share. And when you’re strangers jumping into that dynamic, it’s like fast-tracking a relationship—hopefully in a good way (laughter)!
“The mix for A’DAM Tower was such a blast to share! The impromptu back-to-back with Beard2Beard in the final hour was pure spontaneity”
EG: By the way, you’ve also received a remix from RVDIOVCTIVE. Is there anything you can anticipate on that front? What can we expect from your upcoming release?
Alex Cecil: When Devon James approached me about remixing a track from his recent album, I was excited. There was one particular track that I always felt had great remix potential. I had already been experimenting with it during my sets, adding loops and trying out different ideas. So when the opportunity arose, I knew exactly which track I wanted to work on. I don’t want to reveal which track it is, but let’s just say I’ve put my own twist on it. I explored various directions and played around with it to add my personal touch. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
EG: How has your sound evolved since releasing your debut single? In what ways do you feel more confident?
Alex Cecil: Getting into the deep stuff! My sound is a wild journey and it’s constantly evolving. I’m always pushing myself to grow and expand. It’s perhaps the most demanding yet exhilarating aspect of my musical journey. I’ve never been one to conform, and anyone who has heard my sets can attest to that. It’s just who I am.
My debut single ‘Alpha Lupi’ on Staybad Records was a techno track, a hidden gem that I occasionally bring out. But since then, my confidence has definitely grown. With that confidence, I’ve experimented with indie dance, progressive house, melodic techno, afro house, and more. Experience is the real deal, no shortcuts there. I’m still taking risks and pushing boundaries, but I would say I’m becoming more skilled at executing them. It’s all about growth and refining those bold moves.
EG: You’ve actually played the cello since you were 7 years old, right? How did you get into that instrument? Did you ever imagine you’d translate it into electronic dance music?
Alex Cecil: Yeah, that’s correct. It all started when I was in second grade. My school mandated either joining the chorus or taking up a classical instrument. I auditioned for the chorus (the test was to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ with piano accompaniment), but I didn’t make it. So, the cello it was!
Funny how things turned out though. A few years later, I ended up being the youngest member of the senior orchestra and snagging the first seat. But then, when I turned 13, electronic music started calling my name. My dad actually owned this club in NYC called Ohm back then, but I wasn’t allowed there. Still, I managed to find my way to other spots. Lotus became my haunt – I lost count of the nights I spent there. Exit and The Limelight as well. Those were crazy times in New York, and man, I feel lucky to have soaked it in, even as a young enthusiast.
I think a lot of my perspective on performance, composition, and transition, as well as weaving together moments of peace, tension, aggression, and resolution, comes from being a classical musician. The journey of telling a story definitely has its foundations there for me.
EG: You just had 3 shows in NYC – Outer Heaven, Secret, and Nebula then Miami at Eagle Room. How were they? And you’re playing multiple times during Art Basel Miami, how do you prepare for each performance?
Alex Cecil: Those NYC gigs were absolutely electric! Outer Heaven, Secret, and Nebula each had their own vibe, but the energy from the crowd was off the charts. Outer Heaven was unique because it’s an intimate space with an incredible sound system and the lighting is next level. Secret is super special – also intimate but in a different way. You basically only know about this venue by word of mouth. This leads to a feeling similar to a house party – which is great. A good house party is a special thing. Nebula is one of the premier nightclubs in Manhattan. The sound and lighting are next to none. Everything is top-of-the-line. A mind-blowing club experience and one I don’t get the pleasure of experiencing all that often. Eagle Room was wild. I arrived back in Miami the same day. It was great to see a lot of friends there and meet new ones. On top of that, I played b2b with my close friend Aquariox from open to close. It was actually the first time we’ve ever played together. Couldn’t have gone better. Definitely one of my favorite spots in Miami.
