Alex Cecil & DUDE SKYWALKER release their summery new single “Hug Me” on Playero Records + Exclusive Interview

Listen here

Ace producer DJ Alex Cecil teams up with über-hip Miami scene kings DUDE SKYWALKER for “Hug Me,” a gorgeous and heartfelt slice of late-summer nu-disco, perfect for creating your dancefloor memories.

One of the most in-demand DJs on the underground scene with regular gigs at Burning Man, Floyd Miami, House of Yes NY, Cecil is known for his impeccably eclectic styles and has hit #1 on the Traxsource techno chart off his very first release. With an extensive worldwide touring schedule, including festivals in Mexico and Croatia this year, and more releases on the way, expect to see and hear more from this rising talent.

According to Cecil, “The original track, ‘Open Hearts Mix,’ captures the sensation of summer lovers lost in a euphoric trance, melting into each other’s gaze. In contrast, the second release, ‘Heartbeat Mix,’ offers a faster pace and higher energy, reminiscent of lovers intertwined at the peak of the rave, their heartbeats pulsating in sync with the rhythm and groove.”

DUDE SKYWALKER are Miami-based visionaries who have redefined the city’s nightlife. With a decade-long immersion in the underground dance scene, Fabio Galarce and Alex Borges have honed their craft as producers, DJs, and curators of unforgettable experiences. As the creative force behind the iconic Eagle Room and the influential Deep Playa and Playero Records, they’ve shaped Miami’s sonic landscape. Their music is a boundless fusion of space-funk, indie dance, disco, hip-hop, soul, jazz, deep and tech house, and techno, infused with Latin rhythms, creating a genre-defying sound that transports listeners to new dimensions.

Playero Records is a Miami Beach-based label founded by Dude Skywalker, delivering sun-kissed indie dance anthems for your endless summer soundtrack.

For more information about Alex Cecil, go to:
Linktree | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Spotify | SoundCloud

Alex Cecil is a seasoned performer in underground music.

Your music journey began at a young age as a cellist, and you even played at Carnegie Hall. How has your classical training influenced your approach to electronic music production and DJing?
Yes, that’s right. My journey began in 2nd grade. My school required us to either join the chorus or learn a classical instrument. I tried out for the chorus but I didn’t make the cut, so I ended up with the cello. At that point in my life, I don’t think I had much of an idea about anything, to be honest. But as the years unfolded and I grew a bit older, I definitely felt a deep connection with the cello, then other string instruments, then the orchestra, and classical music in general. 

My style is deeply influenced by my classical music background. The art of storytelling through music began there, and it continues to shape how I perform and compose. I often reflect on the dynamics of an orchestra—the ebb and flow, the power of solo instruments, and the effect of different combinations. The subtleties of piano and forte, and even the pauses, all remain crucial to my creative process.

What inspired the creation of “Hug Me,” and how did the collaboration with DUDE SKYWALKER come about?
We’d been trying to sync up for a studio session for a year, but our schedules were not making it easy. Then one night out in Miami, around 3:30am after finding each other at the same venue, Eagle Room, we decided it was the perfect time. We went to the studio and created the original “Hug Me,” which is now known as the “Open Hearts Mix” in one hour.

The energy was electric and flowed effortlessly. About 30 minutes in, the lead clicked into place, and we realized we had something special. We quickly reshaped the track around it, and an hour later, we were done, amazed by what we’d created. The next question was, “What do we do with this?”

Far from naming the track, we all had a big hug and called it a night.

Growing up immersed in the New York City club scene, what impact did those early experiences have on your development as an artist, and how do they influence your sets today?
When I turned 13, I started gravitating toward electronic music. My dad owned a club in NYC called Ohm at the time – though I wasn’t allowed there. Nevertheless, I discovered other places like Lotus, where I spent countless nights. Exit and The Limelight were also regular spots for me. Those were wild times in New York, and I feel fortunate to have experienced that scene, even at a young age.

