Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Alex Nantaya
Today we welcome a truly unique artist — Alex Nantaya. A sound artisan with classical roots and an electronic soul, Alex moves seamlessly between the world of pop and the underground, blending hypnotic beats, ethereal vocals, and immersive atmospheres. As a vocalist, musician, producer, and DJ, she has captivated dancefloors across Switzerland and Europe, crafting sonic journeys that feel like stepping into a dream.
- Alex, many people remember you from your previous project, Donna Zed. What was really going on behind
that transition, and what inspired you to embrace this new artistic identity as Alex Nantaya?
I was tired of playing what would be considered “very serious” music, I needed some fun in my life. During Covid,
I learned how to DJ out of curiosity, first on vinyl (it’s harder than you think!). I’m very happy I took on this new
practice during that time; it made me fall in love with music all over again. Not long after, I started playing in clubs
under my alias, Alex Nantaya. The new identity was necessary to separate this new musical direction and to
avoid constantly having to explain the change if I had kept my original stage name. - How do people react when they see or hear this new version of you? Do you feel your listeners have grown
with you, or are you reaching a completely new audience?
If they’re party people, I think they love it. If not, they see that I’m happy making club music, but they don’t
necessarily share my love for it, and that’s okay! You can still hear all my influences through my productions; it’s
just a different version of myself, the night version, let’s say. I don’t think my original listeners followed what I did
because I only promoted it for a little while at the beginning and then stopped in order to reach a completely new
audience. I’m looking forward to showing this new audience what else I do. - Your music has always had a visual and cinematic quality. Do you imagine stories, characters, or images
when you compose — or is it more about translating an emotion into sound?
It really depends on the purpose of the track. If it’s exclusively for club use, I need to respect a certain cadence
and arrangement so it blends well with other tracks. But I do try to translate a particular emotion in every track I
make, often with a little story in my mind to help me produce around the track’s essence. - How did your personal experiences shape your music and worldview?
My personal experiences have shaped my intentions through music. I truly believe, and stand by, that joy is
resistance, and that moments of happiness and physical release are essential, especially in today’s climate. I aim
to bring people together and to bring that club feeling into their homes, to remind them of the freedom you can
feel in one. - What emotions do you aim to convey through your music?
I’m more romantic than I’d like to admit. I’ve been blessed with beautiful experiences, and I want to share a sense
of relief through my music. So I’d say emotional release, in general, is my main goal. - What’s the biggest lesson music has taught you?
Patience. - What’s a dream venue or festival you’d love to play at?
Glastonbury or Dour. And of course, the obvious one: Berghain. - And what about your live shows? You recently performed as Alex Nantaya — what kind of atmosphere do
you aim to create on stage, and how does it differ from your past performances?
As I previously mentioned, I aim to create a sense of physical and emotional release through my music whether
during my DJ sets or hybrid live shows and bring people on a journey. I think my voice and selection have the
power to transport people. Before, I was more focused on technical expression rather than simplicity, it’s just a
completely different language now! - Finally, looking ahead, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical story? What do you hope
listeners will discover about you through this new journey?
I want to release more pop-leaning tracks, and I hope they’ll discover yet another facet of my artistry. - If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
SOPHIE. I’ve always loved her work — her productions taught me how to listen to music differently. - What are your goals and aspirations for the future? Do you have any specific objectives or projects on the
horizon?
I want to play more festivals and discover other club scenes around the world. I’m also working on new tracks, so
I’ll definitely be releasing new material soon.
