Finding Rhythm: The Rise of Alex Romero
ALEX ROMERO
This week, The Groove Palace introduces Alex Romero, a Miami-based DJ and producer with a distinct high-energy style. From his roots in trance and techno to his current exploration of deep, tech-driven beats, Alex crafts sets that are both intense and immersive. Known for his powerful percussive layers and intricate basslines, Alex brings a unique sound that resonates across Miami's underground. Dive into his latest mix and experience the bold energy and precise rhythms that define his journey.
From Ecuador to Miami: Alex Romero’s Journey in Music
Alex Romero’s story begins in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where his early exposure to music was heavily influenced by his father. “My dad is heavy on house music,” Alex recalls, sharing how family trips around Ecuador were soundtracked by trance music playing from his dad’s car stereo. Tracks from old-school icons like Tiesto and Armin van Buuren left a lasting impression and became the foundation of his journey into electronic music.
After moving to Miami in 2008, Alex’s music taste continued to evolve. While he initially immersed himself in trance and house, he later branched out to harder sounds during his high school years. “I was weightlifting a lot, and my ear kind of changed for darker stuff, heavier stuff, like techno,” he explains. It wasn’t until a Ben Sterling set at Miami’s iconic Club Space that Alex fully committed to the tech and minimal house sound he’s now known for.
Getting Behind the Decks
Alex’s first experience with DJing came early, thanks to his father’s support. “My dad saw me watching the Ultra live streams,” he recalls. Recognizing Alex’s passion, his father bought him his first DJ controller during middle school. Though he set the controller aside during high school, his love for mixing reignited in 2018 when he bought a Pioneer DDJ-RB, a small controller that allowed him to dive deeper into DJing.
From there, Alex upgraded his equipment several times, eventually transitioning to club-standard CDJs and, most recently, exploring the world of Traktor and the Allen & Heath Xone 92 mixer, inspired by DJs like Iglesias and Paco Osuna. “I want to follow the Spaniard scene, the way they play is just brutal,” he shares, citing their high-energy, multi-deck mixing style as a major influence on his performances.
From DJing to Production
Alex’s production journey began while he was DJing at Crudo’s, a restaurant in Hallandale. There, he met a fellow DJ who introduced him to a mentor who had worked with major names like Marco Carola and Harvy Valencia. Alex invested heavily in one-on-one lessons to build a solid foundation in Ableton, eventually seeking mentorship from European producers like Matt Arnold, with whom he later collaborated on his standout track on Woodland Records.
Reflecting on his production style, Alex describes it as “high energy tech house” and admits he’s always looking to learn more. “I want people to dance—that’s the biggest goal,” he explains, emphasizing that he’s drawn to creating tracks that energize the dance floor. With aspirations to release on top labels like Mindshake Records, Alex is dedicated to honing his craft.
Looking Ahead
As he continues to evolve as an artist, Alex is focused on producing tracks that embody his energetic, percussive style. With upcoming releases on Heat Zone Records and collaborations with fellow Miami artists like Domo and Alex Musci, he’s committed to pushing his music forward.
For aspiring DJs and producers, Alex’s advice is straightforward: “Don’t quit. Just take a nap, try it again the next day, and keep at it until you eventually get it.”
Alex Romero’s journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for the music that has defined his life. From his early days in Ecuador to his ongoing contributions to Miami’s music scene, he’s steadily making his mark with every beat.