We're so excited to continue our beloved Berlin Mixtapes Series, which has featured awesome guests so far. After a little break, we are back and have a number of very exciting artists that we'll be featuring over the coming months.
Next up we welcome Bavarian-Brazilian wunderkind Alex Stein. Alex is one of those sought-after artists, whose production credentials designing unique techno-music sounds, truly knows no bounds. The driving force behind this Berlin artist with Brazilian (São
Paulo) roots resides in his capability to concoct an intoxicating, mesmeric, and mind-boggling blend of hard-hitting techno patterns not devoid of soul. Energy flows in all directions and is dusty with optimism. Stein’s strength and sonic personality as a producer are gaining traction with every new release. He has earned credibility and high support with every release published on labels like Terminal M or Filth On Acid, as well as remixing artists like Dusty Kid or A*S*Y*S.
When Alex isn’t in his Berlin studio cross-pollinating the diverse forms of techno, he’s relentlessly traveling around the entire globe to perform at some of the world’s best festivals and venues. As a DJ, he has exceptional skill in reading the crowd. A globe-trotting DJ who has placed his pike in countries all over the world adding unforgettable tours in India, Australia, Canada, UK, Argentina… and has earned a loyal international fanbase that follows his high-energy sets from Luft Festival in Melbourne to Street Parade in Zurich, Love Parade in Berlin to the notorious Drumcode label showcases.
Alex Stein, a fine example of a consistent producer with a thrilling attitude that has defined his ascension in exploring the depths of electronic music with a distinct twist. Alex has also compiled our next Berlin Mixtapes Episode 042, which will be available to listen to from Sunday 30 April after our live event in Brighton at the Water Bear. We caught up with Alex ahead of our Bank Holiday weekender!
Hi Alex, how are you and what have you been up to this week?
Hi! I'm good and have been super busy between touring and finishing up some new tunes in the studio for this year's summer season :)
How long have you been in Berlin and what made you make the move all the way from Brazil?
I moved to Berlin in 2018 and the move was mainly because I was already so active in Europe that it didn’t make sense to fly back and forth to Brazil every weekend.
We welcomed BLANCAh from Sao Paulo some time ago, who became a crowd favourite amongst our partygoers. Do you still go back to Brazil and do you play much in the scene over there?
I visit Brazil usually once a year to see my family and friends and then play some one-off gigs in South America, which I love!
What do you miss most from home?
My family and my childhood friends for sure. And the food!
You have released a fabulous number of tracks on some of our favourite labels. Are there any releases that are your stand out favourites or that have special memories or resonance with you?
I always say that my favourite release is the next one. But for sure my first release on Terminal M meant a lot to me!
You also released with Transcode not too long ago, who has also played for us here in Brighton. Are there any more collabs planned? Do you fancy visiting his native sunny Manchester instead of Berlin?
Is Manchester actually sunny or is this a trick question!? :)
What else can you tell us about future releases, anything exciting in the pipeline?
I have a huge remix coming out in June plus a very special collab EP later in the year!
We've seen you run a few masterclasses online taking viewers through how to produce electronic music. What would you say is your key methodology to sticking to a plan and seeing through a track?
I don’t really have a strict plan on making music. I try to work on different projects so that I can jump between them and most importantly just have fun while doing it.
You have been in Berlin for a good few years now, where's your favourite place to just kick back and chill?
I love nature and the coast and Berlin does not offer any beaches, and I have been to most of the parks here, so I’d have to say my favourite place is my terrace haha!
Have you ever visited Brighton?
I have never been so I am very much looking forward to my first time there!
What else can we expect from you soon? What's next on the horizon for DJ gigs productions? Where can people see you next?
A few very special festival debuts this year plus some major releases are on the way ;)
Thanks for spending some time with us, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
Looking forward to seeing you all on the dance floor this weekend and thank you very much for having me :)
Exciting stuff! It's been an absolute pleasure talking with you Alex. Next up here's the Quickfire Round:
Genre: Techno
Favourite Colour: Blue
Where in Berlin are you: Just outside the city
What do you put on your chips? Health is wealth
First record ever bought: Don’t remember but it was for sure a rock album!
Apple or Android: Apple
Pioneer or Denon: Pioneer
Ableton or Logic: Logic FTW!
Can you juggle?: Yes!
Weirdest/Coolest item of clothing: Santa Claus hat
Do you collect anything? Sneakers & hoodies
Favourite place to hang out in Berlin: Boxy!
Best club: Too many to choose from
Favourite Bar/Pub: Paulão in Sao Paulo
Best Beer: Chopp Brahma
Favourite place to eat: Anywhere with Japanese food!
View on Sauerkraut: Yikes!
Favourite Wurst: Frankfurter
Weirdest food you have eaten? Sea urchin
How do you like your eggs? Boiled
Coffee or Tea: Both
Spring, summer, autumn or winter? Summer
Favourite Track right now: A new one by me called Hydra
3 words to describe your mix: Let's f*cking go!