Alci

Few stories resonate as deeply as that of Alci, the Turkish Origin but Switzerland-born DJ and producer whose journey from obscurity to international recognition is nothing short of inspirational. Alci’s path wasn’t straightforward; it was fraught with self-doubt, personal struggles, and moments where giving up seemed like the only option. Yet, through sheer determination and an unwavering passion for music, he transformed these challenges into stepping stones, leading him to become a celebrated name in the industry. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative magic of music.

Reflecting on his early days, Alci recalls a time when he almost abandoned his dreams. After a decade of producing music and DJing across Zurich’s vibrant club scene, the constant struggle between his passion and the practical demands of life led him to the brink of quitting. It was a friend’s encouragement to submit his tracks to Robsoul Recordings that reignited his passion. This pivotal moment, marked by a supportive response from label owner Phil Weeks, set Alci on a new trajectory, proving that perseverance and a single spark of encouragement can change everything. This moment (2012) was not just a career breakthrough but a profound personal victory that rekindled his belief in his craft.

The decision to move to Ibiza in 2013 was another defining chapter in Alci’s journey. This bold move symbolized his commitment to his music and his willingness to take risks to pursue his dreams. Living out of a rented car and fully immersing himself in Ibiza’s legendary club scene, Alci connected with influential DJs and saw his music resonate with international audiences. This period was transformative, not just professionally but also personally, as it deepened his connection to the music and the community that embraced it. His story, marked by grit, passion, and an unwavering belief in the power of music, continues to inspire many aspiring artists around the world.

Born Alci Fatih just outside of Zurich, Alci’s initial foray into the music world was through hip-hop. He was deeply involved in the vibrant street culture, embracing graffiti and breakdancing. However, his transition to electronic music was not immediate. For Alci, the early days were marked by a sense of disconnection from the genre, finding it boring and unengaging. It wasn’t until his exposure to thenight life and club scenes, particularly in Ibiza, that he began to see electronic music’s true potential.

Alci’s struggle with stuttering profoundly impacted his early life, making verbal expression difficult. Music became his refuge, a universal language that allowed him to communicate and connect with others without the constraints of words. This personal challenge fueled his dedication to music, turning what could have been a debilitating obstacle into a powerful driving force in his creative journey.

“I always struggled, especially during school with myself-expression. I was a stutter and I could not articulate myself properly. Having a stutter cuts your tongue so that you don’t want to talk anymore and the connection with people becomes much more observational."

“But the freedom I found with this type of music where there are barely any words interested me a lot. I found a new way of putting my thoughts out there. It transformed my life. Now, I have a background to communicate and express myself through the eyes and ears of others”.

“The impact music had on me, plus the vision of traveling the world and playing the music I love was so strong that I inve sted every minute in that craft,the freedom of expression through frequencies”.

2013 marked a pivotal moment in Alci’s career. Despite spending a decade honing his craft and playing in nearly every club in Zurich, he found himself at a crossroads, contemplating whether to abandon his dreams of music production and DJing. The struggle of balancing a passion for music with the practicalities of life seemed impossible.

However, a friend’s encouragement to submit his music to Phil Weeks, the owner of Robsoul Recordings, changed everything.

“Before I had my first release in 2013, I quit DJing after playing at almost every club in Zurich Despite the challenges, I dedicated every free minute of my life to the studio, even sacrificing weekends and partying to learn and master my craft. I would only do it for myself at home when it came to DJing. There came a point when I was worn down and seriously considered quitting. It seemed like everyone around me was either pursuing education or investing time into finding a job or whatever. But just when I was about to give up, a friend encouraged me to send some music for a label”.

Initially met with silence, Alci’s persistence paid off when Phil Weeks finally responded, expressinggenuine interest in his tracks. This validation from an industry veteran not only rekindled his passion but also set the stage for his first major release.

The success of this release catapulted him into the international music scene, proving that perseverance and unwavering dedication could turn dreams into reality.

“After much contemplation, I decided to send my music to Phil Weeks, the label owner of Robosul Recordings. It was my favorite label, and it resonated with my love for hip-hop culture. I emailed my tracks to him, but I received no response. Undeterred, I messaged him on Facebook too, but still no answer. Frustrated yet determined, I saw that he was online and reached out once again, pleading for any sign of acknowledgment. This reply meant everything to me. The message read - I listen if I can, I reply if I play. If I play, I will tell you. Peace. - From that moment on, everything changed”

In Ibiza, Alci immersed himself in the island’s legendary club scene, forging connections with influential DJs and artists like Apollonia, ARPIAR, and Ricardo Villalobos to name a few. These interactions were not just professional milestones but personal triumphs, as he saw his music resonate with audiences on a global scale.

Inspired by the feedback on my releases, I made an impulsive decision. I quit my job on Tuesday, packed my bags, and boarded a one-way flight to Ibiza by Wednesday afternoon, I had arrived on the island, without a place to stay. I rented a car for the first six days and slept in it also using hotel facilities to shower and enjoy breakfast as if I were a guest. During my time in Ibiza, I immersed myself in the club scene.

