Interview: Alice.km Shares 'The Back Beat' EP, Talks Evolution As An Artist, Label Signings, & More
This genre has constantly evolved over the past two years, allowing artists to showcase their dynamic style. The Phoenix, AZ coordinator/producer of Alice.km is at the forefront of this development. The two-song EP, The Back Beat EP, due July 21st on Eclipse Red, promises a harder exploration of techno.
A departure from the organic tracks of his predecessors, "The Back Beat" immerses the listener in a complex dystopian landscape characterized by strategic bass lines and vocal effects. In the same vein, but with a twist of its own, "Talk To Me" is a catchy mix of raw, catchy melody and techno intensity. Of particular interest in the latter is an audio sample of an interview at a techno party in a warehouse.
However, this EP is not unique. It's part of a larger musical narrative for Alice.km, which has charted a perfect path since her first DJ gig in Brooklyn in 2016. From organizing shows in New York's main venues, such as Elswhere and The Rosewood Theater, his influence is undeniable. His success is not only in live performances. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2022 alone he collected more than 120,000 streams on Spotify, making his presence undeniable. Add memorable performances at Arrival and Dusk Music Festival and the grand opening of Drumcode's Tempe Tour.
alice.km is not just a name. It is a vision driven by instinct and innovation. He won Circus Records' remix competition and soon after released the Maxine "Collide" remix. He worked to establish himself as a dynamic house artist exploring the workings of genre. From DJing to producing tracks for major labels like IAMHER and Delusional Records, Alice.km's instincts have always guided her to do what she does best: creating and performing music that matters.
Exclusive interview
Their new EP, The Back Beat EP, marks a definite shift from an organic old house/chill influenced sound to a heavier techno style. Can you explain the motivation behind this transition?
Techno was my first love when it came to dance music. When I started DJing in 2016 it was the genre I played the most and my first solo album as alice.km was a primetime techno track. I like many different styles of dance music, Organic, Downtempo, House, Electronic and Techno. Back Beat is a return to my artistic roots, albeit with the more experienced production focus I have now.
You've had an amazing journey so far, from hosting events like Midnight Society to releasing your EP on the Eclipse Red label. Can you name some of the challenges and defining moments you have experienced so far?
Becoming a musician can sometimes feel like a journey full of challenges and rejection. The biggest challenge for me is learning to win. I've been a musician and songwriter all my life, but the learning curve for software is pretty steep. When I sat down, took the class and started making progress. I've spent hours studying production, mixing and songwriting and I think it's really been worth it. I've noticed a difference in the types of gigs I've booked since I started releasing my music and now I'm signed to a different label.
They won the Circus Recordings remix contest and will soon be releasing a remix of Maxine's “Collide”. Can you explain your approach to remixing the song and how you play your Collision?
When it comes to remixes, I do my best to keep the main melodic elements and create a new musical foundation around them. For "Collide" I kept all the vocal thrusts, but I really wanted to focus on the idea of "when the stars collide" and change the universe, meaning the lyrics. Inspired by this idea I created an immersive track that was ethereal, alien and almost otherworldly. I figured this production out every step of the way, but it finally worked!
On your resume, make sure you trust your instincts. How did your instincts lead you to make The Back Beat EP?
My instinct drives me to be creative - it's a constant need I feel. As for "The Back Beat", as soon as my friend gave me the idea, I felt the need to compose the song. Production-wise, I feel like my gut comes from the hours I've spent learning, but the muscles I build in the studio definitely guide me when it comes to arranging and mixing a single song. "The Back Beat" was pitched to Eclipse Records and they were interested but wanted a backing track for the EP. This inspired me to create "Talk To Me", which instinctively should have gone in the same direction but had a different feel than "The Back Beat".
What are you looking forward to in 2023?
I'm working on a lot of new music, including collaborations, and I'm really looking forward to it. I have a song out on Delusional Records this month and another EP in the works. I just moved to Phoenix and we had a great time here at The Walter Where? Beginning on November 18.
