Alex Neri Mix
Alex Neri has been making an influential contribution to modern electronic dance music since the early 1990’s and we’re so excited to have him join us for Tapes #100!
As a legendary producer and musician, he has produced many classic records under different aliases, with one of the most popular being Kamasutra whose releases were worshiped on a global scale.
In 1995 Alex created Planet Funk, releasing two superb club records before this developed into a fully fledged band project. Their first official single as a band was ‘Chase the Sun’ in 1999 which rapidly became a global radio hit and led to multiple album and single releases and industry wide acclaim. To date the band have released five studio albums, a ‘Best Of’ and are now currently finalising their sixth album, which is due out in 2023.
At the very core, Alex's passion remains in the clubs, where he can best express his pure love for music. Always innovative, his DJ sets are a fantastic marriage between experimental sounds and the hottest house and techno tracks from around the world.
Hey Alex - how are you? Thank you so much for contributing the 100th mix to our Tapes series! Can you start by introducing yourself?
I am very proud to be part of your community. I've been a DJ musician and producer for a long time. My father was a DJ so I was born immersed in records, most of them Afro funk and disco. I am one of the first Italian producers of house music and still today I continue to have the usual passion!!!
Tell us a bit about this mix - Where was it recorded? Favourite track inside?
This podcast was recorded in my home studio and this time I decided to do it on vinyl only. I understand that to make a good mix I don't have to think much but use my instinct. One of my fave tracks is the first one, it ‘s an 80’s track but sounds like its new!
What’s your ideal set?
I think the best set is the one where a DJ manages to mix several genres without losing the flow. I have heard and worked with many very good DJs in my life who would better express what I want to say but I don't want to name names because I could forget someone…
You’ve had a very successful career, starting from the ripe age of 13 DJing in your father’s club. Have you had any stand out moments or favourite gigs you’ve played over the years?
I have many incredible memories, perhaps one of the best remains my night in an old club in London called bar rhumba. In addition to this, I have played all over the world and it is difficult to mention them all but for sure my heart remains tied to the Tenax in Florence which remains for me one of the best clubs in the world
You’ve got an impressive back catalogue of music, having released under several different aliases since the 90s. How do you think your sound has evolved over the years?
I've changed so many genres of music in my life and I think I've always kept my style. What has really changed is technology, I started with a thousand difficulties so making music today is much easier so I can concentrate much more on the record itself than on the machinery.
Who are your current main inspirations? Is there anyone you would like to work with who you haven’t collaborated with yet?
There are many but I don't like naming names because normally I forget a few and risk offending anyone I don't mention. But I can say that today there are many young talents and if I really had to I would choose one of them. Young people are less contaminated than us and have a free and fresher head.
As a veteran DJ that continues to stay innovative, it’s clear your passion remains for expressing your love for dance music. Do you have any advice for DJs that are just starting out?
It's never easy to give advice but I definitely believe that humility and curiosity is the optimal condition to get lost but find yourself. Life is Beautiful!!!