Introducing - ALIXE
Introducing: Alice Johnson
DJ /Producer Name: Alixe
Follow on Instagram: @djalixe
Mix cloud/SoundCloud Link: https://www.mixcloud.com/alixej/
How did you get into DJing?
I wanted to put my own events on when I was 17/18, and I didn’t know anyone who could play the music at my nights, so I taught myself some basic stuff on CDJs and played the music I thought was best. I experienced a full, lively dance floor on my first night and I loved every second of it. I decided from that point onwards I wanted to get into music.
Where was your first ever gig?
It was a little bar in Peterborough, called the Fiddlers Elbow!
What drew you into a career as a DJ and music producer?
After setting up my own events in Peterborough and Cambridge, I got heavily into dance music and developed a real passion for it. I finally made the leap and quit my full-time job after being offered a summer residency playing in a new up and coming club in Zante, after a promoter had heard my mix online, offering me accommodation and a fixed monthly contract. I quickly worked my way around the island playing on boat parties and pool parties, and I didn’t want it to end! When the summer was over, I made the decision to move to London, and I’ve had so many amazing opportunities since. My main highlights are joining JW Agency and Exigo Records, as well as international gigs in Croatia and Ibiza, and securing my Sunday residency on the UK’s number 1 dance music radio station, Select Radio.
What is your favourite house genre?
Deep house
As a DJ what house genres do you specialise in?
Deep house, tech house, disco, funky, and commercial vocal house
How did you start producing and what gave you the motivation to keep going with it?
I’ve been dabbling with producing for years but have finally taken the plunge to join the Toolroom course in January to hone my skills further, I can’t wait!
How would you describe the music you produce?
Deep house but more on the dance music side
Do you play any musical instruments?
At 14 I started learning the drums, followed by the guitar, and years of vocal training!
Who would you like to collaborate with as a producer and why?
I’d love to work with Sonny Fodera or HotSince82 - that would be the dream
What is your favourite festival of all time?
Defected in Croatia, I went for the first-time last year and had an absolute blast. The festival lasts a week and had an amazing line-up every day!
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
That everything really does all fall into place in the end. It sounds cheesy, but the moments of hardship in my life have always been transitional periods that I’ve grown and learned from in the long run.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
It’s a competitive space and it can be tough to keep your head up at times, but the best way to navigate it is to collaborate with others and enjoy doing what you love.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what career advice would you give yourself?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You can only ask, and you might get rejected, but you’ll also often be pleasantly surprised.
What’s your favourite animal and why?
I’m a huge cat person, people have often referred to me as having 9 lives!
What do you like about working with Exigo Records?
They are a very genuine, talented group of people!
