Chicago-based producer and DJ, Alex Kislov has quickly made a name for himself in the city’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. Kislov’s original tracks, like ‘This Is the Way’ and ‘Want to Feel’, have received airplay on prominent radio stations and podcasts, while collaborations have earned him features in influential music blogs. With a passion for pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable experiences, Alex Kislov has recently announced his debut artist album, Dream Sequence, which will be releasing in October 2024, with lead single Daydream feat. Ron Carroll out now. DMCWorld goes Back To Mine with Alex Kislov.
Ferry Corsten – Fire
First things first, I heard this song in my early early teens and it’s pretty much what primed my love for electronic music and specifically this type of more Progressive meet garage vibe of dance music. I love the use of industrial sounds in here and the way Ferry filled in the spaces with very interesting and organic layers. Such a simple tune, yet so powerful.
Kyau & Albert – Are You Fine
This one is one of my absolute favorite tracks of all time. Although I never once played it out, it’s one of those tunes that I feel was made ahead of it’s time. I was (partially still am) a huge fan of trance in general and the breakdown in this track is intricate and pleasing, I can’t stop trying to analyze it. I go to this tune all the time when I need a moment for myself.
Franky Rizardo – Revoke
Okay this one is a dance floor weapon for me. When I am jumping in to play a room where the dj before me might be in a different genre or vibe than what I intended for the room, or let’s say I just need to reset the room and turn the heads back to me. This track does the trick. Especially when it comes in with the kick at 1:01. It has a very minimal vibe but also a techy dance tune to it that just hits all the spots perfectly.
Mihai Popiviciu – Waitin
This one recently made it’s way into my favorites list. I really can’t explain what it is about this song that makes me want to tap my foot, move my head and just f***ing bump to this all night. It’s a dance floor mover and one of those tracks you can’t really go wrong with. Mihai constructed this tune with the listener needing to dance in mind. Smooth vocals, simple layers and elements really drive this track to peak groove.
Dusky – Careless
Not only is Dusky a bunch of geniuses, this specific tune is a massive inspiration for me. The way Dusky utilizes the baseline with the vocals and a simmering pad in the background that makes me just want to open my soul and dance as well. I play this track at least once a month in my sets, it’s a really nice tune and has inspired a lot of my productions – especially my track Morale that I put out on Asteroid Records. I believe this one will always be a classic tune on and off the dance floor.
Katy Perry – Chained to the Rhythm
Ok, I know. How did I go from picking all these old school house and dance tunes and end up on Katy Perry. This specific tune though is one I play on the Ukulele while my wife sings and it’s a really special moment that I share with her. She taught me how to play the chords (her nails were too long for the Ukulele at the time) and we ended up spending hours learning the song and the lyrics together. I also really like the meaning and lyrics in this track – the message is that we take for granted all these amazing advances we have as humans and forget to put the phone down and connect with others, and I really love how Katy utilized musical terms to emphasize the metaphor of greed. “Dance, dance dance to the distortion”.
Billy Idol – Rebel Yell
This tune right here is my f***ing jam. Anytime this tune goes on I somehow find myself air drumming and losing all control. Seriously, i love almost anything Billy Idol touches (with an exception of a few tracks). Billy is the original rock star both on and off the stage with immense talent. I love how free and rebellious this track makes me feel and always cheers me right up. I think it’s important to note that I did not grow up listening to classic rock or anything that was popular in the US at the time so I was introduced to Rock & Roll and it’s mannerism as a teenager and I fell in love instantly. “In the midnight hour, she cried more, more, more, with a rebel yell, more, more, more”.
Enigma – Return To Innocence
Enigma is something you would regularly hear in my house growing up. My mom and sister were absolutely obsessed with them so naturally, I have heard a lot of their music, a lot of times. Enigma is the main inspiration for my track “Flashback” that’s coming out on my album later this year. Fun fact, the original name for Flashback was actually called Enigma. It’s the perfect chill out, meditation music but also has the perfect level of fierce and melancholy. I love how they incorporate middle eastern, asian and modern sounds to create their sound designs. Other really awesome Enigma tracks are Mea Culpa, Sadness and Age of Loneliness.
Above & Beyond – Almost Home
There is nothing really that tops Above & Beyond for me. Since I was a teeny tiny raver I listened to Above & Beyond, even loved their Oceanlab project. Admittedly I’ve been to over 20+ A&B concerts throughout my life including ABGT 50 and 100. My wedding song was Thing Called Love Acoustic version; So it’s no surprise to see an Above & Beyond track on this list, and for me Sun & Moon was always a favorite until they came out with Almost Home with Justine Suissa. Instant favorite. The lyrics are dreamy, light and slightly haunting with this absolute badass track. When the simple lead notes come in I simply melt to this song. It has everything I ever want my music to have and sound like. The deep version and club edits are really good too.
Tube & Berger – Geradeaus
This track is a little off the beaten path. Only 16k views on YouTube and one of their probably less popular projects but to me, a masterpiece. Geradeaus was probably one of the FIRST electronic tracks I listened to that was more “underground” and not your typical radio / club track. Again, I absolutely love the simplicity on it and the “vibe” that it creates through the synth stabs and wavy bassline. At the peak of it when all the layers hit at the same time feels like you just want to get up and let loose, throw something around, rip off your shirt, go crazy. Little secret I haven’t shared much, in high school I used to be part of B-Boy team and this was my performance track that I would come out to. Today I am lucky if I can hold a headstand for more than 45 seconds but it still gives me nostalgia of how free I felt when i was dancing. It was definitely made ahead of it’s time and I feel like this type of sound is really making a come back in the industrial, techno scene.
Alex Kislov ft Ron Carroll ‘Daydream’ is out now on DistroKid.
https://www.beatport.com/release/daydream-feat-ron-carroll/4559114
