Montréal promoters La Bacchanale are set to bring the city’s underground to a standstill this week as they present their very first festival. Titled ‘Ancient Future’, the weekender will see a confrontation of classical values with modernity, youth and future aspirations. This confrontation will be highlighted in the program as the festival welcomes some of the pioneers of house and techno along with what is the fate and future of the scene, namely Extrawelt, Omar S, Delano Smith, Par Grindvik, Answer Code request and many more. Among them will be Dystopian’s Alex.do, who will be making his first trip to Quebec. We caught up Berlin-based producer ahead of the adventure for some quick-fire questions!
WWD: Thanks for taking the time to chat Alex! You’re all set for the very first Bacchanale Festival in Montréal. It’s both an eclectic and impressive array of artists on show. Is that something that appeals to you?
A: Sure, in a way. I’m really looking forward to it.
WWD: Will it be your first time in Montréal?
A: Yes it will. Also one more reason for me to be excited because of the show over there.
WWD: Your style has been described with words like raw and intense. In your eyes, what is the key to sustaining a set of that nature?
A: I really like to jump between genres and styles and to tell kinda story, which is – for me of course – only possible with a non static set structure. I think this how I keep that energy level.
WWD: You’re based out of Berlin. How important is the city as an artistic base to you?
A: It’s really important. I’ve met and still meet so many people here, which helped me on my ways. Also you’ve got a lot of different things to discover in Berlin which can be a new source of inspiration.
WWD: Can you give us the 3 most inspiring elements of the city for you?
A: 1.: Friends. – For me the most important thing. From every point of view.
2.: Music. – Berlin has got a super strong music scene and there is so much coming out of this city.
3.: Fluctuation – The city is in a constant movement which brings new things easily.
WWD: Both contemplative and club-orientated techno appear to be on the rise right now. Do you weigh more importance on the conceptual aspect of techno or on the dance-floor appeal?
A: I love both and really like to experiment. In the studio as well as on dance floor while I’m playing.
WWD: How have things developed on the Dystopian front over the Summer months?
A: Impressive. All the guys where touring a lot and playing the big shows at huge stages. Also the label is doing well. There was Rødhåd’s ‚Kinder der Ringwelt‘ EP in June and now there’s the Armitage Ep “They Live”. Next up is the second EP by Distant Echoes . I really like all of these releases and I’m really happy about all the positive feedback we’re receiving.
WWD: What does the rest of 2015 hold for Alex.do and Dystopian?
A: Music, music and music. The thing we love!