Contributing WriterAlex Bohemien is known for his inspiring, positive sounds on labels like Defected, Sonny Fodera’s Solotoko and Nervous. He heads up his own ADUNANZA and, over the last 20 years, has showcased his take on house music in clubs across Europe. We caught up with him as he offers up a standout EP on Milan-based imprint, Motel Calypso Records…
Hey Alex! How’s life and how have you been settling into 2025?
Hello to all the friends at Music is 4 Lovers, and thank you for the interview. I’d say that after the turbulent end of 2024, 2025 has started off well, and I’m feeling very positive about the months ahead.
Let’s talk about your upcoming debut on Motel Calypso Records, ‘Funky Fresh’. What can our readers expect from this release and why did you decide to partner with this imprint?
My debut on Motel Calypso Records is also my first release of 2025. I’m really happy with the Funky Fresh EP—it’s a powerful release, pure tech house with elements of house, funk, and progressive. For me, it’s a kind of return to my roots but with a modern approach. I embraced the Motel Calypso project because I see it as a solid and serious venture. The label’s sound is also reflected in the party experience, making the entire project coherent and bold. I’m sure the label will do really well, and I’m glad to be part of it.
As a self taught DJ and producer, what sparked your interest in releasing House records and how did you learn initially?
Throughout my career, I’ve experimented with a wide range of sounds. I listen to a huge variety of music, and my influences are incredibly diverse, but house music and its many shades are what I love to play. I’ve learned by listening and diving deeper into the genre, and this sound allows me to create and express the feeling I seek to share with people. For me, it’s essential to have a connection with the audience, and with house music, I can always find that bond. It’s a universal language—It’s A Spiritual Thing… A Body Thing… A Soul Thing.
Could you give us a deep-dive into your ADUNANZA imprint?
ADUNANZA has been an incredible journey. This April, the project will turn three years old, and I’m truly proud of it. It started as a record label, but today, we can say it has evolved into a full-fledged brand, where the party is not the end goal but rather a means—an artistic container that holds everything we do behind the scenes: music, art, design, communication, merchandise, and so much more. We’ve just released our first vinyl record, ADNZLP001, so in addition to the vast amount of digital music we’ve put out, we finally have something tangible, which makes me incredibly proud. I’m thrilled about what we’re building with ADUNANZA—reviving a true club scene in a magnificent city like Naples. I’m excited for what the future holds.
What were your main influences when producing ‘Funky Fresh’?
The concept behind Funky Fresh stems from the desire to reimagine Ciara and Missy Elliott’s 2004 hit 1,2 Step in a modern, club-ready tech house style. The original track was heavily influenced by the ‘80s electro scene, as well as funk and the pioneering sounds of Afrika Bambaataa. The entire wave of 2000s American dance-pop played a significant role in shaping my artistic journey. The electronic influences from that era are undeniable, and they naturally guided my inspiration for this project.
What’s your favourite record of the year so far?
It’s tough to pick just one, but I’d say Nick Curly – We Love, recently released on his label Cécille—a great underground house record. Also, Nesta – James Bande on Caposile Music, which has a deeper but truly dreamy atmosphere.
Do you have any upcoming projects or sets in 2025 you can share with us?
Yes, I’m finishing a lot of records at the moment because this year I really want to release a lot of music that has been sitting unreleased for too long. Once the new releases are scheduled, I’ve already planned a month off from gigs and other commitments. I’ll be heading to an island on my own to reconnect with the sea and nature, and I’ll be revisiting projects I started during the Covid period to finally complete my first album. I can’t wait!
Follow Alex Bohemien: Instagram – Soundcloud – Beatport
