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Becoming one of Miami’s most sought-after DJs was not Alex Ferbeyre’s initial goal growing up. Even though music was always alive in his home, it was while pursuing a visual arts degree that he began experimenting with music by studying album covers, reading liner notes and learning about every genre of music. In fact, he says some of his first gigs were providing soundtracks for experimental art exhibits and installations. “I was always intrigued by the dichotomy of music and the visual arts and how they can go hand in hand,” Ferbeyre says. By the time he was seventeen, he opened a fully-operational mobile DJ company and began booking events for a vastly diverse clientele. Finally, in 1997, at age nineteen, he discovered his real passion for club DJing and started landing several residencies that ranged from Goth nights to underground parties.
By Ben Rock
“Most of my family didn’t really see music, DJing, and nightlife entertainment as a career,” Ferbeyre says. “They were waiting for me to someday become a ‘suit’.” However, he continued on his path and began adding video production, directing, and editing to his repertoire. “I started experimenting with video editing and making extended music videos in the early 2000s by splicing and looping b-roll for club versions of my favorite tracks,” he says. “This was before I even know what video bars were!” To add this emerging media into his production, he took entire video projection systems and mixing gear into some of South Beach’s trendiest rock bars. By producing his own re-edits and extended mixes for his live VJ performances, Ferbeyre’s talent began catching the eye of numerous venues and events ranging from ultra-
SPINNING AROUND WITH
DJ MAXIMUS 3000 When his parents wanted him to become a “suit”, Alex Ferbeyre did the opposite and became Miami’s DJ Maximus 3000 instead.
Photo: Dale Stine Styling: Carmine Dagnell Hair: Ricco Roland Makeup: Max Brava Studio/Art Direction: Mark Lowe Post Editting: Max-Ink 68 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 8
chic boutique restaurants and hotels to edgy underground mod-rock bars, from philanthropic fashion shows and art exhibits to electronic music festivals and pride events. The popularity and success of DJ Maximus 3000 not only secured Ferbeyre’s current residency at Living Room Nightclub, one of Florida’s most successful clubs, but also culminated in the 2008-founding of his record label, 8025 Alliance Music Group. “8025 Alliance Music Group is actually a spinoff of a smaller micro-label I had formed back in late 2006,” he says. While touring, he began amassing remix singles from DJs all over the world and learned how to license their tracks to several compilations, get placement in radio, TV and club rotation, and service the national
helping out very talented, wonderful people.” He couldn’t have done it, however, without the support of his family. Even though they were not all on board with his career choice at first, they have really started to see just how successful he has become. “I’ll never forget the day I played Miami Beach’s first gay pride in 2009,” he explains. “My parents came to have ‘a drink’ and dance a bit. When 20,000 people showed up and their son [was] the guy playing the music and moving a sea of people, I think it sort of clicked!” Playing to those seas of people on a consistent basis is something Ferbeyre finds amazingly powerful. “It sort of feels like I’m the sorcerer’s apprentice, conducting in the cosmos,” he says, explaining that he is always looking for that
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name : DJ Maximus 3000 age : 31 co mpany : Max-Ink Enterprises, LLC title : Founder & CEO relationship status : Happily taken!
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Favorites Movie: The Fifth Element Book: The Da Vinci Code Color: Purple Food: Thai/Japanese Cocktail: Dirty Martini
Multiple Choice : Mac or PC: Mac Dogs, cats, other: Dogs Prom king or drama queen: Principal Early bird or night owl: Night owl
Short Answer Biggest fear: Being mauled by sharks, although I think I can take one on as of lately. Guilty pleasure: Sweet tooth Favorite TV Couple? Kermit and Miss Piggy. Most embarrassing moment? Just like everyone else I have plenty! I am only human. Favorite Quote? "Do onto others what you would have them do unto you" Matthew 7:12 Boxers or Briefs? Boxer Briefs. wink wink. Favorite thing to do (when you’re not working)? I love arcades, movies and reading up on pop culture. I keep very close tabs on current memes.
record pools and Billboard-reporting DJs.
rush in more and more powerful doses.
His work gained the attention of several independent artists and micro-labels, and so he created 8025 Alliance Music Group and secured a distribution deal with IODA/Sony Red.
“I am very blessed to have made a name for myself,” he adds, “and continue to successfully make money as a working DJ, producer, and consultant. Because of the broad spectrum of what my company covers and the various skill sets I have under my belt, I can traverse into almost any scene and handle just about any situation. I’m constantly evolving and growing and have so many things in store.”
“The label has gone through many phases,” Ferbeyre says, “including working and housing other micro-labels from London, Miami, New York, Aruba, and South America. We have released several compilations and remix maxisingles, and our artists’ releases have been licensed to companies such as Abercrombie & Fitch and have been featured on FM, Internet, and XM/Sirius satellite radio. “It really has been a very rewarding, selffulfilling labor of love,” he continues, “all while
For more on DJ Maximus 3000, check out twitter.com/DJMaximus3000 and Facebook. com (keyword: DJ Maximus 3000).
On dating/being in a relationship? In my personal experience, as both an independent business owner and an artist, relationships can be tough for people like us. I’ve had a few that couldn't compete with my DJ persona, who in essence is the other man in life. It’s a constant job to promote, manage, negotiate, and create yourself even with the help of a professional team. I’ve had to learn to make time for my personal life outside of my business, which is never an easy thing to do, as I am always working and my brain never stops firing off new ideas. But, I am beyond lucky and happy to be in an exclusive relationship with someone who is supporting my endeavors and makes me feel confident I’m doing the right thing every day. As an artist and public persona, I’m extremely self critical and hard on myself when I think I’m not perfect; this man balances me out every time. For that I am lucky. My advice to anyone who is selfemployed, make sure you learn to clock in and out just like you would a real job and make time for your significant other. www.omgmag.com | OMG! 69