Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Leathes.
Hi Alexis, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Minnesota, I was an only child growing up, just my mom and I. Being an only child kind of forced me to know how to keep myself busy (which was never a difficult task). I was also an athlete all my life until my senior year of high school, when I injured my knee, causing me to miss out on my last season. This caused me to feel uncertain about what my future would look like in the absence of something I had been so passionate about for over 12 years. I’ve always been a lover of music and creating. I sang in the choir, played the cello, coded my websites, and my favorite hidden talent, completely smashing it on guitar hero! (ha). My music taste is quite versatile. Indi, punk, electronic, and rock music are my core sounds. Growing up, my mom always played her favorite r&b tracks from artists like Keith Sweat, Sade, and Usher. A friend of mine introduced me to dance music by bringing me to see Gramatik and the Floozies. This created a whole new level for my newfound love for live music. After a few years of watching my favorite artists and some of my DJ friends do their thing, I decided I wanted to give it a shot. One night I had asked to use a buddy’s equipment which would be my first time touching a DJ controller. 6 years later, I’m still doing the damn thing and never plan on stopping; we’re just getting started! I’m forever grateful for this experience, as it’s allowed me to create a world of my truth. Not only within the art but in life too. I took a leap of faith, leaving my 9-5 in the winter of 2021 to pursue my passions for music and visual art. Since then, I’ve been given some cool opportunities. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There will always be a learning curve when it comes to new things. What makes it easier is knowing I’m operating as my most authentic self. Sharing what I love most with others can be scary and vulnerable, especially since I tend to be hard on myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Djing is my #1, but I do produce as well! Initially, I started mixing dubstep and bass tunes. I’m known now for playing house music. Recently, I’ve been into more organic/deep houses and garages. My sound/style continues to grow along with me, which is something I think you will be able to recognize through my mixing. Currently, I am a resident DJ at Modist Brewing and Verge FM. I also have my mix series, AstroRadio. This series is focused on experimental forms of dance music and giving space for underground artists to flow. From house, ukg, baseline, afro beats, and more. Outside of music, I am also a freelance graphic designer (AstroVisions). This came about during quarantine when I decided I wanted to learn how to use photoshop. Since then, I’ve created not only my branding but also logos, twitch graphics, album covers, and event flyers for some of my favorite artists. I’ve also had the opportunity to design for BSMNT (Minneapolis) and Direct to Earth (San Fransisco).
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
After losing live music for over a year, I was curious if these events would still have the ability to thrive, but we’re in the golden age of making things happen! Live streaming became a huge part of my life during this time, opening many doors for many other artists and me. Humans will always find a way to connect. I believe music and art are universal languages. I guess I still see everything continuing to thrive and adapt to whatever comes our way. Music and art are forever, and so is the demand for it – regardless of delivery method.
Personally, this is always a tough question to answer, and I don’t think I have anything specific in mind. I see myself continuing to grow in my craft. I’ll take myself to great heights if I do what I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/astrolex
- Instagram: instagram.com/astr0lex
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astr0lex
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/astr0lex
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/astrolex
Christian- agncphotography.com @notchristian.arw
Spencer Tuttrup @stuttrup
Peter Tran @strykerfoto
Image Credits
Peter Tran @strykerfoto Spencer Tuttrup @stuttrup Connie Mrotek @conrad_mumbles Christian- agncphotography.com @notchristian.arw
