Kai Alcé is an Atlanta-based DJ and producer with previous releases on Track Mode (including a collaboration with Ron Trent), Late Night Essentials and KDJ/Moodymann’s Mahogani Music. Over a short run of releases Kai has quickly established a raw, soulful sound, combined with a refreshingly loose, experimental approach to his productions. ‘Corner Manuvers’ is a dark & dusty, brooding piece with distorted, moody spoken vocals. ‘T.O.’s Track’ has a lighter atmosphere and combines rolling layered percussion with clipped vocal samples and smooth minimal jazz chords. Born in New York, Kai Alcé spent his early years on the Caribbean island of St. Croix. His parents moved back to NY just in time for Kai to experience the birth of hip-hop, a movement he associates with the beginning of his relationship with music independent of that of his parents. After moving to Detroit in 1980 Kai began listening to influential radio DJs The Electrifying Mojo and The Wizard aka Jeff Mills. When The Music Institute opened in Detroit in 1987, it quickly became the city’s premier underground dance music location. Kai began working there at the age of 16 and subsequently witnessed the evolution of house music through DJs Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson, D. Wynn, Alton Miller and Chez Damier. After completing high school, Kai moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College. He began DJing at Club Velvet while still attending college and for several years was the main resident at DEEP, Saturday nights at MJQ Concourse. At the same venue Kai developed a direct link between the South and his Detroit roots by creating Deep Detroit House Sessions, featuring the likes of Chez Damier, Alton Miller, Brett Dancer, Moodymann, Mike Huckaby and Theo Parrish.

DE BUG (GER): “Und schon wieder kommt die Deephouseplatte des Monats von Real Soon. Brilliante EP deren Titeltrack "Corner Manuvers" eben das immer wieder leise ins Microphon schlürft und langsam immer mehr melodische Parts und eine bei dieser Deepness überraschende Leichtigkeit erzeugt. Ein Track in den man sich reinlegen kann. Die upliftendere B- Seite ist aber auch ein unglaublich sweetes Stück Musik. Immer wieder schade, dass nicht viel mehr Releases in dieser Richtung erscheinen.”

Groove Mag (GER): “Kai Alcé ist ein hartnäckiger und hartgesottener Genosse. Der Kumpel von Moodymann und reguläre Gast auf Track Mode Recordings hat seine Milchzähne im Detroiter Music Institute verloren, wo er Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson und Chez „Love is the Message“ Damier über die breiten Schultern schaute. Gelandet ist er aber letztendlich in Atlanta und hält seit seiner College-Zeit dort die Fackel der true school hoch. Das gilt auch für die zwei Tracks, mit denen er Real Soon bedacht hat. Bassig, tief, unspektakulär, aufrichtig und Genrefans auf den Leib geschneidert. Kinderquatsch lässt er lieber die anderen machen. ”

Lawrence (Dail): “#4 September Charts”