Alix Perez

Alix Perez (Alix Depauw) is a pivotal figure in modern drum and bass, credited with bridging the gap between the 'liquid' sound of the mid-2000s and the more technical, minimalist 'halftime' movement. Originally from Belgium and later based in the UK and New Zealand, his career arc began with a meteoric rise on labels like Shogun Audio, where his debut album '1984' became a benchmark for soulful, sample-heavy electronic music.

His sound identity is built on a foundation of hip-hop aesthetics, jazz-inflected harmonies, and a meticulous approach to sound design that emphasizes texture and sub-bass weight over melodic clutter. In 2016, he founded 1985 Music, a label that has become a primary hub for the 'North Quarter' and 'Symmetry' style of deep, tech-influenced D&B. Critically, he is viewed as a tastemaker who successfully transitioned from a 'prodigy' of the liquid scene to a mature architect of the genre's darker, more experimental fringes. His influence is seen in the rise of artists like Halogenix and Visages, who similarly prioritize groove and atmosphere over raw aggression.