The latest release from Alex Poet is Deezire. Collaborating with Carry Lewis, Alex Poet aimed for a slightly edgier but still soulful tone similar to popular electronic artist Fred Again, for this future summer hit,. He focused on conveying a narrative that intertwines themes of love and ambition, exploring the allure of materialistic pursuits prevalent in today’s society— fame, luxury, unbridled ambition and body dysmorphia.
GETTING TO KNOW: Alex Poet
Introduce yourself and your project
My name is Alexandre Dias. I was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and later moved to London. Now, I’m based in New York. “DEEZIRE” is by far the best track I’ve produced so far. Its sound aesthetics are on point. The top line is soulful but has an edgy vibe to it. The bass, arpeggiator, and drums blend exceptionally well, making the single a club heater.
Explain what musical genre fits you best
Genres are constantly evolving, and the same applies to me. Everything and anything with a good groove and some sort of lyrics catch my attention.
Were you connected with music from a young age and did anyone inspire you?
I grew up listening to Brazilian popular music. At a young age, my brother used to collect CDs and play them all the time. He had a very eclectic taste, leaning more towards rock, melodic punk, and international pop.
What kickstarted your music career?
In 2008, I had my first trip to Ibiza, and I just fell in love with the music and the culture.
However, it wasn’t until 2017, after I finished my degree in Health Sciences (yes, I was a registered nurse for almost 5 years), that I started going to live gigs every week in London, including Brixton Academy, the O2 Arena, Barbican, and started listening to the BBC 1 Dance radio shows. It was during this time that I decided to research music production, DJing, and radio courses. So, after enrolling in some courses in London and Ibiza, I started hosting a party called Sensus, which gave me valuable experience performing for a live audience. Additionally, I had a radio show at MI-Soul where I could play some of my favourite records. I also performed at parties and festivals associated with the station. I began networking and secured several residencies across town.
Tell us more about your sound and how it’s evolved over time
My sound is evolving every day.
In the very early days, it was a passion and love for soulful house music, tunes that I heard back in the day. I have been fortunate to record tracks with incredible people, renowned vocalists such as Inaya Day, Natasha Watts, Michelle Weeks, and Karmina Dai. I connected with them even though I was still in my early days, but I guess they liked my approach. The sound design was the trickiest element due to the constant need for something new, but it’s still a work in progress.
Any words you want to share to encourage other artists or producers?
Keep it simple, don’t be afraid to change the vibe in your production. Stay true to yourself, be a good person.
How do you nurture your industry relationships?
Nurturing relationships in the industry is very important, and I definitely need to do more work on that. I guess it’s done by contacting people, sending them a message on WhatsApp or email, or by attending their shows and gigs.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank that’s been crucial to your journey?
My husband, my closest friends, and my family.
Name 3 songs you love and what they mean to you
Well, it says what’s on the tin. Three absolute house classics, representing the early days of house music with classic instruments and drum machines, the synths, and soulful vocals that, to me, are timeless.
Your Love · Frankie Knuckles · Francis Nicholls · Byron Walton
Jesse Saunders On and On
MARSHALL JEFFERSON – MOVE YOUR BODY [The House Music Anthem]
What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software?
I am still in love with the Prophet 6 because of its classic and vintage sound, as well as its flexibility in shaping sounds. The arpeggiator and sequencer options are very cool too. .
Name your favourite club or festival and how it makes you feel
My favourite parties and festivals are Miami Festival, IMS, Defected Croatia, and Ibiza, of course. Lately, daytime parties have captured my interest as well. The energy and atmosphere at these events are fantastic!
Name an outlandish rider request?
I used to have my own event in the beginning. We would hire a headliner and support them at the event. One of the strangest requests we ever received was if we could arrange transportation and hotel accommodations for the artist’s pet.
Favourite clubbing memory and who or what did it involve?
My favourite clubbing memory would probably be at Pacha Ibiza back in the day. It was all about the funky house music. Dancers and go-go dancers adding to the fun. Roger Sanchez and David Morales were likely on the decks.
What made it special was that there was no or very little mobile phones on the dance floor. It used to be all about the music and having a good time.
What famous quote represents you best?
The quote that best defines me is by Steve Jobs: ‘And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking’
If you could play at any venue, where would it be and why?
That’s a very good question, meaning it’s a hard one for me to respond to, but let’s aim high… I would love to perform at Madison Square Garden in NYC.
Music is….. (explain more)
Music is part of my daily life, in all occasions and situations, whether high or low. It’s the air I breathe, my bread and butter.
One song you really couldn’t live without and why?
“Strings of Life” by American electronic musician Derrick May, in collaboration with Michael James, and released under the name Rhythim Is Rhythim. I love the melodic riff of the strings; it’s a timeless piece that still sounds fresh today. It brings people together as one and allows them to literally put everything aside.
Namedrop your favourite 5 artists or DJs (past or present)
Paul Kalkbrenner
Fatboy Slim
Carl Cox
The Blessed Madonna
Honey Dijon
What was your first music memory and how did it fuel your fire?
Wow, that goes way back, perhaps Dad listening to ABBA on the radio while driving his tanned-coloured Chevrolet… or Ney Matogrosso singing and performing with makeup on and lavish outfits – two extremes there lol I know…
Tell us more about your plans for the future
Taking one day at a time, continue dedicate myself to learning the piano, mastering different languages, producing more records, and working with children in need.
Any worldly advice you’d like to share?
“Work hard, play hard.”
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