DJ Alex Acosta

DJ/Producer Alex Acosta has taken over the world with his fresh, upbeat and very energetic sound, playing at the hottest music festivals and clubs around the globe. On top of that, he is a chart topping producer, whose work is supported by several DJs and thousands of fans worldwide, including Chicago.

Acosta returns to the Windy City on Saturday, June 27 as the crew behind Neverland, Chicago's own unique brand of high-concept themed dance parties, presents the “Bougie Ball” at the Metro, 3730 N. Clark St.

The Neverland veteran talks to ChicagoPride.com about what fans can expect Pride Weekend.

AM: (Anthony Morgano) What can Chicago's Pride crowd expect from you at the Bougie Ball?

AA: (Alex Acosta) A great party, with great music. It's going to be one of those parties that will stay in people's head and memories for a long time!

AM: How long have you been in the industry and how'd you get your start?

AA: I have been in the DJ Industry for 20 years now. However, before me becoming a DJ, I had my own Rock band, in where I composed all the tracks we played (both lyrics and music), and also I was the lead singer, and played the Guitar... well I can also play the Bass, Keyboards, Drums, etc etc ... We toured around Mexico and did warm ups for famous Mexican bands ... but back to the DJ part... I started in a bar, playing for a crowd of 1800 people. Started playing pop/top 40s music and that's how my DJ journey life started. As a Music Producer, I have been doing that for over 15 years now, and I first started producing Techno music (that I would only play on my sets)... and incorporated several Dutch & German DJs.... I then learned about Antoine Clamaran's music, and other music producers too who were doing Tribal music, and that's where I started producing Tribal flavored tracks ... and well... 15 years later, here I am!

AM:. What inspired you to become a DJ?

AA: When I was a child, I was lucky enough to enjoy the Break Dance era. Michael Jackson, Madonna ... and my dad was heavily involved in music. At the same time, I loved creating choreography... so I can say I had music running through my veins (without sounding too arrogant), so it wasn't too hard for me to learn the craft. No one taught me on how to do things, it was a matter of learning and wanted to reach my goals.

AM:. How would you describe your style?

AA: I think I can call my style "My Own" (if I may say so) ... and this because when you hear Alex Acosta live, you go to hear a mixture of new & current sounds, catering to the crowd that are enjoying my set, and introduce new genres, as much as the crowd allows me. I am one of those DJs with a unique style, whose music have that personal touch ... that makes each party be unique and different to the rest. When people have asked friends or loyal followers in the past who does Alex Acosta sounds like? It's hard for them to answer that and compare me with a specific DJ ... and this because I bring lots of tracks that you can't hear it in other DJs sets, as well as I create unique tracks per session, and give them my own touch. And this is what helps me to stand out and provide with a unique Sound and set, to which I am thankful - because it makes Alex Acosta unique.

AM: Who is your target audience?

AA: It's a mix. I could tell you that I have lots of gigs catered for the LGBT crowd nowadays, but at the same time I've had the opportunity to play for mixed crowds, or majority of them being heterosexuals... At the end we all share the same love for music, and that diversity is what I love.... and I think throughout the night we all speak the same language and we go and enjoy ourselves to the max.

AA: Tell me about some of the biggest and/or most memorable events you've spun for.

AM: They all very special to me... naming one will be unfair to the others ...  [laughs] ... and this because I've had many great big and small parties. Many of them. And also I don't want to name, because I wouldn't want  the ones I don't name, to hurt their feelings! [laughs]

AA: How and when did you first get involved with Neverland?

AM: I blame that to my manager. [laughs] He is the one to reach out to promoters and sell the Alex Acosta brand. And it's very important to make the first click since the first party. I believe with Neverland it was a combination of friends who had seen me play in Puerto Vallarta, and referred us with Anthony, and it al started from there. Having said that, I must say that I love working with the Neverland guys. They are very professionals and know what they do, and put 10000% efforts in every, and I emphasize that every,  party! All performances, décor, advertisement, music .... and to that I am very thankful for. Because it makes each party to be unique and originals, and allow us -- the performers -- and loyal followers to enjoy these parties to the max. Add to that that every time I work with Anthony and Martin, I always feel like I'm at home. Once you start working with them, they make you family.

AM: Any favorite Neverland parties or memories to share?

AA: They all have been great... but precisely last year's Pride Edition was memorable. The location, the production, the crowd... everything! It was a magical night for all of us who were there.

AM: Tell us a little about yourself.

AA: I'm a guy from Mexico, who currently lives in San Francisco, CA - and I love this city, the cool weather -- I wouldn't change it for anything..... and in my life outside the clubs and parties I'm a quiet person, who enjoys my own space ... and in company of my loved ones. I love to rest as much as I can, listen to 90s music and chill out... good dinner, a movie in the theater, take a walk, and to laugh about anything silly... I have great friends, and always a message, or a call from them makes e feel good ... but careful when you go out with me to a party ... you have to be mentally and physically prepared! [laughs] ... but I'll tell you more about that in a different Q&A. [laughs]

AM: Any current or upcoming shows, residencies or projects you want to share?

AA: Thankfully, I'm very busy with lots of work. Both in the Studio - as well as in my World Tour "TRIBALAND TOUR" . So far I've had the pleasure to play at my residency in New York "VIVA Saturdays", Madrid, Bangkok, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Orlando, Taipei, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Shanghai, and obviously Chicago ... and in the next few months I'll be playing in San Diego, Guangzhou, couple of places that I cannot yet announce (but they are in Europe and both first times - very excited about it)  and many more ... at the same time, have been playing with the idea of extending the Alex Acosta brand, and showcase more of my B-Side ... a project that I am calling "BAD ELEMENT" ... and I'll introduce it in the next few weeks. Also, working in opening my own Independent Music Label, and several other projects that I am dealing with ... that you'll find out soon ... and I don't want to jinx them. [laughs] Let me make this clear, I'm not superstitious .... but why risk it? [laughs]

AM: Anything else you'd like to share ...

AA: Just wanted to thank you guys for this Q&A and I hope to see you all at Bougie Ball in Chicago - so we can all have a good time. And tell everyone to stop by my website, alexacostamx.com - where they'll find links to all my social networks, download music and also follow me on my tour, view pictures, videos and more. My name is Alex Acosta and turn up the volume, because the party has just started!

The "Bougie Ball" is the evening of Saturday, June 27, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. Individual tickets are available for $40 in advance online or at Egoist Underwear or for $50 at the door.

Neverland closes out the weekend by taking over The Mid, one of Chicago's most prestigious nightclubs located at 306 N. Halsted in the West Loop. European superstar DJ Ivan Gomez is flying in from Spain to spin from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Queen Bee Ho, a near-win for Miss Continental who also performed at Neverland's most recent Purity Ball, is also back to entertain and delight. Individual tickets are available online for $30.