Q&A: An Interview with DJ Alex Ferbeyre

We all remember DJ Alex Ferbeyre (Then known as Maximus 3000) from his days DJing the white room at Living Room Fridays. Every time I would go into his room, it would always be packed and he would always have a smile on his face; the energy was great. Alex has played almost every major space in South Florida, owns a few record labels, and continues to grow in the Music Industry. It was great to sit down with my buddy Alex for this exclusive Hotspots interview. 

When did you realize you wanted to be a DJ?

In my late teens, I was in college attending the Art Institute for visual arts and began playing music during my gallery exhibits as an experiment. Shortly afterwards, I started fusing live performances of playing music during the exhibits as a regular thing. This sparked my interest to pursue it full time.  After Arts College, I entered into Music Business and Music theory, and finally Broadcast journalism, which really made me go for it as a profession. I have always loved music and had been ingesting music for decades, so it was a natural progression. I also love making people happy and dance!

Where are you from? What brought you to South Florida?

I am a native of Miami – 3rd generation Cuban American, and grew up here in the 80s.  Very proud to have experienced all the music movements spawned in the “Magic City.”

What was your first residency, and how did that feel?

My first residency was “Electro-A-Go-Go!”on South Beach (my old stomping ground) a hybrid goth/electro/hipster/80s night (which was my first passion and lineage). I couldn’t wait week after week to create our events. I was also the co-promoter, so a lot of components were explored from booking guest DJs and booking bands to being an official hub for US promotions for record labels like EMI, Astralwerks etc. We held official parties for Erasure, Kylie Minogue, Duran Duran, and Goldfrapp just to name a few.  My first major residency was Living Room in Fort Lauderdale. That was truly life changing, and I had to up my game (as I had sort of branded myself as an electro house DJ up until then).  I was humbled at the response and crowds I was playing to. This residency really opened the doors to festivals and pride events. I am so grateful for the four years I played there.

What separates you from other DJs?

I’d like to think that because of my mixed background (coming from being a mobile DJ, to eventually fusing 80’s/Goth and Retro with House and open format/Mashup style as I did at Living Room) that I have less boundaries and more wings to spread my chops. I truly feel I can play to virtually any crowd both underground, and mainstream. In the LGBT/circuit industry, it’s rare for DJs to cross over and play “straight” events or corporate or family events. Some of the events I played are: City of Miami Beach (fire on the fourth, Sleepless night); inc500 Conference, and played posh places like the W. I also still maintain a vibration centered in nightclubs and circuit events like GayDays, White Party, Winter Party, etc. I am so excited to be able to play to so many different crowds, all in the vein of good music.

What are some memorable moments from the DJ booth?

I have to say the truly mind-blowing ones are the times I get to meet some of my idols in music. Opening up for La India at Miami Beach Pride’s inaugural year was one of those moments. Every time I get to rub shoulders with Major Artitsts and Musicians, like Andy Bell during Stonewall (considering that just less than a few years before that I was doing a promotion in a small bar in SoBe for Erasure), or Jennifer Holiday etc., I have to sit back and take stock at just how much work I’ve put into my career and how far I’ve come. Every time I reach a new stratosphere I have to pinch myself to make sure i’m not dreaming!

Other than DJing, what do you like to do for fun?

I have really warmed up to physical fitness and sports, it’s become a centering for me and a break from all the hustle and flow of running my record label, producing and doing brand/design for my company 8025 Promo. I love running; it’s become my meditation. I am also a severe thalassophile (someone who enjoys the ocean) and enjoy sunrises at the beach, it’s truly one of my favorite things to do! It helps to slow and smell the flowers, so to speak. I am also a huge geek – I read comic books and i’m obsessed with marvel and the marvel cinematic universe.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Loyal, loving and dedicated.

What does the future hold for you?

I’m sort of in a renaissance and i’m creating some new radio shows and podcast series, which is currently available on iTunes, mixcloud , google play + more (Alex Ferbeyre Presents PLAY). I’m also working on some original music and music videos and an anthology/mix of my remix and production career. I’m currently booking and licensing my brand subWOOFer to other cities and seeking to work with more promoters outside of the US. It’s all happening and I couldn’t be happier!

Top 10 this week:

It’s hard to narrow down to top 10, but I can say there a few flavors and producers that are really resonating with me right now – CamelPhat , MK , Hotsince ’82,  Me and My ToothBrush, and EDX just to name a few. Locally I’m really proud of some of the work my peers are doing, Guy DeCianto, Barry Huffine, Shemuel, and Charlie Droze. These local artists are really evolving and i’m super excited to see what else they have in store.