We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alex Whatley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alex thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I started off as a bedroom DJ with absolutely no equipment except for my family computer. I would download my favorite songs and splice them together using software such as Audacity in order create blends and mixes. It wasn’t until 2017 that I acquired my first controller and started learning how to DJ. I never really used anything to aid me in learning other than simply watching other DJs play. I fell in love with studying the techniques and storytelling of other DJs. I applied these techniques to my practicing at home. Through utilizing my controller to make mixes at home.

I finally booked my first show at a warehouse in Philadelphia in 2018. This was different for me, as components such as reading a crowd now came into play. Little did I know that this would be the most important part of my craft. Learning how to read a crowd is kind of like an experiment. I often make eye contact with dancers and read their body language to know what to do next in order to keep them engaged. This is something I am still learning, but I’m getting better at it with every show.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was heavily inspired by a girl that I was mutuals with on Tumblr who was a DJ. Music has always been at the center of my life, so I said “I can do that too.” I started off with no equipment, splicing sounds together on my family computer using Audacity. Eventually, I acquired my first controller in 2017 and began learning how to use equipment and getting booked to play local shows as a DJ. I believe that my ear for rhythm and ability to read a crowd in order to play the music that they want to hear sets me apart from other DJs. My ultimate goal through DJing is to keep the sound of underground dance music alive and well. When you attend one of my shows, there is always room for you to hear unfamiliar sounds that draw you in. I love mixing multiple genres into one set.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think what’s most rewarding for me is being able to have freedom. There are absolutely no boundaries in creating art, and I take so much pride in being able to do whatever it is that encourages me to “add my own style.”

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My overall goal is to keep underground dance music alive and growing. I always want to create an environment where people feel safe to dance and escape.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/flotussin
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/flotussin

Image Credits
Credit for Personal Photo: Theresa @blu3sdigitals Credit for Additional Photo (crowd): Will @low.bo