Dare To Be You / Alex Nantaya

An interview with the producer, vocalist, and DJ.

In this interview we slip between musical obsessions, layered identities, and shadowy corners rarely brought to the surface. A former classical musician and dancer-turned-producer, she speaks of the urge to sabotage perfect form, to weave her voice into the fabric of sound, and to find, in the blur of genres, something more truthful. Between basslines that throb under the skin, a fluid cultural identity, and vinyl-only sets to be taken seriously, she shows us what it really means to pursue creative freedom—with all the vulnerability, control, and pleasure it demands.

You come from a classical music background. With time and distance, were there aspects of that world you came to see as toxic—perhaps cleverly disguised at first? Were there limits, rules, or dogmas you found suffocating, to the point of needing to break away?

The constant pursuit of perfection was sold to me as a noble goal, something aspirational. But over time, I realised it fostered a deeply competitive mindset that spilled into other areas of life. I was also doing classical dance back then, so I was constantly striving for the “perfect form.” In both disciplines, there was always a “right” and “wrong” way to do things. For instance, in piano, I had to strictly respect the era: no using the sustain pedal while playing Bach, because that kind of pedal didn’t exist in the Baroque period.At first, I found this historical accuracy fascinating, but I often wondered how those composers would’ve written—or interpreted—their pieces if they had access to today’s instruments. Another thing that started bothering me was the use of the French term musique savante, literally “intelligent music.” It implies other genres are less developed or sophisticated. Yes, pop or electronic music might be simpler in structure and harmony, but that doesn’t mean it’s less meaningful or impactful.

You’re a chameleonic artist, moving through different languages and forms of expression, as if carrying many versions of yourself. Does this complexity also spill into your personal life? Are you more reserved, withdrawn? Are there sides of your personality you prefer to keep in the shadows? And if so, could you reveal a fragment of that hidden space?

It absolutely spills into my personal life, but maybe it’s the other way around. I think the complexity in my artistic expression comes from being naturally multifaceted. My mom is Thai, my dad is half Greek and half Swiss, and I grew up in Switzerland: a country that’s already a cultural mosaic with multiple languages and identities. So from an early age, I never quite fit into one specific mold. I was constantly navigating different ways of thinking, living, and communicating. That layered identity shaped the way I create.

Jumping between languages, genres, and mediums isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity. It’s how I stay honest with myself. I also try to honor my natural rhythm: my energy shifts, and so does the way I move through the world, sometimes more outward and expressive, other times deeply introspective. There’s a side of me people rarely see: my goofy, silly self. Maybe it’ll come out more if I start doing talking videos or vlogs… we’ll see!

When you listen to music, what are you truly looking for? What are your standards—both technical and emotional? And without filters: what can’t you stand in the current scene? What feels hollow, tired, or simply overrated to you?

I look for meaning. The form doesn’t have to be flawless; if the emotion is there and the message resonates, I’m fully in. I also love being surprised. Familiar textures or structures can be comforting, but it’s those unexpected twists that keep me engaged and excited. I’ve never really connected with music that feels emotionally detached or nonchalant. It just doesn’t move me. I’m a romantic when it comes to music. I need to hear passion in the interpretation, in the choice of sounds, instruments, even in the imperfections. I want to feel that someone cared. For me, music is like dressing for a moment; I have different tracks for different moods and phases of the day. Music shapes how I move through time and space, how I feel, how I dream. What feels tired in the current scene is the pressure for artists and producers to stick to one sound or identity. Audiences seem to lose interest the moment someone tries something new. I find that frustrating. There’s so much richness in letting artists evolve. Trust their taste! You might be surprised by how much it expands your own.

What do you really want to communicate to your audience? If someone had to describe you in three words—one for your musical identity, one for your personal self, and one for what you keep hidden—what would you want those words to be?

I want my audience to feel free when they listen to my music. I hope it sparks curiosity, creates physical release, and opens up mental space.

If I had to pick three words:
Musical identity: eclectic
Personal self: flow
Hidden side: nerdy

Red dominates your Instagram feed. Is it purely aesthetic, or is there something deeper at play? What does that colour say about you? And while we’re at it, what are your red flags?

Red is actually my favorite color; it’s vibrant, powerful, and reminds me of my favorite club nights. Wearing red makes me feel sensually confident and alive.
Red flags? For others: lack of curiosity
For me: I’m fashionably late

Have you ever faced prejudice because of your appearance, your aesthetic, or your past as you entered this world? Is there something you wish you’d shouted out loud, but never did? And today, if you could project one mantra into your future, what would it be?

Yes, absolutely. When I first started DJing—especially in the more established corners of the techno scene—I felt I couldn’t fully express my love for fashion, makeup, or other stereotypically feminine things. I’d hear so many men criticise feminine-presenting DJs, assuming their success came from looks rather than skill. I didn’t want to be perceived that way, so I avoided posting fashion-forward content or bold poses. I started playing vinyl-only sets in clubs, which helped shift the focus back to the music. I wanted to be taken seriously based on my craft first. But now that I also produce, I feel more comfortable expressing my love for visuals too because creativity isn’t limited to one medium. Whether it’s photography, graphic design, or fashion, your taste filters through everything. I used to hide the fact that I also work as a model, but now I embrace it. Of course, at the beginning, I’ve been booked sometimes for how I present and not always for the music I play.

Or I’d get overlooked backstage until after my set. I hope future generations won’t face the same gendered dynamics. The techno world and rave world in general are more progressive than many, but when it comes to business, old biases still exist. My mantra for the future: Dare to be you. To me, that means learning who you are—now and in the future—and making decisions that align with that truth, surrounding yourself with people who celebrate it.

Can you give us a glimpse into your current projects? What are you working on? What instruments, techniques, or ideas are you exploring? What’s obsessing you in the studio right now?

Right now, I’m working on a lot of pop-oriented tracks. They’re not exactly club-friendly, or maybe they are in their own way! Exploring different genres within electronic music has been so mentally nourishing. I can’t help it! I’m just not wired to stick to one style. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with new ways of using my voice, not just as a lead vocal, but as part of the musical texture itself. But my current obsession? Bass sounds. I’m down a deep rabbit hole.

Dare To Be You / Alex Nantaya

Credits
Artist and Creative Direction: Alex Nantaya / @alexnantaya
Photographer: Carlos Cordero-Rosales / @kurler
Styling: Alexandra Artemova / @alexatmvv
Makeup&Hair: Arianna Miante / @ariannamiante
Assistant: Vikki Zed / @vikki.zed
Interview : Annalisa Fabbrucci / @annalisa_fabbrucci
Editor: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei

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