Alex Musci: From Humble Beginnings to a Miami Mainstay
Discovering House Music and Taking the Plunge
Alex’s introduction to rave culture came through an unlikely source—Tchami. While not necessarily his preferred style of music, Tchami’s performance at Miami’s legendary Club Space gave Alex his first real taste of what a proper rave could feel like. By the time the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Alex was already captivated by house music and its subgenres. "I guess at that point it was already my favorite genre," he recalls.
With the pandemic halting his job in commercial real estate, Alex saw the unexpected free time as a chance to pick up a hobby he had always thought about—DJing. It started as a casual experiment, fueled by a controller he borrowed from a friend. What began as "fucking around" with his roommate’s board soon turned into something deeper. He purchased his own equipment and began experimenting, playing sets at home, poolside for his neighbors, and eventually for local friends at house parties.
Taking the Leap Into DJing
As time passed, Alex’s skills evolved, and the passion he poured into his craft led to more opportunities. One of his most serendipitous moments came during a poolside set. While Alex was casually playing for friends and neighbors, a club promoter happened to be in the crowd. Drawn to Alex’s unique sound and energy, the promoter approached him with an offer that would change the trajectory of his DJ career. "He told me he loved my set and that my sound had real potential. Next thing I know, I’m booked to play at his club," Alex recalls. Although that particular club no longer exists, that first set was a major turning point. It gave him the confidence to see DJing as more than a hobby.
In Ohio, Alex played direct support for various artists at local clubs, including channel Tres and Noizu, further cementing his growing reputation. His involvement with collectives like Prime Social Group allowed him to get involved with after-parties for festivals like Breakaway Music Festival, and soon he was performing at nearly every meaningful venue in Columbus.
The Transition to Production
Like many DJs, Alex’s DJing journey eventually led to a deeper hunger: production. "DJing felt less fulfilling after a while, and I felt like my ceiling was low," Alex reflects. He wanted more out of his craft and realized that to push himself further, he had to start producing his own tracks. "It feels great when you play someone else's track and it hits, but I wanted to experience that feeling with my own music," he says.
Inspired by artists like Joseph Capriati, whose percussive drums and diverse vocal samples shaped his DJ sets, Alex decided to take the plunge into music production. Self-taught through YouTube tutorials and advice from other producers in Ohio, Alex started working on tracks that reflected his unique sound—minimal, techy, and laced with Latin-inspired vibes.
Moving to Miami: A Game-Changer
In 2022, Alex made a pivotal move to Miami. Already enamored with the city’s vibrant house scene from past visits, he knew that relocating to the city would expose him to new opportunities, sounds, and collaborations. "Miami is the perfect place for house music," he explains. "I knew this was the sound I wanted to pursue, and I needed to be where it was thriving."
Since moving to Miami, Alex has performed at several key venues, including 1-800-Lucky, Mode, and The Trip. Mode, in particular, holds a special place in his heart as the venue where he feels his sound resonates the most. "I've been fortunate enough to connect with the right people and get put on the right lineups," Alex says. He also emphasizes the importance of playing at venues where his sound fits the crowd's expectations.
Influences and Production Journey
Alex’s production style draws heavily from his influences—artists like Joseph Capriati, whose DJing and track selection he tries to emulate, particularly in the heavy, percussive elements of his music. He’s also inspired by the warm, organic bass lines of Miguelle & Tons and the percussive party vibes of The Martinez Brothers, blending these diverse sounds to create a style that is uniquely his own.
Currently, Alex is working on new music, including an upcoming track with a warm, minimal bassline and Latin-inspired percussion, which he’s excited to release soon. "Each track I make feels like a step forward," Alex says, noting the progress he’s made since diving into production. "I don’t rush it—I want to release music that I’m proud to play."
Advice for Aspiring DJs and Producers
As someone who has made the journey from DJing poolside to playing in clubs and producing his own tracks, Alex has valuable advice for those just starting out in the world of DJing and production.
For DJs, Alex emphasizes the importance of understanding the crowd and learning to balance your own sound with what will resonate with them. "You want to have your own sound, but at the end of the day, you're playing to the crowd. Find a way to draw them in with something familiar while keeping your own style," he advises. He also cautions against overthinking it. "The more you think about it, the worse you’ll do. Trust your gut, feel the music, and vibe with the crowd."
When it comes to producing, Alex’s key advice is patience and perseverance. "Get comfortable with being bad at first," he laughs. "You're going to suck in the beginning—whether it's DJing or producing. But if you stick with it, you'll improve. It’s about chipping away, learning from your mistakes, and constantly pushing forward." He also stresses the importance of learning from others. "Absorb as much as you can from people you respect, and take pieces from everywhere to build your own sound."
Looking Ahead
As Alex continues to build his career, he’s excited about the future, including upcoming shows at The Sylvester with Groovers Only and his very own party at Eighth Street Brickell alongside The Groove Palace founder prince!. "I’ve reached a point where I can give back to the people who have helped me along the way," he says. For Alex, the sense of community in Miami has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his journey. He’s committed to helping others as he grows in his career, showing appreciation to those who have supported him along the way.
With a commitment to quality and an eye toward growth, Alex Musci is on the rise, ready to take his sound to new heights and push the boundaries of what he can achieve as both a DJ and producer.
Alex Musci’s mix is now live on The Groove Palace SoundCloud, taking listeners on a captivating journey through his signature sound.