Nat Creole: Your roots run deep.  You lived in New York as Hip Hop was exploding nationally, in Detroit as House was evolving, and you are one of the undisputed seeds of the Atlanta music scene.  What are some of your thoughts on how current music has evolved or devolved?

Kai Alce: In some ways music evolved in the 90's, but somewhere in the late 90's it began regressing not only in house but hip hop as well. In House there was a time when the market was saturated with meaningless tracks- which diluted the idea. Now unless you know exactly who and what you're looking for you probably won't find it. Although with the internet mp3 download sites it's a little easier.   

NC: Why do you think House music has not gotten the respect it deserves as an important cultural force?

KA: I think for one the industry did not know how to sell the dance artist. We don't live like rock stars and most DJs and producers would like to sit behind the screen. There's no controversy in that. As well as many of the songs were pretty much instrumentals. Which brings the problem, “how do you get someone to identify a sound without an image?”

NC: I was reading an interview with Craig Alexander and he kept focusing on what he called the spiritual side of House music.  Do you feel that the music itself is transformational?

KA: Music in general is transformational, at least the good ones. But the positive vibes that come from this soulful house music that we play. It makes your spirit feel good- that is if the DJ knows what he's doing.

NC: Let’s rap about Dancing.  Having the ability to get people to dance is a powerful thing? Is it something that you have to a natural sensibility for or can the skill be developed?

KA: Oh well I have always said your greatest DJs will be the ones you see dance. Cuz if you've never felt the power and let it take control you, you will never be able to make someone feel what you've never felt.

NC: I’ve always admired the unified communities that DJs create and maintain both locally and internationally.  Who are some of the cats that you enjoy working with and what is your favorite city to play?

KA: Well some of my “beats” comrades in the business are Brett Dancer (owner of Trackmode recordings), Rich Medina, Ron Trent, Larry Heard, Chez Damier, and Detroit but there are so many people I've worked with and I can't say there was anyone that wasn't cool.

NC: That’s a royal family right there. What projects are you currently working on or have on the agenda?

KA: I am currently trying to get my imprint out there to get some of this music I’ve been sitting on out. I worked on a couple remixes, and I have a Broken Headlights EP coming out on the label Real Soon out of London as well as some music coming out thru Shelter & Trackmode in the new year.

Nice.