With a sound that moves fluidly across genre lines and a creative approach rooted in authenticity, Chicago-based DJ and producer Alex Kislov continues to draw listeners into his world.
Photo credit: Donowan Angulo Ferrer
Known for his emotionally resonant productions and dynamic live sets, Kislov channels both intention and curiosity as he evolves artistically — always remaining grounded in his core vision.
His work, including the recent remix project ‘Dream Sequence: The Remixes’, reflects a collaborative spirit and a commitment to exploration. As he expands his discography and continues fostering community through AK & Friends, Kislov’s path emphasizes connection — whether on the dancefloor or through intimate moments shared online.
In this conversation, Alex Kislov opens up about creative vulnerability, building long-term bonds with listeners, and how collaboration has shaped his perspective.
EG: Hi Alex, welcome to EG! How are you?
Alex Kislov: Hey! I’m doing well, thanks. Excited for summer to kick off — it’s always an inspiring time for new music, outdoor sets, and connecting with people in real life.
EG: You’ve always embraced a genre-blending approach — how do you think that openness helps build a stronger connection with your audience?
Alex Kislov: I think people connect most when music feels honest. Blending genres has always been my way of reflecting the full range of emotions and influences I carry with me. Whether it’s deep, melodic, techy, or soulful, I want each set or track to feel like a journey, and that variety helps different listeners find their own way into the experience.
EG: What do you feel makes a DJ set truly connect with the crowd, and how do you try to tap into that during your performances?
Alex Kislov: It comes down to energy and presence. The best sets aren’t just about technical mixing — they’re about reading the room, surrendering to the moment, and creating a shared emotional arc. I pay close attention to how people are moving, where their energy is flowing, and I let that guide me. When I’m locked in with the crowd, it almost feels like the music is playing us, not the other way around.
EG: ‘Dream Sequence: The Remixes’ saw you invite a host of producers to reinterpret your work — what was your approach to curating these collaborations, and how did you ensure each remix felt connected to your original vision?
Alex Kislov: I wanted each remix to feel like an extension of the dream. I chose artists whose styles I admire and who I felt could bring out hidden layers in the originals. I didn’t give them strict rules — instead, I shared the meaning behind each track and let them interpret it through their own lens. The through line is emotion — each remix still holds the spirit of the source material, just viewed from a new angle.
“I want each set or track to feel like a journey”
EG: Looking at your career so far, what have been some of the most meaningful connections you’ve built through your music?
Alex Kislov: Some of the most meaningful ones are actually with people I never expected to reach — fans from other parts of the world who message me about how a track hit them at the right time, or local artists I’ve collaborated with who’ve become close friends. Music has a way of bypassing all the small talk and jumping straight into what matters.
EG: Social media is often a key touchpoint between artists and fans — how do you approach engaging with your community online while keeping things authentic?
Alex Kislov: I try to keep it human. Social media can get performative really quickly, but I focus on sharing what excites me — music I love, behind-the-scenes moments, and sometimes even the messy parts. I’d rather connect deeply with a few people than try to impress everyone.
EG: What does building a long-term connection with your listeners mean to you personally, and how do you work toward that goal?
Alex Kislov: It means everything. I want my music to feel like a safe space people can return to — something that evolves alongside them. That long-term connection only happens when you’re consistent, vulnerable, and willing to grow in public. I work toward that by being present, both online and in person, and by always creating from a place of truth.
EG: Has any fan feedback ever shifted your perspective or inspired your direction creatively?
Alex Kislov: Definitely. I once had someone tell me that one of my more emotional tracks helped them through a really dark period, and it reminded me that vulnerability is powerful. It made me less afraid to lean into the softer, more introspective side of my sound.
“I’d rather connect deeply with a few people than try to impress everyone”
EG: What’s something you’ve learned from working with other artists that’s influenced the way you connect with your own listeners?
Alex Kislov: Collaboration teaches you humility. It shows you that there’s no one right way to express something. Seeing how other artists interpret emotion or structure a set helps me break out of my own habits and approach connection from new angles.
EG: Lastly, what kind of impact or legacy do you hope to build through your music and the community you’re shaping around it?
Alex Kislov: I want to build a space where people feel seen, moved, and connected — whether it’s through dancing at a show, discovering a track at the right time, or joining the creative ecosystem around AK & Friends. The legacy I care about isn’t numbers — it’s moments. Moments that stay with people long after the song ends.
Alex Kislov’s ‘Dream Sequence: The Remixes’ is out now on DistroKid. Stream and download here.
Alex Kislov: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook
