Behind The Beat ep.5- Lex On The Decks

Welcome back once again to another instalment of Behind The Beat, the monthly series where we explore the hottest producers and DJ’s making waves in their respective scenes.

This time round we caught up with Alexandra Hearth, also known as Lex On The Decks. Making appearances on Reprezent and Foundation FM to name but a few, she’s also grown her following through the success of her podcast, Hot Girls. Chats with the likes of Bellah, and guest mix duties fulfilled by those such as Jordss, the show is a space that addresses issues on gender within the industry, as well as providing entertaining and informative content related to the music scene. 

We spoke to her about past, present and future on-goings on planet Lex.

1) What’s your name, where are you from and what do you do?

Alexandra Hearth, but I go by Lex. I’m a DJ, writer and presenter. 

2) How would you describe your sound?

I find it really difficult to describe to be honest.  Afro-house, tech house and organic are the three main components. That said though, hip-hop is at my core, the podcast is a rap based space and I think that kind of comes through as an undercurrent in my mixing. I DJ'd hip-hop for years before electronic. 

3) Who were your 3 biggest musical influences growing up?       

Growing up, Sade, Rihanna, and maybe Major Lazer just due to how far they took the idea of fusing so many different sounds.

4) Is there a significant moment where you realised this could become a career for you?

Since I started I wanted to make it part of my career. I got booked to play at Ted Baker for a campaign launch and that was probably one of the first real significant moments. That was a few years ago and since then I’ve definitely got clearer about what kind of a DJ I want to be. Because my podcast has grown quite a bit over the past year the djing had to go on hold but I feel like now my scope has grown and I've learnt so much from the people that I’ve spoken to as well, so I listen to music in a whole different way now, whether that’s hearing certain elements that I wouldn't have previously, exploring new sounds, whatever it may be, I feel like I’m in a better position now as a DJ purely due to what I’ve learnt from the interviews and research.

5) When’s your fondest memory of a concert you’ve been to?

I cried watching Snoop Dogg at Bestival.

6) what’s gonna be the first song you play when we’re allowed back in clubs?

Late Replies - Hold Up is a good opening track

7) who would your dream b2b be?

I reckon Jamie Jones would be fun, he’s so so versatile.

8) Chat to us about Hot Girls!

The original idea was there’s a big diversity issue in music, so I wanted to create a podcast space that celebrated women in the industry in a fun and contemporary way whilst still addressing real issues. It had quite a significant launch bump in the first season and now it’s growing more steadily. We got Arts Council funding at the end of last year which really changed the game in terms of our team numbers etc.

9) What can we expect from you in the coming months?

I’ll be DJing a lot more now I've got the headspace back. The podcast is growing as well and there’s a multiple genre mix series we launched recently on Data Transmission Radio. I’m also joining Bloop Radio as a resident so you’ll be seeing me around!

10) And finally, have you got any gems of wisdom for any young producers or DJ’s out there?

Start your own thing. It’s hard but it’s the way the industry moves and it’s so worth it. Don’t be intimidated, obviously, it can be hard for women in an industry like this and when you’re the minority you constantly feel the pressure of having to be the best. So it’s just about trying to fight that self-doubting voice in your head that tells you there’s a reason you can’t do something, and finding a way to do it. 

Find the latest episode of Hot Girls below.