ALAR IS COMING TO CAVO THIS SEPTEMBER

Tell us about yourself?

I’m Alexander Alar, better known as ALAR. I’m a DJ, producer and artist from Ukraine, and I’ve been in the music industry for almost 20 years.

Over the years, I’ve played around the world and released music on labels including Armada, Get Physical, AFTR:HRS, Bar 25 and Sol Selectas. My music has been supported by artists such as Solomun, Adriatique, Pete Tong, Argy, Oliver Koletzki and Hernan Cattaneo.

But I’m not someone who wants to stay in one place creatively. I’ve always been interested in evolution, and right now I feel like I’m entering a very exciting new chapter of my career — both musically and creatively.

How would you describe your sound and artistic identity right now?

Right now, I’m moving into a new sound — Indie House, Funky House and Disco, with a strong focus on groove, emotion and character.

I’m inspired by funky basslines, guitars, vintage synths, analog textures and strong, memorable vocals. I want my music to feel warm, energetic, sensual and timeless.

I’m not interested in following a trend just because it is popular. I want to create music with its own personality — music that makes people feel something and, most importantly, makes them want to dance.

What inspired you to start your journey as a DJ and producer?

It all started with the energy of the dancefloor.

I was fascinated by the way music could completely transform the atmosphere in a room and connect hundreds of people who didn’t know each other.

At some point, DJing was no longer enough for me. I wanted to create my own music and express my own emotions and ideas through sound.

After almost two decades, that feeling is still there. The difference is that today I understand much better what I want to say as an artist.

What’s your approach when creating a new track?

I usually start with an emotion or an idea rather than a formula.

It can be a bassline, a vocal, a guitar riff, a melody or simply a feeling I want to capture.

I’m very focused on groove. Once I have the right groove, I build the rest of the track around it and look for the melody and vocal that give it its identity.

For me, the hook is extremely important. There has to be something that stays in your head after the track finishes.

I also believe in keeping things simple. Sometimes one great bassline, one great vocal and the right groove can be much more powerful than making a track unnecessarily complicated.

Who are some artists that have influenced your sound?

My influences have changed throughout my career.

Earlier in my journey, I was strongly inspired by the melodic and deeper side of electronic music, with artists like Solomun, Jan Blomqvist and Adriatique.

Today, I’m increasingly inspired by artists who have a strong sense of groove, songwriting and individuality — artists like WhoMadeWho, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Monolink, Mita Gami, Bedouin, Folamour and Purple Disco Machine.

I’m always looking for artists who have their own identity rather than simply belonging to one genre.

What has been the standout moment in your career so far?

There have been many important moments throughout my career.

Releasing music on respected international labels and collaborating with artists such as Jan Blomqvist, Korolova and Space Motion were definitely important milestones for me.

Having my music supported by artists like Solomun, Pete Tong, Adriatique, Argy and Hernan Cattaneo was also a huge moment because it showed me that the music could travel far beyond my own scene and country.

But one of the most rewarding things is still seeing people react to a track I created and realizing that the music connects with them without needing any explanation.

What’s next for ALAR? Any upcoming releases or goals?

I’m focused on a completely new chapter for ALAR.

I’m developing my new Indie House, Funky House and Disco-influenced sound and working on new music and collaborations that represent where I am creatively today.

At the same time, I want to build something bigger around the music. I’m developing ideas around events, visual culture and new experiences that can become part of the ALAR world.

So my goal isn’t simply to release more tracks or play more shows. I want to build a recognizable artistic identity and create music and experiences that people remember.

Are you looking forward to playing in the UAE? Have you been here before?

Absolutely. I’m really looking forward to coming back to the UAE.

I’ve played in the region before, and I always enjoy the energy of the crowd here. There’s a very international audience, and people are open to different sounds and new music.

I’m especially excited to bring my new musical direction to the UAE — more Indie House, Funky House and Disco, with strong grooves, vocals and a lot of energy.

For me, the most important thing is always the dancefloor. I want to feel the crowd, read the room and create that moment where everyone is completely connected to the music.

I’m looking forward to a proper club night and hopefully making some new connections in the UAE along the way.