Alex Dolby: In depth with an Italian Techno activist

Alex Dolby is a veteran of the Italian Techno scene who has developed his twenty-year career through numerous activities, including his work as a DJ/producer. He has released numerous tracks on labels such as Modularz, A.R.T.S, Evod Music, Teksupport etc. In 2012, Alex expanded his influence by launching Affekt Recordings, which features artists like Jonas Kopp, Pär Grindvik, Alex Bau, Mental Resonance, VSK, and MTD. This label also led to the creation of Affekt Club in his hometown of Frosinone, embodying the underground culture and musical quality that the label represents. In 2020, he founded his new label Sequenzial Shift, which returned to the scene with 4 EPs in 2023 and with “Multiple Visions” released in 2024, the latter produced by Alex Dolby himself.

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☉ Hello Alex, thanks for being here with us. First of all, we would like to ask you how your China tour was. What touched you most about the lifestyle there and the electronic music movement?

“Hello, guys, my pleasure! The tour was great; I needed to come back to Asia, a place that always offers unique experiences, especially China. In the middle of the economic boom, it is truly beautiful, even though it is a bit chaotic and somewhat unbearable for a person like me. The clubs are really small but packed with people, always exuding a different and nice vibe. I had the opportunity to explore various places outside the city center, which I found very exciting. I hope to get back as soon as possible.”

☉ What changed in your life after the closing of Affekt Club and Affekt Recordings?

“After the closing of Affekt Club, my life changed radically, especially since it happened during the pandemic. Those almost 10 years were beautiful, filled with strong feelings and a lot of stress. Behind the scenes, it is not always easy. After the closing, it felt like another life: promoters, DJ agents, and many DJs who used to contact me frequently disappeared, which was surreal. I spent 2 years in total isolation, and from there, I started to build real friendships rather than those born out of interest. Nowadays, I live in isolation and keep in touch with just a few people. I’m trying to produce music despite some physical problems that prevent me from spending hours in the studio like before. However, I’m really happy and confident that several things will change soon. Affekt Records followed the club’s closure by cutting ties with the past.”

☉ What is your best memory related to Affekt Club, and what is one you wish you could have had?

“I have a lot of memories tied to Affekt, so naming a specific one is difficult. I don’t think there is one I particularly wish for because, in ten years, everything happened. All the best DJs in the techno scene played there and more, so I don’t have many other wishes. Maybe I regret not being able to open an agency or do more for my label, but the people around me were too busy growing their own space to help me out.”

☉ In 2020, your new label Sequenzial Shift was born. Can you tell us about the label’s ideas?

“Sequenzial Shift was born as a sub-label of Affekt to primarily provide a minimal vision of techno.”

☉ In 2023, the label resumed activity with 4 EPs, followed by “Multiple Visions” published in April 2024. What can we expect in the future?

“Yes, after Affekt Recordings, I’m focused solely on this label, which will mainly release my own productions and a few other artists. We will also return to pressing vinyl.”

☉ In “Multiple Visions,” a production we particularly appreciated, you expressed all of your influences and aspects. What kind of equipment did you use to make it?

“In any album or track, I never consider whether it could be good for the market, so unusual things usually come out, yet they still fit the sound that I mainly love. The equipment I use remains a secret.”

☉ What is the concept of the project “RAL series”?

“The RAL Series project contains more unconventional productions where I try not to produce only tracks in 4/4 beats.”

☉ Can you reveal in advance anything about your upcoming releases or Sequenzial Shift’s label releases?

“A various artists’ compilation will be out soon on Sequenzial Shift, followed by another EP just before the end of summer. I’m not rushing right now; I don’t want to repeat the mistakes I made in the past.”

☉ What would you change in the Italian techno scene? What kinds of realities do you appreciate?

“The techno scene in Italy has not existed for a while. The music they play now is not techno, and I don’t even know how to define it. There are just a few good realities, but those few are really good and appreciated.”

☉ You have only 3 slots: your favorite tracks of all time, tracks you can’t do without.

– Heiko Laux – Pre Sense
– X-102 – Titan
– Underground Resistance – Beauty Of Decay

We want to thank Alex very much for his willingness to share some details about his career with us.