Every electronic music enthusiast will find themselves drawn to Alex Kislov‘s debut album, Dream Sequence. It offers a captivating journey through the many textures of electronic sound—from minimalistic and focused to melodic and deeply emotional. Like the track Flashback, which is deep and reflective, or the timeless Daydream, featuring the familiar and soulful vocals of Ron Carroll, the album beautifully captures moments of introspection and feeling. “Each track represents a specific chapter or feeling from my life,” Alex shared during our conversation, a reflection that draws attention to the intimate essence of the album.
Raised in a home steeped in music, Kislov grew up surrounded by disco influences from his mother and sister, and an early exposure to European charts. This foundation shaped his eclectic yet cohesive style, which blends deep house, techno, and experimental elements. While he’s now a recognized name in Chicago’s electronic music scene, his beginnings were humble, rooted in curiosity and a deep connection to sound.
At the heart of Dream Sequence lies a series of meticulously crafted tracks that reflect Kislov’s artistic growth. The album’s latest single, Time Stops, captures a moment of stillness within the chaos of modern life—at least, that’s our interpretation. With its dreamy, polished sound and the brief suspension when the music literally stops before resuming, the track evokes a sense of reflection and pause. As Alex himself explained, “Time Stops felt simpler and more fitting. It’s also the phrase repeated in the track and reflects a moment when the music literally stops for four bars before resuming, creating a sense of suspension.” It’s a moment that feels both intentional and open to personal interpretation, much like the rest of the album.
In our interview, we discuss the making of Dream Sequence, the inspiration behind Time Stops, and the personal stories that breathe life into Alex Kislov’s tracks.
photography courtesy of press
Hey Alex, I’m currently listening to your latest single, “Time Stops” from your debut album, “Dream Sequence”. Can you tell us a bit about how the track came together? Did you have a clear vision for it from the start, or did it evolve more during the process? How long did it take to complete?
The track Time Stops came together roughly around the end of the pandemic, in 2021 or 2022. At the time, I was making a lot of music and came across a show called *The Human Playground*. One episode featured a woman who overcame a traumatic childhood by taking cold plunges and eventually became a world record holder for the longest plunge in the coldest pool.
During a scene where she dives into the water, she describes letting go of pain and becoming one with nature. That inspired me. I recorded the initial vocals as a voice note on my phone, which I still have, and threw it into an Ableton session. There’s actually a TikTok video from 2022 showing the early stages of the track.
The song evolved a lot when the album project started coming together. It went through periodic revisions, eventually gaining a dreamy, polished sound. It wasn’t a rushed process—it began as a fun idea, became more meaningful, and grew into a key track on the album, complete with its own music video.
I also checked out the music video, which was directed, edited, and produced by Marcus Aubin, with whom you’ve worked before. The short film seems to tell a story about a love triangle, the intoxicating rush of partying, and a fantastical vision—a jellyfish in the sky, seen by one of the main characters. I hope I’ve captured that well. Feel free to correct me or add details. What does the jellyfish symbolize in the video?
It was designed by an animator who works on the visuals for The Sphere in Las Vegas. The jellyfish represents immortality and serves as a metaphorical element in the dreamlike sequence of the video.
The video explores the concept of déjà vu. Initially, everything seems vibrant and carefree—a group of friends enjoying themselves. But after the main character sees the jellyfish in a dream and gets stung, the same scenes replay, showing a darker side. The idea is to depict how nightlife can be intoxicating and euphoric but also isolating and cold. The jellyfish symbolizes this duality, highlighting the shift from the dreamlike illusion to a harsher reality.
“Freezing time would mean freezing a memory, and that’s not how we experience life.”
Why did you choose the title “Time Stops” for the song?
The original title was Precognition, but it felt too long and cumbersome. Time Stops felt simpler and more fitting. It’s also the phrase repeated in the track and reflects a moment when the music literally stops for four bars before resuming, creating a sense of suspension.
Are there moments in life where you wish you could freeze time? If so, what would those moments be?
That’s a tough one. Honestly, I don’t think so. Life doesn’t work that way—freezing time would mean freezing a memory, and that’s not how we experience life. So, no, there aren’t moments I’d want to freeze.
Which song from Dream Sequence is your personal favorite, and why?
I don’t have a single favorite. Each track represents a specific chapter or feeling from my life. That said, Flashback holds deep emotional significance for me—it’s melancholy, not sad, and captures a specific mood.
Nocturne is also special because it’s the first project my wife and I worked on together. We started it before we got married and finished it after. Finally, Rapid Eye Movement is a track I’m really proud of. It’s more dancefloor-focused and reflects the direction I want to take with my music.
What were your earliest experiences with electronic music?
I grew up surrounded by electronic music. My mom and sister were into disco, and I was exposed to the European Top 100 charts from an early age. It’s been part of my life since I was born.
“The first moment on stage is critical—it’s when everyone’s attention is on you, and you set the tone for the performance.”
When performing live, especially at big events like the Electric Forest After Party, how do you prepare and feel on stage?
When I started out, I used to get really nervous. My mind would constantly be running through my set—what track to open with, what vibe to build, and how to handle gear I wasn’t as familiar with. It was like preparing for a fight, rehearsing every move.
Now, I’m more comfortable and can engage with people before a set, but I still stay focused. The first moment on stage is critical—it’s when everyone’s attention is on you, and you set the tone for the performance. At the *Electric Forest After Party*, I followed John Summit, one of the biggest artists in dance music. It was nerve-wracking but also exhilarating. My role was to maintain the energy while staying authentic to myself.
It’s almost Christmas again. How do you usually spend the holidays, and what are your wishes for the upcoming year?
I spend Christmas with my family. They’re everything to me—my wife, mother, sister, stepfather, in-laws, and extended family. It’s a big gathering, especially now that I’m married. There’s no better way to spend the holidays than with the people who support me.
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