Being exposed to various types of music, especially while young, I think had and still has a big impact on the way I digest music. When it comes to anything, not just music, exposure to diversity I believe is a big plus. That definitely plays a part in my style today. I’ll be playing electronica then slide into techno. I think it works usually (at least in my head lol) because I tie the pieces together using bits and pieces such as a loop or a vocal or a pad. Finding those parts is really fun for me. Way beyond just matching in key.

Can you walk us through the creative process behind the “Open Hearts Mix” and “Heartbeat Mix?” How do these versions reflect different aspects of summer love?
Sure! The “Open Hearts Mix” and “Heartbeat Mix” each capture different facets of summer love. I think it would have been impossible to portray this without collaboration.

“Open Hearts Mix” has a warm, uplifting energy, reflecting the initial excitement and joy of summer romance. It evokes the feeling of new beginnings and open possibilities.

“Heartbeat Mix” dives into the deeper emotions of a summer love. It focuses on the pulse and intensity of the relationship, with a beat that mirrors the level of passion.

Each mix embodies different moods of summer love, from euphoria of new connections to the deeper emotions that follow.

Your debut release hit #1 on the Traxsource Techno chart. How did that early success shape your career, and what challenges did you face following such a strong start?
Hitting #1 on the Traxsource Techno chart with my debut release, “Alpha Lupi,” was an exhilarating experience. It definitely gave me a platform but also set high expectations. With that early success came the challenge of maintaining and preferably surpassing that level.

Following up on such a strong debut meant I had to continually push boundaries and evolve creatively. Making sure that each release carried my signature – which has evolved over the years for sure – but at heart I believe to have stayed consistent. Dark but uplifting. I’m all about creating a journey for the listener. I think of sets having multiple acts. Or seasons, like Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.”

Miami’s underground dance scene has influenced your sound significantly. How does the city’s energy come through in this single?
Miami’s underground dance scene has profoundly influenced my sound, especially in this latest track. Moving to Miami, I was lucky to connect with a vibrant community, with Miki Beach and Cymatica being central to it.

There’s a late-night energy that’s hard to find anywhere else. This energy is something I strive to capture and infuse into my music.

In this single, you can hear the influence of Miami’s diverse sonic landscape—there’s a blend of deep, groovy and uplifting that echo the city’s dynamic nightlife. Where you can experience both intense, high-energy moments and more introspective, melodic phases – within the same night.

It’s not just about the music though, it’s about the communal experience. As a collaboration, I think we brought that sense of unity and shared energy into this track, making it not just a song but an experience that moves hearts. 

With your father being a local impresario and your cousin forming the Grammy-nominated duo SOFI TUKKER, how has your family’s musical background influenced your artistic direction?
The importance of authenticity in my own work is crucial to me. I’m driven to explore a sound that’s both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking. Immersing myself in the world of nightlife and music from an early age was pivotal. That even carried on into university when I would always want to host parties at my place so that I could control the music. If it’s your party, it’s hard to argue about that. I didn’t realize this until later, but in retrospect it’s very clear. And funny.

“Hug Me” captures the essence of summer love. How important is storytelling in your music, and how does this track fit into the broader narrative of your upcoming releases? What story do you want listeners to take away from it?
Storytelling is a core element of music, and with “Hug Me,” we really wanted to capture the essence of summer love – those brief, magical moments that feel both intense and ephemeral. The track reflects the warmth and nostalgia of summer and the shared experiences that make those moments unforgettable. 

“Hug Me” fits into the broader narrative of our upcoming EP, which explore different facets of love and connection. Each track is like a chapter in a book, offering a glimpse into the emotions that come with relationships – like the thrill of new love combined with the uncertainty of what’s to come.

With “Hug Me,” we hope you feel the beauty of those fleeting connections, even if they don’t last forever. Embracing life and love is something we’re excited to sonically explore further in the future.

You’ve played at iconic venues and events like Burning Man and House of Yes. How do these unique environments inspire your sets, and do you approach them differently from other gigs?
Burning Man’s all about wild creativity and spontaneity, so you can go all out and experiment. House of Yes is a high-energy party, so you’ll want to match their vibe with a fun, immersive set. Both are chances to get really creative and connect with the crowd!

