Electronic DJ, Alejo, formally known as Alex Hinger is the musical venture of the Cincinnati, Ohio native. Known for his thick and driving rhythms, Alejo does his part in inspiring the imagination of his listeners.
We caught up with him to learn more about his latest EP, The Waiting Room and how it was to be a part of Evolve 4/20 in Spokane.
Exclusive Electronic DJ Alejo Interview
*This interview was edited for clarity*
RMR: How has the feedback been after releasing The Waiting Room EP?
Alejo: I think I’ve had some pretty good feedback when it comes to The Waiting Room EP. I feel as though that record has kinda been a turning point for what I’ve been doing creatively as of late. The first song on the album, Thylacine, captured this gritty hip-hop vibe that seemed to turn some heads.
RMR: What inspired the tracks?
Alejo: The tunes on that record were created during a recent period of time in my life where I was being encouraged very strongly by Uncle Sam to remain healthy and uninhibited by consumption of any substances. My mentality during this time was one of both frustration, self discovery, and forced patience; hence the title of the EP. I certainly wasn’t going to give up writing music, so this also became a time of further exploration into the music I could create inspired by a life quite different than what I had become accustomed to.
RMR: Where did you come up with your sound from originally?
Alejo: I’m not quite sure if I could point to something in specific as to how I’ve developed my sound over the years. I feel like any creative artist that spends much of their life committed to their craft gains little bits and pieces of influence from the day they are born until the day they no longer exist. In my younger years I was very influenced by my father’s vast musical tastes, which soon after led me to set out on my own to develop my own personal flavor. Since then, my catalog of music seems to mirror much of the music that I enjoy listening to during the time I creating. Even to this day, I can’t help myself when I listen to other artists and wonder how I can achieve a similar aesthetic in my own music. I feel like I’m probably not too much different from other creators in that aspect.
RMR: What’s your favorite memory in your musical career so far?
Alejo: I have been lucky to have had a fair amount of personally triumphant moments in my career. I would have to say my performance at Tipper and Friends 4321 was a pretty stellar highlight. However, I think one of the coolest things about being a part of this profession is that I get to travel and meet so many awesome people all over the place. It never fails to impress me how many cool and interesting people are literally everywhere in this country.
RMR: How excited were you to play in Spokane, Washington?
Alejo: Leading up to 4/20 in Spokane, I was extremely excited to get to Washington and perform with a killer lineup of artists; and afterward, I’m super stoked on the whole Partybros team. They really went the extra mile to provide an excellent experience for both artists and patrons.
RMR: Do you use cannabis yourself? What type of products do you consume?
Alejo: My history with cannabis is perhaps a longer story than we need to get into. But I would say that I’m an advocate for both medical and recreational legalization, as well as research into the multitude of potential uses of this plant that could have positive global ecological and economic effects. As of late, I have personally been intrigued by CBD products and how they can be a natural alternative to benefit both my physical and mental health.
RMR: How has cannabis helped you in your creative field?
Alejo: I’ve definitely found some intrinsic value in the creative space or mentality Cannabis can put you in to, but I’ve also discovered that it’s important to be able to find that space on your own as well without consumption of a substance. It seems to level the playing field and give you a little more perspective into yourself and your creative process.
RMR: What’s next?
Alejo: What’s next? I’m not sure, to be honest. I’ve just been trying to get in the studio as much as I can and be productive and progressive on certain projects I’ve already begun. The most exciting for me right now is this concept I’ve been working on that I have been referring to as a “beattape.” The idea is shorter more concise tracks that really hit the vibe or feeling I’m trying to convey. The project has been more fun for me creatively in the studio, as well as when I have tested out the tunes with a couple of live performances.