Each gig was special in its own way. Of course, the best part of all was the crowd each brought. You can’t ask for anything more than people who are there to listen to the music and appreciate it. As for prepping for these gigs, it’s all about getting in the zone and placing myself in what I think will be the experience – or at least the experience I would like. I spend hours curating a vibe that matches the mood of the venue and the expected crowd. I’ll dig through tons of tracks, experiment with new edits, and fine-tune transitions to ensure a seamless flow. More often than not though, I don’t end up following what I prepared at all. I do appreciate the preparation though as it acts as a stabilizer. I can go into any situation. This process also has the added benefit of really getting to know each track I’ve recently found which then can be applied to any situation.
Now, I’m really looking forward to Art Basel Miami. Especially the RVDIOVCTIVE event on December 6th. They’ve put together a hell of a lineup with b2b’s including DJ Minx, Soul Clap, Ardalan, Lala, Demi Riquisimo, Shubostar, Devon James, and more. I always want to craft a unique experience. It’s all about creating an unforgettable night for the audience. You’ll just have to come and see for yourself if you want to know more.
“I think a lot of my perspective on performance, composition, and transition, as well as weaving together moments of peace, tension, aggression, and resolution, comes from being a classical musician”
EG: On to current issues, how do you feel about the rising use of AI in the music industry? What kind of applications do you see for AI in the near future?
Alex Cecil: AI in music? It’s a game-changer, no doubt. The way it’s revolutionizing how we create, produce, and consume music is mind-blowing. Right now, we’re seeing AI being used for things like generating music recommendations based on personal preferences, assisting in music composition and production, and even enhancing live performances with real-time analysis.
Looking ahead, surely people will use it to help in the creative process by generating unique sounds, aiding in intricate production elements, or even enabling personalized music experiences tailored to individual listeners’ moods and preferences. That being said, amazing music will always be made using analog instruments and the like. I’m not against anything though. I support music in any form.
But hey, as with any technology, there’s always that fine line between innovation and preserving the soul of music. It’s about striking that balance and using AI as a tool to amplify human creativity rather than replace it. Exciting times ahead, no doubt!
EG: What do you think about the current trend that has seen these larger-than-life visuals take center stage? Are they overwhelming the musical aspect instead of just “enhancing” the musical experience?
Alex Cecil: You know, the rise of these larger-than-life visuals in music performances is a double-edged sword. On one hand, they undeniably bring this incredible immersive dimension to the live music experience. They add depth, amplify emotions, and create this visually stunning atmosphere that resonates with the beats and melodies.
However, there’s this thin line where these visuals can overpower the musical essence. It’s a delicate balance. When visuals become the main focus, overshadowing the musical intricacies and emotions, it might dilute the core essence of why people are there—to connect with the music itself.
In an ideal scenario, visuals should complement the music, enriching the overall experience without overshadowing or overwhelming it. When executed seamlessly, they enhance and intensify the emotional impact of the music, creating a holistic sensory journey for the audience.
EG: Finally, can you provide some insights into what’s next for Alex Cecil and how fans can keep up with your latest updates?
Alex Cecil: Absolutely! I’ve got some exciting stuff cooking up for the future. There are new tracks in the works, collaborations brewing, and some upcoming gigs in the pipeline that I can’t wait to share with everyone. It’s all about pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds while staying true to the energy that defines my music.
To keep up with the latest updates, gigs, new releases, and behind-the-scenes action, the best way to stay connected is through my social media channels. You can mainly catch me on Instagram where I’ll be dropping teasers, updates, and maybe even some sneak peeks. I also keep my Soundcloud updated with live recordings, mixes, remixes, and releases. Don’t forget to hit those follow buttons. I’m super grateful for the support from all the fans out there. You all keep the music alive, and I can’t wait to share what’s coming next!
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Alex! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
Alex Cecil: Thank you! It has been a pleasure chatting with you. Take care and catch you soon.
Alex Cecil is set to perform at Rvdiovctive Art Basel at 1-800 Lucky on Wednesday, December 6th, 2023. Get your tickets here.
Follow Alex Cecil: Soundcloud | Instagram I Spotify |
