ALEXA PERL
Alexa Perl's journey into DJing and producing music started with her early fascination with house music, fueled by her father's introduction to European house tracks. This passion flourished during her college years, particularly while studying abroad in Barcelona and immersing herself in the vibrant house music scene of iconic destinations like Ibiza. Eager to share this unique sound with audiences in the U.S., Perl made the bold decision to pursue a career as a DJ in 2019. Starting with humble beginnings, she honed her skills in the comfort of her bedroom, supported by encouragement from friends and mentors. Her debut on the public stage came at a holiday party, a stepping stone that paved the way for further opportunities. As she continued to perform, Perl learned music production and released her first track, "Give Me More," on Friday, June 7th.
"Give Me More," samples the 2002 hit "Just A Little" by UK pop group Liberty X. The track taps into nostalgia, blending familiar vocals and melodies, creating a connection with listeners. With deep funk and a disco beat, "Give Me More" has layers of drums, guitars, bass, and strings, drawing inspiration from the classic house records that shaped Perl's musical journey. "Give Me More" captures the spirit of disco groove, encouraging listeners to immerse themselves in euphoria and enjoy the music.
Alexa Perl has more in the works, with five new tracks currently in development. These tracks have a heavy disco vibe mixed with early 2000s nostalgia, a blend that Perl enjoys experimenting with. Among her upcoming projects is a collaboration with Superfly on a reimagined version of their early 2000s track "Let's Get Down," adding her unique sound. Additionally, Perl is working on a few remixes with Revival Records.
Perl faces several challenges as a DJ. She says the market saturation is significant; it seems like everyone is learning the basics of DJing, making it difficult for her to stand out and build a career. Additionally, while she's confident that people will enjoy the house music she plays, it's not as familiar to audiences in the States, especially in LA, where hip hop and top hits dominate. Proving that her sound will get people on the dance floor is tough, particularly since she only has one track released. Lastly, being a female in this space presents its own set of challenges. The response can be polarized—either strong enthusiasm or reluctance to work with her. She mentions she's found support from amazing people who are excited about having a young woman in this field. However, breaking the mold in a male-dominated industry remains a daunting task.
For females trying to break into the industry, Perl shares the importance of confidence in everything they do. She encourages women to lean into their female energy, as it’s something the industry needs more of. Perl finds that people are drawn to her as a woman and that bringing a feminine spark and spice to the dance floor enhances her gigs. Embracing this female approach is crucial. Additionally, she highlights the supportive community among women in the industry. When meeting other female DJs, there's a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, as they understand the challenges of being underrepresented. Perl advises women to have the confidence to take the leap into the industry, as there is always a need for more female DJs and music artists.
