Belgian born Alix Depauw is the face behind production moniker Alix Perez and Shades (w/Eprom). Alix released his debut album “1984” to critical acclaim via the much revered imprint Shogun Audio in 2009. Since then he has released a 2nd studio album, multiple EP’s, launched a label and has collaborated with the foremost names in dance and electronic music including; Noisia, Foreign Beggars, dBridge, EPROM and many more. Following the release of his 2nd album Chroma Chords in 2013, Alix was asked to do a BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix, which was nominated for essential mix of the year. After this album Alix went onto release EP’s on Exit Records before a collaborative EP with Ivy Lab on Critical Music.
In 2016 Alix launched his own imprint; 1985 Music. The label promotes multiple club nights globally. Highlights include festival stages at Outlook and Shambhala. Almost every release on the label has found its way to number 1 in the Beatport charts, and in 2017 the label won ‘Best New Label’ at the Drum and Bass Arena Awards (by public vote).
In 2015 whilst on a trip to LA, Alix first collaborated with Portland artist Eprom and formed Shades. Shades have since released 4 EP’s and full length EP which came out on Zed’s Dead’s imprint; Deadbeats this year. As duo they have toured globally and received much critical acclaim. 2019 will see further releases along with an impressive North American festival run of dates.
Between his solo project as Alix Perez, Shades (w/ Eprom), his record label, and playing 100 shows a year, there is much to expect from this highly prolific artist. Alix will be playing in his home country at Rampage 2019 Weekend 29th-31st March for the shows 10th anniversary. Now, to talk us through his 5 best gigs of 2018 we will let Alix take it from here.
Let It Roll, Winter Music Festival, Prague / 17.02.2018
Let It Roll is the largest drum and bass festival pulling in people from across the globe. Last year I played their summer edition but also their winter one which happens over one night cross 2 stages. I performed with SP:MC on mic duties, and the set was streamed live which made it even more exciting (at the same time nerve racking). I really enjoyed this set, it felt natural even with a couple of technical difficulties at the start. The crowd in Czech republic is always educated and responsive.
1985 Music Takeover, Shambhala Festival, Merrit, Canada / 10.08.2018
Shambhala is situated in the beautiful nature of British Columbia in Canada. There’s nothing quite like it, or not that I’ve experienced before. Set beside a lake you have several stages amongst a community of festival goers which are some of the most welcoming people I’ve come across. This was my second time performing at the festival but this time we had a 4 hour label takeover at the amphitheater stage which was amazing. I played alongside label mates Skeptical, Monty and Chimpo. The hospitality and community spirit of this festival is really what makes it special amongst the music and production. I can’t recommend it enough!
Bassrush, San Bernadino, California / 20.07.2018
This 2 day event was definitely a highlight of the summer NA American tour we did as SHADES (Eprom and myself). Sonic and visual production levels on the stage were very high and the crowd was really engaged.
Curated by, Paradiso, Amsterdam / 19.09.2018
Curated by is a series of events that lets the artist curate it’s own line up based on influences, experiences and a reflection of the past, present and future. I was fortunate to be asked to create my own edition last September. Not only is it a great concept, it’s also held at the legendary Paradiso venue right in the heart of the city. Getting to play music with the view of venue and atmosphere was really something special.
1985 Music, Hidden, Manchester / 06.08.2018
I’ve got a lot of love for Manchester. I’ve been playing here for well beyond a decade and have often worked with Hit & Run who have contributed to the electronic music scene for a long time. This time we did a label takeover in conjunction with Chimpo’s imprint Box ‘n’ Lock. This city really knows what’s up when it comes to music and it’s talent and heritage is immeasurable.
The post Tour Guide – Alix Perez picks his 5 best gigs of 2018 ahead of Rampage 2019 Weekend appeared first on Decoded Magazine.