Decks: Aleksandra

By Jennier Finjan

Like many weekend warriors out there, Aleksandra strikes a balance between her involvement in the electronic music scene, school, and work. Now imagine adding DJing, promotion and music production to the mix! Not only is Aleksandra completing her fourth year of university towards a business management degree, she is also a teaching assistant. So when does this firecracker find time to spin the decks as one of Toronto’s most sought-after DJs? My guess is a combination of youthful enthusiasm and a real love for what she does and it shows when she spins her chunky, rollin’, phat tech house music.

Aleksandra was born in Italy to Polish parents. From there, her family moved to Stratford, Ontario, where she spent most of childhood. Growing up in a small town meant Aleksandra didn’t know many people who shared her love for house music. In time, Aleksandra moved to Toronto and was pleased to find an abundance of like-minded electronic music lovers. She always had an interest in music. In fact, a love for music runs in her blood since both her parents are professional musicians with master’s degrees in music, and her brother Jake Chec is also a DJ and a producer.

In recent years, she changed her DJ name from Reckless Girl to her real name, perhaps as a way of reflecting her maturity, evolving sound and growing versatility. She has spun in major cities across Ontario and has landed a coveted residency inside the Acid Lounge & The Gallery at The Guvernment. She is also a frequent DJ at Footwork, and has spun at The Boom Boom Room and The Comfort Zone. Aleksandra has recently opened for international DJs Steve Porter, Alex Kenji and Hatiras.

Catch Aleksandra this weekend:

Gallery Aug 15
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139060536162&ref=ss

Hot Boat Aug 16
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=97042388042

What music did you listen to when you were younger?

How young are we talking? As far back as I remember hmm… Well growing up, English was my second language and my parents’ third (maybe fourth) so music sort of helped me learn and associate with the language. I loved Michael Jackson (but who didn’t?); the Bad album was popular at the time. I also looooved Queen and also recall having a bit of an obsession with the song “Kokomo” by the Beach Boys when I was 5 or 6, haha.

How did you first get into the electronic music business?

Seven years ago, so when I was 16, I bought turntables and began mixing on a regular basis. My older brother Jake Chec had been spinning for a number of years so he would let me play on his Techs when I would visit him in Toronto. I immediately got hooked which lead to the purchase of the decks. Prior to that, he was already feeding me house tracks and mixes so I was already familiar and in love with the music.

Do you remember where you were the first time you heard house music?

Hmm, I guess like I just mentioned above, it was from my brother introducing it to me while he was in high school, so that means I was in grade school! Wow, time flies!

Are there other DJs you admire?

Danny Howells and Steve Porter – not only for their production, talent and sets, but more so for their incredibly humble, professional and down to earth personalities. I also think Manzone & Strong are incredible DJs and entrepreneurs doing great things for the Toronto scene.

How do you balance being a student and DJing?

It’s definitely not easy, especially with the Teaching Assistant position. It got so busy that I decided to graduate a year later to make my work load manageable (plus, who wants to graduate at the peak of a recession?).

Can you recall a particularly memorable set/night?

Three come to mind. A recent set I played at The Gallery inside The Guvernment which dates June 6, 2009. I had the peak slot, place was rammed, and I just remember having soooo much fun. The set was actually recorded and can be downloaded from my website www.djaleksandra.com for those who want a listen. Second, FREEDOM 2009 at The Guvernment when I spun in the Orange Room; the party and vibe was just wild and it was on my birthday so I had some party hats, woo :P. Also opening for Alex Kenji at the Boom Boom Room in Windsor… actually, that was the night before Freedom! Good weekend! =D

Who would you like to collaborate with?

Regarding the local scene I would say playing a set with Joee Cons would be great because I think our music styles and personalities really complement each other and we could deliver something rockin’! I would also love to get into the studio with Butch, Milton Channels, John Dahlback or Umek; that would be unbelievable.

What do you think the future holds for electronic music in Toronto?

Definitely growth – more partiers, more DJs, etc. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some locals like Carlo Lio go international with all the success he’s been having with his tracks, yay Carlo!

Where would you like to spin in the future?

Um, WMC or Ibiza would be pretty sweet =).

What are you listening to right now?

The soundtrack for Summer 2009 – Pouring Rain. No, I’m actually listening to an edit of my next track “Just a Feeling.”

What do you like to do when you’re not djing?

Hmm this question is making me think… What do I do in my downtime… ha, it’s funny, I guess I sit at the computer and do dj-related things: hunt for tracks, promotion, release mixes, update my website, and play with production, maybe mix a little bit.

What are you future plans?

To keep playing out and to get deeper into the production realm. I will also be graduating this Spring so I guess that’s worth mentioning too :P.