Where do I start in such a big event?
We’re currently sipping beers in the Digitally Imported lounge, listening to a nervous looking young DJ, playing to some of the biggest industry heavy hitters. It’s been a whirlwind couple of days so far.
We started off the conference interviewing probably one of the nicest people I have ever met in the music industry, not to mention, one of the more diverse and talented. Despite being so humble and friendly, he’s still played in huge events, for up to 100,000 people all around the world.
If you have not heard of Alyosha Barreiro, you need to look him up.
His music is all over the place, from more minimal, to more banging and even tribal. His live performances can incorporate fire dancers, tribal dress and drums, huge lighting arrangements, strings, you name it. This is not an artist defined by boundaries, but more defined by learning what is possible.
He got his start in 1994, when he got recruited for his first electronic music job, playing percussion for Paul Van Dyk. Since then, he pursued both his electronic and nonelectronic passions as a musician, and gets the rare opportunity to combine them both. Beyond just a DJ, he in a composer, educator, and graduate degreed jazz percussionist. We got to know Alyosha over coffee, hung out at badge pick up, and hit up the first few events together.
In addition to being a globe trotting performer, he also gives back, both with master classes and education for high school age kids who want to be musicians, djs, and producers.
We had a chance to interview him on video after our day was nearly over. When we have a little more time, we’re going to upload it to share with you. In the meantime, check him out at www.alyoshabarreiro.com/
Journalist/blogger since 2009 and music lover since 1980. Bex now travels the world and writes and takes photos of dance events, creates art in various media, sings quietly to her cat in the shower, and occasionally builds something that tends to involve a blowtorch. She can usually be seen hiding behind some sort of camera rig.
