Alex Kislov has quickly made a name for himself in Chicago’s vibrant electronic music scene. Known for his captivating blend of deep house, techno, and experimental beats, he’s graced the stage at iconic venues such as Radius, Spybar, and The Mid. His original tracks, like "This Is the Way" and "Want to Feel," have received airplay on prominent radio stations and podcasts, while his collaborations have earned him features in influential music blogs.

 

Alex Kislov talks to 6AM just before he puts out his newest single "Time Stops"

 

Hi Alex! Thanks for talking to 6AM, how are you?

Thanks for having me! I am doing great!. Almost at the finish line for the Dream Sequence album release and had a really awesome summer! 

 

You’re based out in Chicago and Chicago’s electronic music scene is vibrant and ever-evolving—how has the city influenced your sound, and how do you see your music contributing to the local scene?

Chicago's music scene is often described by local producers and DJs as a place where you either make it big here or everywhere else. The city is brimming with talented producers and an even more remarkable pool of DJs. House music stands tall alongside blues and hip hop, creating a rich and diverse musical landscape. The city has undeniably influenced countless artists, including Green Velvet, Frankie Knuckles, Ron Carroll, John Summit, Fall Out Boy, Common, Chance the Rapper, and many more across various decades and genres. This vibrant environment breeds numerous opportunities and, naturally, fierce competition. To stand out among Chicago's top talent, you must consistently bring your A-game, as both promoters and fans ultimately determine your success. The constant grind not only tests your abilities but also fuels your creativity by pushing you beyond your perceived limits. What makes this city special is its supportive community of artists who have your back when you need them most.

In essence, Chicago's influence on my sound is immeasurable—its relentless drive and thriving music scene continuously inspires me to break boundaries and strive for excellence.

 

 

You’ve performed at some iconic venues in Chicago— what’s some of your favorite venues to play at and why? What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had during a performance, and how does that energy translate into your productions?

I find myself frequently drawn to venues like Spybar, Prysm, and Concord, largely due to the incredible energy the crowd brings. While I certainly value venues with high-quality sound systems and well-thought-out lighting that elevates the overall experience, what truly inspires me is the enthusiasm of the people who attend these venues. These music lovers actively engage with the artists, embrace experimental sounds, and wholeheartedly immerse themselves in the moment—creating an unforgettable atmosphere of connection and support.

 

Your sound blends deep house, techno, and experimental beats—how did you develop this style, and what artists or experiences have influenced your musical dire?

Growing up, I was surrounded by genres like trance, deep house, and drum & bass—the music my mom and sister played on the radio or at home. I've always been captivated by the intricate arpeggios and breakdowns in trance, the irresistible groove and simple melodies in deep house, and the unique vibes and low-end frequencies of D&B. These elements have become ingrained in my musical DNA, effortlessly weaving their way into my tracks and shaping my sound.

 

Can you share the journey of how your single ‘Dream Sequence’ came to life, from its original concept as ‘Restraint’ to the emotionally charged version we hear today? Initially the track did not have vocals so what sparked the idea to bring Leo Wood into the mix?

Ever since releasing my first track in 2017, creating an album has been a personal goal. The prospect of crafting a collection of 8-16 tracks filled with my own unique creations has always fascinated me. With the onset of the pandemic, I finally had the opportunity to focus on writing, organizing, and revisiting unfinished projects. When I found the perfect title for the album, all the pieces began to fall into place—from track arrangement to developing the art, marketing, and theme. Having a clear vision helped me create a cohesive and meaningful body of work.

 

 

 Working on a full album is distinctly different from producing individual tracks. An album allows me to weave a more comprehensive narrative, expressing various aspects of my life, experiences, and aspirations. It provides a platform to explore different perspectives while showcasing the full spectrum of my creative talents and musical interests. In contrast, individual tracks typically capture a singular moment or concept, offering a more condensed glimpse into my artistic journey. The transformation of 'Restraint' into 'Dream Sequence' was quite the creative adventure. It all started in 2023, when the track was initially an instrumental. However, I took a chance and invited Leo Wood to contribute her vocals, which introduced a new challenge and pushed back the release date. In the end, the risk was absolutely worth it—'Dream Sequence' simply wouldn't be the same remarkable track without that bold choice! It's a testament to the power of embracing the unexpected and taking risks in the creative process.

 

 

Collaborating with a UK-based singer like Leo Wood adds an interesting dynamic—how did this cross-continental partnership come about, and what was it like working together on this track?

