Interview with Alexis Grace

Alexis Grace needs no introductions to us here at DJ Mag and to followers of the local electronic dance music scene here in South East Asia. This talented young Malaysian started DJing back in the year 2013 and has only continued to move upward in her music career, performing live sets in countries such as as Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore & Australia while even having launched her own radio show, ‘Mamamia’, FM-broadcasted in India Superhits 93.5 RED FM. Alexis was trained as a professional gymnast, hip hop dancer and singer during her childhood years before teaching herself how to work the decks. Now, she’s recognised by clubbers and fans around the world for her energetic yet unique style. We here at Dj Mag had the honour of catching up with Alexis Grace last month, hearing what she has to say about the current electronic music scene here in Malaysia, her favourite genres to spin and some of her plans for the year 2018.

The Interview

1. Tell us what you think about the current electronic music scene in Malaysia?
It’s tough. There are so many unheard rules and regulations, limitations, event cancellations without any reasoning - all of these are turning the electronic music scene in Malaysia into a negative platform. But I’m still trying my best to bring the scene out from that red area by just performing my best and showcase what a Malaysian DJ can offer.


2. Share with us some DJs that have inspired you in your DJ career? Also, share with us some upcoming artists and producers that you feel we should be keeping an eye out for this year.
Uberjak'd, Will Sparks, Timmy Trumpet, Carnage, Joel Fletcher, Kshmr, Skrillex - I love all of them and definitely artists that everyone should keep an eye out for this year.

3. What inspired you to become a DJ? How did you first get involved in the industry & what do you enjoy about it.
In the early stages of my life, I was a gymnast, hip hop dancer and a singer. I was already exposed to different genres of music at that time. However the tipping point was during a rave in Sepang. David Guetta was on stage and at that moment I realised - being a DJ is a really cool person to be. We can play songs that we genuinely enjoy and able to see other people enjoy, laugh and dance the night away to your songs; this is what I love to see.

I’m a self taught DJ. I took in advices and learned from professional DJs that have been in the music industry for a long time. YouTube was also a huge help. All of these made me who I am today.


4. What genres do you enjoy listening to? Also, what are your favourite genres to spin as a DJ and why?
I’ve never been selective with my music choices, so I’m always listening to all kinds of music genres, from Reggae to EDM. As for my sets, I tend to focus more towards bounce and psychedelic trance. These genres are more upbeat, fun, popular, and you’ll get to see people dance and sing along to them.


5. Share with us some of your plans for 2018.
2018 will be huge for me. I’ll be focusing more on production works, creating tracks and mixtapes, and my Zoophoria Liveset Party. Hopefully this will also be the year that i’ll get to explore more Asean and Europe countries. I’m also currently in the midst of planning a Indonesia and China tour, so do stay tuned for that!


6. Where can we find you spinning in Kuala Lumpur and which local nightclubs do you think are definitely worth paying a visit?
I’m not a resident DJ at any clubs for the time being but you’ll still be able to see me at certain events as a guest DJ or even just as a special guest appearance.That’s why you need to follow me on my social media accounts - Facebook and Instagram to see where I’ll be heading to next. For those who are new to KL or looking for places to dance the night away, I highly recommend TREC KL and Kyo. But personally, I love going to speakeasy/hidden bars such as Skullduggery and PS150. Any bar that has a nice environment and good drinks, you’ll most likely see me there sipping on cocktails.

7. Share with us a little about your life when you’re not busy on the decks.
When I’m not spinning or in clubs, I’m pretty much a home girl that loves cooking and eating (broccolis are my ultimate fav!). I love reading comic books too and I daydream a lot. When I have a bit of spare time, I do a bit of recording either at home, whenever I’m running errands outside, or when I’m travelling abroad - then I edit them and post it up on my YouTube channel. Visiting theme parks, swimming, and jungle trekking are also in my favourite to-do list.


8. Share with us an embarrassing moment that happened during your DJ career.
Embarrassing moment? There was this one time when I was already up on the console, midway through my set. It was a hot day, I drank too much water, and I had a very strong urge to pee but I couldn’t leave the set halfway. So the worst thing happened - I peed myself. But luckily no one was there at that time except for my PA, so she passed me a water bottle to rinse my pants (haha). It was definitely an unforgettable moment, but as long as the people enjoy listening to my music, then I’m happy.

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Follow Alexis Grace 
MUSIC: https://www.mixcloud.com/djalexisg/
VIDEOS: http://www.alexis-g.com/event-videos/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/djalexisgrace/?hl=en
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AlexisGraceDJ/

@2018 DJ MAG MALAYSIA
Jonathan Chew