EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Few stories resonate as deeply as that of Alci, the Turkish Origin but Switzerland-born DJ and produ- cer whose journey from obscurity to international recognition is nothing short of inspirational. Alci’s path wasn’t straightforward; it was fraught with self-doubt, personal struggles, and moments where giving up seemed like the only option. Yet, through sheer determination and an unwavering passion for music, he transformed these challenges into ste- pping stones, leading him to become a celebrated name in the industry. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative magic of music.
Reflecting on his early days, Alci recalls a time when he almost abandoned his dreams. After a de- cade of producing music and DJing across Zurich’s vibrant club scene, the constant struggle between his passion and the practical demands of life led him to the brink of quitting. It was a friend’s encoura- gement to submit his tracks to Robsoul Recordings that reignited his passion. This pivotal moment, marked by a supportive response from label owner Phil Weeks, set Alci on a new trajectory, proving that perseverance and a single spark of encourage- ment can change everything. This moment (2012) was not just a career breakthrough but a profound personal victory that rekindled his belief in his craft.
The decision to move to Ibiza in 2013 was another defining chapter in Alci’s journey. This bold move symbolized his commitment to his music and his wi- llingness to take risks to pursue his dreams.
Living out of a rented car and fully immersing himself in Ibiza’s legendary club scene, Alci connec- ted with influential DJs and saw his music resonate with international audiences. This period was trans- formative, not just professionally but also persona- lly, as it deepened his connection to the music and the community that embraced it. His story, marked by grit, passion, and an unwavering belief in the power of music, continues to inspire many aspiring artists around the world.
BEGINNINGS: A LOVE FOR MUSIC AND STRUGGLE FOR EXPRESSION
Born Alci Fatih just outside of Zurich, Alci’s initial foray into the music world was through hip-hop. He was deeply involved in the vibrant street culture, embracing graffiti and breakdancing. However, his transition to electronic music was not immediate. For Alci, the early days were marked by a sense of disconnection from the genre, finding it boring and unengaging. It wasn’t until his exposure to the nightlife and club scenes, particularly in Ibiza, that he began to see electronic music’s true potential.
Alci’s struggle with stuttering profoundly impac- ted his early life, making verbal expression diffi- cult. Music became his refuge, a universal language that allowed him to communicate and connect with others without the constraints of words. This personal challenge fueled his dedication to music, turning what
obstacle into a powerful driving force in his creative journey.
“I always struggled, especially during school with my self-expression. I was a stutter and I could not ar- ticulate myself properly. Having a stutter cuts your tongue so that you don’t want to talk anymore and the connection with people becomes much more ob- servational.
could have been a debilitating
“But the freedom I found with this type of music where there are barely any words interested me a lot. I found a new way of putting my thoughts out there. It transformed my life. Now, I have a background to communicate and express myself through the eyes and ears of others”.
“The impact music had on me, plus the vision of traveling the world and playing the music I love was so strong that I invested every minute in that craft, the freedom of expression through frequencies”.
2013 marked a pivotal moment in Alci’s career. Despite spending a decade honing his craft and playing in nearly every club in Zurich, he found himself at a crossroads, contemplating whether to abandon his dreams of music production and DJing. The struggle of balancing a passion for music with the practicalities of life seemed impossible.
However, a friend’s encouragement to submit his music to Phil Weeks, the owner of Robsoul Recor- dings, changed everything.
“Before I had my first release in 2013, I quit DJing after playing at almost every club in Zurich Despite the challenges, I dedicated every free minute of my life to the studio, even sacrificing weekends and partying to learn and master my craft. I would only do it for myself at home when it came to DJing.
There came a point when I was worn down and seriously considered quitting. It seemed like ever- yone around me was either pursuing education or investing time into finding a job or whatever. But just when I was about to give up, a friend encouraged me to send some music for a label”.
Initially met with silence, Alci’s persistence paid off when Phil Weeks finally responded, expressing genuine interest in his tracks. This validation from an industry veteran not only rekindled his passion but also set the stage for his first major release.
The success of this release catapulted him into the international music scene, proving that perseveran- ce and unwavering dedication could turn dreams into reality.
“After much contemplation, I decided to send my music to Phil Weeks, the label owner of Robosul Recordings. It was my favorite label, and it resonated with my love for hip-hop culture. I emailed my tracks to him, but I received no response. Undeterred, I messaged him on Facebook too, but still no answer. Frustrated yet determined, I saw that he was online and reached out once again, pleading for any sign of acknowledgment. This reply meant everything to me. The message read - I listen if I can, I reply if I play. If I play, I will tell you. Peace. - From that moment on, everything changed”.
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