Collaborating with Leo was an absolute breeze! Our communication via Instagram and WhatsApp flowed seamlessly, and despite the occasional hiccup due to time zone differences, we worked together like a well-oiled machine. It's an absolute pleasure to work with someone as professional and talented as Leo.

 

Your new single is Time Stops - what can you tell us about this one? 

"Time Stops" holds a special place in my heart. I found inspiration in the series "Human Playground," which delves into the profound healing power of nature when we allow ourselves to fully connect with it. This concept resonated deeply with me, prompting me to incorporate vocal samples that align perfectly with the album's central theme and the notion of time within dreams.

We even created a music video for "Time Stops," and the director, Marcus, specifically chose this track due to the resonating emotions it evoked in him. His vision beautifully complements the song's essence, resulting in a powerful and captivating visual experience that truly brings the concept to life.

 

The music video for Time Stops marks your third collaboration with MAA Films. How did you and Marcus approach the symbolism in this project, and how does the visual narrative complement the deep emotional synth lines and spoken word vocal in the track?

Having worked with Marcus already on Shining in 2020 and Want To Feel in 2022 our creative partnership had already developed a strong rapport. This made it easy for me to pitch the initial central idea of precognition—a concept where we glimpse a moment in our dreams that later manifests in reality, leading to a sense of déjà vu. Recognizing that this concept falls under the umbrella of pseudoscience, I delved deeper into this idea and shared it with Marcus.

 He took the concept further and expanded it into an overarching theme of "nothing is as it seems." To convey this symbolism, we depicted a main character experiencing a moment that is later revisited from a different perspective, much like viewing a picture from a fuller, more holistic lens. Additionally, we incorporated themes of nightlife as a double-edged sword and tied it all together with the vocal concept of transcending physical boundaries and experiencing the feeling of time stopping within a dream.

 

 

With Time Stops showcasing such a cinematic quality, what specific visual elements or moments in the video were designed to reflect the progression of the track's dynamic shifts between deep, melodic, and progressive house?

The music video for "Time Stops" is filled with unique elements that make it a captivating viewing experience. One standout feature is the inclusion of an animated, 3D jellyfish—a nod to the album's main artwork or mascot—that interacts with the characters. This digital creature serves as a representation of the dream aspect of precognition, allowing the main character to reflect and gain a fuller understanding of their life.

Another interesting aspect of the video is the filming locations, which include personal spaces like my own bedroom and downstairs in my building, thanks to the generosity of Stu and Mike. Additionally, we shot scenes at Kashmir Nightclub in Chicago and Humboldt Park, which lend a more intimate feel to the production.

I even make a cameo in the video, as it was filmed during an actual party we hosted in August. I'm also incredibly grateful to One Vodka for providing us with alcohol, Redbull for donating cases, and Freshie for their support. All these elements came together to create a video that is both visually stunning and deeply personal.

 

Having worked with MAA Films since 2020, how has your collaborative process evolved across the videos for Shining, Want to Feel, and now Time Stops? Are there any consistent visual or thematic threads that tie these projects together?

The primary distinction between this video and previous projects is the level of creative control. This time around, I entrusted MAA Films and Marcus Aubin with the reins, knowing that they would execute my vision flawlessly. Not only did Marcus deliver, but he exceeded my expectations. This decision to delegate was intentional, driven by two key factors. Firstly, I have developed a strong trust in Marcus's ability to bring my ideas to life, and he has never disappointed. Secondly, this summer has been incredibly busy for me with the album mini-tour and all the responsibilities that come with being an independent artist self-releasing an album. By entrusting Marcus with the video production, I could focus on other vital aspects of my career.

Despite this shift in control, one constant remains: the distinctively absurd visual and thematic thread that Marcus consistently weaves through his work. This unique quality has become a signature element that ties all of our collaborative projects together.

 

What can we expect from your upcoming album later this year? 

A dream sequence, often employed in storytelling across television and film, is a brief interlude that sets apart a segment from the main narrative. This captivating technique can manifest as a flashback, a flash- forward, a fantasy, a vision, a dream, or any other imaginative element. "Dream Sequence," at its core, is my personal exploration of the realms between dreams and reality. Through this album, I’ve captured snapshots of my life and translated them into an intricate soundscape, a tapestry woven from the threads of my imagination and experiences..

 

Thanks so much for your time, is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for taking the time to chat with me! To wrap up, I'd like to share that in addition to the upcoming "Time Stops" music video and "Dream Sequence" album release, I'm also excited to share the live set from my July boat party. This amazing video, produced by Donny Fuego, is a highlight of our content this year. Don't miss it—it'll be available on my YouTube Channel on October 13, 2024!

 

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