On the First Monday at DC10 Apollonia played some of my tracks, and I had similar experiences with artists like Arpiar, Loco Dice, tINI, Enzo Siragusa, and others. I formed connections with these DJs sending them more of my music, and ultimately, forging friendships. It was an exhilarating experienceto me et the entire island through the music that I had once wanted to abandon. I was on the dancefloor, surrounded by the emotional power of music, and I found an energy and passion that still drives me today.

Looking back, I firmly believe that the journey from releasing my first EP to moving to Ibiza for the summer was the key point in my career. It illustrates the power of perseverance, the importance of support for the craft, and the transformative magic of music.

Alci’s time in Ibiza was a period of intense growth and transformation. It encapsulates the raw, unfiltered passion that drives many artists—an all-consuming desire to create and share music, regardless of the sacrifices involved

As Alci’s career progressed, so did his personallife. Becoming a father introduced new challenges, particularly in balancing the demands of a music career with family responsibilities.

“I know now as a father of two that everything is challenging, in every career form. But in reality, the struggle comes within yourself, with your self-reflected existence. To reinvent yourself is the most normal thing in the world, and fatherhood is a specially big project where you have to adapt”.

“When from one day to the other someone who is mirroring yourself it sets you full scale out of comfort. To resist that it makes it harder. The key is to be like a wave, just flow with it”.

"It’s a lot easier and smoother after understanding the ‚ ”how to wave it’’. I had to realize that I had to adapt to my kid’s sleeping schedule. Instead of going to bed late just sleep at their time and wake up with them so you are fresh and ready for them."

This new role taught him the value of time management and self-reflection, lessons that have also influenced his approach to music production.

“The responsibility of my kids taught me a lot of things. Especially self-respect in terms of time. Time is an ultra interesting thing when you think about it deeply. I always thought I had no time, but after my firstborn, I had to question the way I used to think."

“Now I realize how much time I had when I had no kids. I was always in a hurry because of time issues”.He laughs.

“Now with the second kid, I’m like ‚how much time do I have with one kid’’. Time is stretchable and time management comes with this responsibility. And thisof course shaped my music. From more like a gaming way of jamming in the studio to finish the project”.

The post-pandemic landscape has transformed the music industry, with a significant shift towards digital presence and online engagement. Alci recognizes this change and is adapting by enhancing his digital footprint to connect with younger audiences. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to his artistic vision while leveraging digital tools to reach a broader audience.

“Social media plays a big part now. Before that, we had to physically go to events, now, the youth checks the internet presence of the artist before paying for their entrance”.

“In one way it is really sad because it’s super hard to find new artists that are not really into the digital world. This shows me that the niche that I used to cater to has lost its value in the digital world. There are not a lot of DJs nowadays that are “informing” the audience about music within social media. This doesn ́t mean that the artists like me won ́t eventually get discovered but it will be hard”.

About the youth being introduced into the electronic music scene, Alci shares:

“Understanding the interests of the youth requires a lot of observing. To engage is first to understand the youth and its needs. Or more likely how to be connected with them. here, I think the digital realm again is a big tool. All this information from observing the young crowd needs digesting and making your product out of it”

“Still, the truth of my art belongs to me and only to me. I think to represent their needs through my dilation is still a true authentic expression because it’s me. It’s not led by the fact that I have to change or anything. It’s just the interests I have. My goal is to serve the youth and show my art. Otherwise, we will lose the youth, and that could destroy the scene”.

Looking ahead, Alci is excited about the continuous evolution of his music. He sees each day in the studio as an opportunity to learn and grow, driven by an open-minded approach to new trends and technologies.

“The way my DJ career is showing me the fast-paced change in music opens up my perspective also into the studio."

"I am in a new learning phase and the music I do in the studio is more open-minded now I feel. My time in the studio is very focused on music creation so it’s very exciting. Also, now I have less studio time, somehow that tells me I ́m more effective in the way I make music."

In his heartfelt message to fans, Alci expresses deep gratitude for their unwavering support. He acknowledges the dynamic relationship betweenthe artist and the audience as the cornerstone of his creative journey. This bond, he believes, is what transforms music from mere sound into a shared experience that transcends boundaries and connects souls.

"I am humbled by the people who truly connect with my art and have given me their support through this journey. The dynamic relationship between producer and consumer serves as the driving force behind my creative passion. However, it is essential to recognize that this connection begins within oneself. As an artist, I also consume my art, fostering a profound connection that reverberates from within me to the hearts of the audience."

"Without each other, this bond would not exist. The support I receive from all of you has brought joyinto my life. It is a privilege to observe the profoundimpact my music has on so many faces and in diverse locations. These experiences remind me of the power of artistic expression and its ability to transcend boundaries, connecting souls on a deeper level. I feel grateful to every one of you for joining me on this journey. Your presence and support have played a big role in shaping my path as an artist, and I am grateful for the connection we share. Peace!"

Alci’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience and passion. It serves as an inspiring reminder that with dedication, support, and an unyielding belief in oneself, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Alci remains committed to pushing the boundaries of his music, driven by the love and support of those who believe in him.

In a world where music often serves as a universal language, Alci’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative magic of artistic expression. His journey from a hesitant beginner to a celebrated DJ and producer is not just a career path but a profound exploration of self, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.