Interview: Boys Noize

By Kevin Yeoh  •  in Features
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DJ-producer Alexander Ridha aka Boys Noize is a leading name in the international dance music scene, commanding audiences at some of the world’s biggest music festivals including RockNess, Berlin, Pukkelpop and Sónar. Growing up in Hamburg, Germany, he started making his own music at the age of 14; by 2005, he had founded his own label Boysnoize. Also producing under the aliases 909D1SCO and the now-defunct KiD Alex with DIM, the 28 year old electro tech proponent continues to be sought after for his remixes, having put the spit and shine on amazing tracks by artists such as Tiga, Feist, Justice, Depeche Mode, Bloc Party and Kaiser Chiefs. With albums Oi Oi Oi (2007) and Power (2009) having inspired and fueled dancefloor shape shifters everywhere, KL had a taste of this wacky phenom as Future Sound Asia flew Boys Noize into KL earlier this month for the event organiser’s 10th anniversary party, Future. JUICE tracked the German down for a few factoids.

Alexander Ridha Nice guy.

Hot in Germany My dog.

First DJ gig I played in a bar and my school before I turned 16, but my 1st DJ gig was in a club with 600 people when I was 16 years old. I was a warm-up DJ playing deep and minimal house.

Transition to EDM I was a drummer before I started to DJ and produce. I always like uptempo beats, so making my own beats was maybe a consequence.

Proudest festival moment My 1st time playing the I Love Techno Festival in 2006.

Most amazing collaboration Working with [Canadian musician Chilly] Gonzales.

Influences Dude, too many to list here.

The creative process Most fun, but can’t force it.

Weirdest Boys Noize song title ‘Kill The Kid’

Strangest encounter I met Diddy for a private meeting in his penthouse in Las Vegas.

Most embarrassing moment When I realised my mixer was set to mono. I must have mixed one remix and one track in mono.

Biggest weakness Chips and chocolate.

Hidden talent Sex.

Drink of choice Freshly squeezed strawberry, pineapple and limejuice.

Fashion Nike shoes, blue jeans, starter cap, Alpha bomber jacket.

Halloween Batman.

Free time …is a weird thing.

2010 Productive.

Next year I’m gonna present a real live show, hopefully.

5 must-have albums
De La Soul – 3 Feet High Rising
Roxy Music – Avalon
Chilly Gonzales – Ivory Tower
The Wipers – Return Of The Rat
Mr. Oizo – Half A Scissor

For more Boys Noize, click to www.boysnoize.com. Boys Noize rocked Future Sound Asia’s 10th anniversary celebration on 6 October at Zouk. You can read our take on the madness here and check out the photo gallery here.

Image Future Sound Asia