Alex Farell – “People Just Hop On Trends”
With plenty of love going out to Enrico Sangiuliano, we put rising hard-techno phenomenon Alex Farell through our revamped Q&A - diving into his journey, influences, and what’s ahead.
Alex Farell is one of the UK’s youngest forces in hard techno and hard dance. Starting production at 12 and playing clubs by 14, he quickly rose from Liverpool newcomer to international standout. His early releases gained major DJ support and led to a viral Boiler Room debut at 16, followed by key signings with Teletech and standout tracks on Reckless, Taapion, HEKATE, and We Are The Brave. With major festival appearances and a debut album on the way, Farell champions the idea that age is no barrier to making an impact in electronic music.
Why music?
I’ve always listened to music religiously since I can remember. My mum and dad always had music playing in the house so i always had a very good ear for it.
If you weren't making music, what would you be doing?
I really don’t know, to be honest. I kind of gave up in school from the age of about 13. Once I found out what DJing and music production were, I think I kind of self-sabotaged myself, so I felt I HAD to make it as a DJ or producer, since I didn’t really have any other skills.
What's the best advice you’ve ever received?
Adapt or get left behind. In the climate of this scene, where everything is changing pretty much every few months, it’s easy to try to stick to one sound, but these days it doesn’t seem to work.
What sparks your creativity?
Hearing good new music is always very good for inspiration and creativity.
Who’s the next name everyone should know?
MXGN - he is a crazy producer from Liverpool, my hometown, and he uses lots of analogue and live equipment in his productions.
Best moment in a club or studio?
My favourite moment in a club was probably my international debut in Maaschricht, Netherlands, when I was 15. It was just so crazy to be so young playing my music in a foreign country.
What's the worst job you’ve ever had?
I have never had a regular job, which is kind of crazy. I’ve managed to make good money from music since I was about 14 through various means
How do you know when a track's finished?
I usually try to finish my tracks as quick as possible, that way I don’t get hung up on the small things. If you overwork a track, you will find that the original version is always the best and the purest.
How do you like to finish your sets?
I usually close with a big ravey tune - or something with a lot of emotion that people are gonna go home and remember.
What was your last day job before going full-time in music?
Like I said before, I haven’t had a job
Which track do you wish you’d made?
Enrico Sanguliano - "Astral Projection".
What’s the easiest way to break into music?
Producing is the best way to break into music - nowadays anyone can DJ - it’s really easy with the technology. But producing is a completely different ball game and takes years to master.
What’s the worst track or set you’ve ever done?
I don’t really think there is a worst set, I’ve probably dropped a set that isn’t up to usual standard. But I’ve never car crashed a set or anything.
How do you organise your music collection for your sets?
I just add a few new tunes each week I want to play and add them to my collection, which is really big now, then I just feel the vibe of the club and see what I think the crowd is looking for.
[quote align=right text="anyone can make industrial, it is so easy, and it sounds terrible. But some people like it, I guess. It just takes 0 talent to create"]
Recommend a film.
Human traffic
Recommend a book.
I’ve never read a book, I don’t think
Favourite internet clip of all time, music or otherwise?
Enrico Sanguliano dropping astral projection at WHP back in 2017 – goosebumps.
Who or what deserves more credit?
MXGN - he is a very underrated producer.
Who or what gets too much hype?
Industrial DJs and producers - anyone can make industrial it is so easy and it sounds terrible. But some people like it I guess. It just takes 0 talent to create.
What can’t you stop doing?
Producing.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I don't really know?!
What’s your biggest regret?
I have no regrets can’t have regrets in life there is no point.
What would most improve your life right now?
Nothing, my life is great.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the arse?
Collaborations are a great experience to receive and give new knowledge.
What’s the key to a great DJ mix?
Feeling the vibe of the room. If you are opening, don’t play a set full of bangers; you need to warm up the room first. The same goes for when you are closing: don’t play low-energy tracks, or everyone will leave.
How do you unwind?
After a weekend of touring, I like to go to the gym and go to the studio to unwind.
One bit of kit or software you can’t live without - and why?
I can’t live without the FabFilter plugins.
Art or money?
Art. Always.
Which DJ / producer (choose accordingly) taught or helped you the most?
Sara Landry really helped me understand the scene and taught me many production techniques.
Favourite sportsperson ever?
Seamus Coleman.
Vinyl, USBs or laptop?
Laptop.
Strangest place you made a track or did a set?
The strangest place I’ve made a track is probably in the backstage of Prty festival in Glasgow, I was on in 2 hours so made a quick idea hoping to open up the night with it and it ended up being a good fit so I dropped it and it went off!
Must-visit record store or studio?
Filth on Acid studio in Amsterdam.
What’s your biggest frustration in the music world?
My biggest frustration is probably people wanting to be DJs now for the attention. People just hop on trends, and when one dies, they hop on another. It’s stupid. They don’t wanna put in the hours but want everyone to know their name.
Favourite label and why?
Drumcode - it was probably the reason I started to produce techno.
What’s the hardest thing about making or playing music?
Making music can be very frustrating, sometimes you go in the studio and nothing will come but you have to keep trying over and over again.
What’s your motto?
Be grateful.
Name something timeless.
Enrico Sanguliano’s music
Drop a quick tip – best production or DJ advice in a single sentence.
Be unique
Complete this: At heart, I’m just a frustrated…
...nerd!
If someone heard your music or saw your set in a thousand years, what would it say about our time?
That it was sick…
Can music change the world?
100% music can change a lot, including the world
What are you listening to right now?
Enrico Sangiuliano ?
What should everyone do before they die?
Go to a proper techno rave.
Find Alex Farell on Instagram.
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