K’ Alexi – Influences

 
Music

We all know how important the city of Chicago is in dance music history. Along with spawning some of the finest sounds around, it has been home to all manner of the finest DJs, producers and musically-minded people around. One such figure is house music pioneer K' Alexi who spent the '80s developing friendships with the likes of Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy and hasn't stopped letting the music flow through him ever since. Before he heads to London this weekend, we asked him to tell us about some of the sights and sounds that have influenced him the most throughout his career. 


See K' Alexi at Night Sheen on Saturday 15th August at East Bloc, find out more here.

Purple Rain (1984) Official Trailer - Prince, Apollonia Kotero Movie Hd

This film came at a time when there wasn’t ANYTHING like it then or now and helped shape my young high school self.

  • Purple Rain (1984) Official Trailer - Prince, Apollonia Kotero Movie Hd

    This film came at a time when there wasn’t ANYTHING like it then or now and helped shape my young high school self.

  • The Five Heartbeats (1991)

    Just a great film that helped me see that who you start off the musical journey with isn’t always easy and this music business is just that. A BUSINESS.

  • Cadillac Records - Theatrical Release Trailer - 2008 Movie - Usa

    This film, like the other two has a great soundtrack and an even better message which resonates with me even now as the first record label in my home #Chicago. Plus, showing how we as a people have then and now been ripped off from start to finish.

  • As - Stevie Wonder

    What can really be said about Stevie except genius and a must play for my adult sets only.

  • Loleatta Holloway - Hit And Run (Walter Gibbons 12" Remix)

    OMG powerful lyrics and a soulful voice unparalleled I miss her voice and style so much and another must play I’d go crazy on back at my Sunday night residency at the warehouse.

  • Michael Jackson - The Lady Of My Life

    This and him altogether taught me style and melody of voice.

  • Marvin Gaye - I Want You - Unreleased Remix

    This song shows me even today that the feelings are there, it’s the tapping into yourself that’s the trick of leaving yourself so wide open and vulnerable.

  • Frankie Goes To Hollywood - "Two Tribes" - 12" Mix - Hq Stereo

    I remember Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy playing this record and making it sound as tall and wide as the sky and me thinking ‘I want to make music so grand’.

  • Risque Iii Essence Of A Dream

    My first solo record that almost didn’t get vocals on it cause I’d run over on studio time but they told me I could do it only if I got it right in one take. Needless to say I did and even now thinking about it I’m filled with pride.

  • Roy Ayers - Want You

    What could be said about another open and raw talented brother? When he opened himself up and let you in we could all feel his joys and pains, teaching me once again to give freely of myself but tread lightly inside of me as you’re an invited guest.