Alex Burkat: The Wednesday Alternative Mix

Music

Somewhere amidst the mean back streets of Philadelphia you might stumble upon Alex Burkat, producer, disc jockey and all round good guy. Across the last four years he has released music on a variety of labels which includes Mister Saturday Night, Permanent Vacation, 100% Silk and Third Ear Recordings. His sound is often aligned with what you might describe as more melodically inclined house and electronic music, his tracks as listenable upon a long walk as they are purpose built for the club.

As a disc jockey his variation in sound is aspirational, this mix features tracks from Outkast, Atoms For Peace, Roman Flugel and many, many more. A moderately paced mix of eclecticism and sublime taste.

Listen and read the interview below:

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you?

I'm an international citizen of planet Earth on planet Earth.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

I'd rather just sketch it out in person for you. In the meantime, visualise a symmetrical water fountain.

How did you form a relationship with Mr Saturday Night?

Through sonic exploration, honesty, attention to detail and prioritizing the Mind, Body and Soul. And ROFLs.

When did you first begin producing music?

When I was 16. Recorded everything to MiniDisc through an extremely bootleg setup.

Where was the mix recorded?

Vibin' in my apartment in Philly.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Walking around West Philly drinking a fresh smoothie where there's plenty of trees on affordable headphones and/or are anything but Beats™ by Dre headphones or cheap, wack ear buds.

What should we be wearing?

Whatever you want, fam. You do you.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location, system, format?

Eh. I already played plenty of gigs that were life changing for me so…don't really have grandiose aspirations. I just enjoy continuing to play to anyone who is critically and/or mindfully listening.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

"Cherushii feat. Maria Minerva – Thin Line." Some very heavy but beautiful vibes going on with that track.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Man. Tough. Not sure about "all time" but the first thing that comes to mind is "Spank Rock – FabricLive.33" and I'm rolling with it.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Spock.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

Did it all through Ableton until I realized playing hip hop by clicking a mouse was so wack so after that it was no turning back and I bought some 1200s and Serato.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

End definitely. Not enough DJs wind down.

What were the first and last records you bought?

First record I bought? Midnight Request Line by Skream. Last record I bought was Co La "Daydream Repeater" at R&D Vinyl in Philly. GET TO KNOW THAT SPOT, WORLD!