In this interview, we delve into the creative journey of Alex Kislov, a Chicago-based producer and DJ known for his blend of deep house, techno, and experimental beats.
With the release of his debut album, Dream Sequence, Alex Kislov offers a collection that reflects his evolution within Chicago’s dynamic electronic music scene. The album features collaborations with vocalists like Ron Carroll and Leo Wood, adding depth to his productions. Kislov also discusses his partnership with MAA Films in crafting the visual narrative for his single “Time Stops,” highlighting the importance of visual elements in his work. He shares insights into his production techniques, the influence of live performances on his studio work, and his aspirations for future projects.
This conversation provides a comprehensive look at Kislov’s artistic process and the experiences that have shaped his music.
What’s the overarching vision behind Dream Sequence, and how do you hope listeners connect with it?
Dream Sequence is a journey through soundscapes that feel both personal and expansive. I wanted the album to flow like a dream, with each track offering a different sensation or memory. The idea is to take listeners through a sequence of moods—some tracks are high-energy and meant to resonate on the dancefloor, while others are more introspective, suited for quiet, reflective moments. I hope listeners find something they can connect with, a piece of the album that feels like their own, and maybe even a soundtrack to their own experiences.
Can you tell us about the layering techniques that helped shape the sound of Dream Sequence?
Dream Sequence holds a lot of personal meaning, fusing my love for trance, progressive, and ambient music. I envisioned each track as its own world, with some meant for the dancefloor and others for quieter, reflective moments. Together, they flow like a dream, each piece forming part of a larger puzzle that tells the story of the album.
The electronic scene in Chicago is known for its intensity. How has being part of it influenced your work on this debut album?
Chicago has a vibrant and competitive music scene. To stand out, you have to keep your sound fresh and continually push your limits. This energy drives creativity and fosters a sense of community, pushing me to craft an album that feels uniquely mine while resonating with listeners here and beyond.
Your work with vocalists like Ron Carroll and Leo Wood adds a distinct layer to your music. What drew you to work with these particular voices?
Working with Leo and Ron brought a natural flow to the creative process. Leo’s energy made collaboration feel effortless, while Ron, who’s both talented and down-to-earth, made “Daydream” a highlight for me. Each voice brings its own texture and emotional depth, which I’m eager to continue exploring in future projects.
The visuals for Time Stops, done in partnership with MAA Films, are striking. What role do you see visuals playing in enhancing your music?
Marcus and I have built a solid partnership, and with *Time Stops,* we explored concepts like precognition and déjà vu—moments where reality and dreams blur. The video reflects that theme, with a character revisiting a moment from a fresh perspective. We wanted to capture a sense of time standing still, blending nightlife imagery with symbolic storytelling. It’s a direction I’m excited to delve into even more.
In your career’s early days, you often broke down your favorite tracks. How did that practice shape your approach to producing an album like Dream Sequence?
Deconstructing tracks was my way of learning the building blocks of music production. It taught me how to balance layers, create melodies, and work with percussion. I still use those lessons, reshaping and reinventing elements in my own way, finding new directions within familiar frameworks.
You’ve garnered support from some influential names. Now, with Dream Sequence, what’s next on the horizon?
I want to keep expanding my performance reach, ideally hitting stages like EDC, Tomorrowland, and Coachella, and to work with artists I’ve long admired. My hope is for Dream Sequence to inspire listeners to pursue their own creative journeys, just as this album reflects mine.
From performing at Burning Man to Electric Forest, how do these live experiences impact what you do in the studio?
Each live set feeds back into my studio work. The energy of a crowd, the vibe of a space, even moments of improvisation—they all find their way into my production process. It’s a cycle that makes my music feel alive, connecting my experiences to the stories I tell through sound.
Alex Kislov – Dream Sequence is out now