Every performance is really unique to me. I try to prepare the best I can by imagining what it will be like using what I can like set time and who I’m playing after (and before because I always want to be respectful to the next artist). The venue of course. Day time or night time. Opening or closing. I tend to play 20 tracks per hour in my sets which is much higher than most who play 12-16. I avoid breakdowns that are more than 30 seconds max. Anyone who has heard me can certainly attest to that. 

I recently had the pleasure of playing a Midnight Caviar party. It’s a collective founded by my very close friends oba+flip. I kept the party going past close by playing absolutely none of the music I had planned on playing. That’s just how it goes.

Your Instagram feed is a blend of music, travel, and personal moments. How do you curate your content to reflect your identity as an artist?
I mix music, travel, and personal moments to show who I am. It’s all about sharing the journey – my gigs, adventures, and everyday vibes – so people get a real sense of my life. 

Your style is described as “impeccably eclectic.” How do you balance such a diverse range of influences in your music, and what guides your selection when curating a set?
Balancing diverse influences means blending different styles into a cohesive vibe. I pick elements that feel right for the moment and mix them to create something unique. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where eclectic tastes come together seamlessly – with a splash of crazy.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the electronic music scene, and where do you see it heading in the next few years?
The electronic music scene is buzzing with creativity and experimentation. Artists are blending genres like never before, creating fresh sounds that defy traditional labels. Technology is a huge driver, with advances in software and hardware opening up new possibilities for sound design and performance.

With a busy worldwide touring schedule, how do you stay creatively inspired and maintain your energy for performances?
It can be exhausting, but I stay inspired by immersing myself in new cultures and experiences. Exploring different cities and meeting diverse audiences fuels my creativity. To keep my energy up, I make time for rest, stay healthy, and find balance between work and downtime. Also super important.

I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing you perform yet. Do you have any plans for a tour this fall? Also, what can someone expect when they experience one of your live performances?
Keep an eye on my socials for updates! At my shows, expect a high-energy, eclectic mix of sounds that blend genres and keep you moving. I’m all about creating an unforgettable experience with plenty of surprises. I also strive to make every set different. I like to push myself on that level.

What upcoming releases or projects are you most excited about, and how do they reflect your evolution as an artist?
I’m super excited about some upcoming releases that push my sound in new directions. They showcase my growth as an artist, blending fresh influences and experimenting with new styles. For me, it’s all about evolving and keeping the music exciting and innovative – but staying true to your sound.

What headphones do you use when you’re in the studio? Are you using something different when you’re on stage? And do you ever get nervous before performing live?
In the studio and on stage I’m using AIAIAI but different models. I love the studio set because they have an amazing technology that provides zero latency while also wireless. This is great in the studio. Then on stage I love the sound from the DJ specific model. But one thing that stands out from other brands is the modular part. If you break a part you can replace just that part and not the whole thing. This comes in handy when you’re traveling a lot.

What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers who are looking to make a name for themselves in the industry, especially those coming from a classical music background like yourself?
For aspiring DJs and producers, especially those from a classical background, blend your classical skills with electronic elements to create a unique sound. Embrace experimentation, network with other artists, and stay true to your creative vision. Practice consistently, and don’t be afraid to take risks and push boundaries!

What role does social media play in your interaction with fans, and how do you use platforms like Facebook to share your artistic journey?
Social media is a key way I connect with fans and share my journey. On platforms like Facebook, I post updates on new music, behind-the-scenes content, and tour info. It’s a great way to engage with my audience, get feedback, and build a community around my music.

Thank you for your time and for sharing your story. It was a pleasure getting to know you better. In all of the interviews I do I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thanks for the opportunity to share my journey! 

To all the dreamers and music lovers out there: keep following your passions and experimenting with your art. 

Your unique voice and vision are what make you stand out, so never shy away from expressing yourself. 

The road will be challenging. Don’t expect anything less.