"An artist whose eyes and ears are consistently set on the future, Subtractive strives to create music that is totally non-traditional. His compositions explore the limits of electronic sound, while maintaining a rhythm which is irresistible to dancers. Dream-like synth melodies and pristinely processed vocals float over the top of floor-shaking bass, creating a groove which consists of equal parts dance party and introspective voyage. A true master of manipulating energy, Subtractive’s productions take his listeners on a journey that has captivated many across the globe."
Real name: Alex Hunt
Artist name: Subtractive
Affiliation: Bonzai Progressive; Trapez; Traum
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA (Will travel nationally and internationally)
Email: bookings@subtractive.us
Phone: by request
Artist name: Subtractive
Affiliation: Bonzai Progressive; Trapez; Traum
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA (Will travel nationally and internationally)
Email: bookings@subtractive.us
Phone: by request
Bio
With a drummer for a father, and a sister who was into illegal street racing, Subtractive’s (Alex Hunt’s) childhood was anything but normal. By age 13, Alex was already hooked by the euphoric, confidence-inducing sounds of electronic dance music; “I used to beg my sister to let me ride along on races... Sometimes she would give in. The days following, I would be asking her what music her friends were listening to in the car.”
After his initial exposure, it didn’t take long for Hunt to dedicate himself to learning the art of music creation. The young producer spent his nights practicing skills such as mixing, sampling, and synthesis. As years went on, Alex began making the trek to Detroit nearly every weekend. With a head full of production knowledge and an eagerness to experience Detroit’s underground party scene, the cards were right for Alex Hunt to undergo a musical transformation; this is when he became Subtractive.
Over the years, Alex has been involved in hundreds of event productions, nightclub take-overs, and festivals. From Chicago, to Detroit, to Tulum, he has shared the stage with Justin Martin, Kenneth Thomas, J Phlip, Donnerstag, Omar Labastida, Kyle Watson, Tinlicker, Emma Hewitt, Florian Frings, Justin James, Shaded, Candyland, Kill Paris, Gettoblaster, DJ Hyperactive, Golf Clap, Kill Frenzy, and many more. Beyond standalone bookings, he has held a year long weekly residency at Metro Nightclub in Kalamazoo, MI; and currently holds a weekly residency at Social Misfits in Grand Rapids, MI for one year and counting, as well as a weekly radio show called "club.rave.listen" that focuses on Progressive House and Melodic Techno. A new episode of club.rave.listen is uploaded every Sunday to Apple Podcasts, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Mixcloud.
Subtractive has continued to grow his worldwide footprint with his original tracks since his first release in 2012. In 2023, his "Eyes of Wisdom" EP on Bonzai Progressive hit #21 on the Beatport Top 100 Progressive House Releases Chart, and stayed in the top 100 for seven days straight. In 2022, just weeks after it’s release, his EP with Bonzai Progressive “The Medici Effect” broke into the top 100 Progressive House releases globally both on Beatport and Traxsource and has been supported by DJ’s around the world, with Joseph Capriati, Cristian Varela, Giusseppe Ottaviani, and Luciano Scheffer all pledging their support. To further emphasize his international presence, In 2021 his track “Last Train to Madrid” on Slur Records reached the #1 spot for Techno in Italy on iTunes, and In 2020 his remix of “StayLoose - Tiny Warrior” reached #1 in Electronic music in the Netherlands on iTunes.
An artist whose eyes and ears are consistently set on the future, Subtractive strives to create music that is totally non-traditional. His compositions explore the limits of electronic sound, while maintaining a rhythm which is irresistible to dancers. Dream-like synth melodies and pristinely processed vocals float over the top of floor-shaking bass, creating a groove which consists of equal parts dance party and introspective voyage. A true master of manipulating energy, Subtractive’s productions take his listeners on a journey that has captivated many across the globe.
After his initial exposure, it didn’t take long for Hunt to dedicate himself to learning the art of music creation. The young producer spent his nights practicing skills such as mixing, sampling, and synthesis. As years went on, Alex began making the trek to Detroit nearly every weekend. With a head full of production knowledge and an eagerness to experience Detroit’s underground party scene, the cards were right for Alex Hunt to undergo a musical transformation; this is when he became Subtractive.
Over the years, Alex has been involved in hundreds of event productions, nightclub take-overs, and festivals. From Chicago, to Detroit, to Tulum, he has shared the stage with Justin Martin, Kenneth Thomas, J Phlip, Donnerstag, Omar Labastida, Kyle Watson, Tinlicker, Emma Hewitt, Florian Frings, Justin James, Shaded, Candyland, Kill Paris, Gettoblaster, DJ Hyperactive, Golf Clap, Kill Frenzy, and many more. Beyond standalone bookings, he has held a year long weekly residency at Metro Nightclub in Kalamazoo, MI; and currently holds a weekly residency at Social Misfits in Grand Rapids, MI for one year and counting, as well as a weekly radio show called "club.rave.listen" that focuses on Progressive House and Melodic Techno. A new episode of club.rave.listen is uploaded every Sunday to Apple Podcasts, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Mixcloud.
Subtractive has continued to grow his worldwide footprint with his original tracks since his first release in 2012. In 2023, his "Eyes of Wisdom" EP on Bonzai Progressive hit #21 on the Beatport Top 100 Progressive House Releases Chart, and stayed in the top 100 for seven days straight. In 2022, just weeks after it’s release, his EP with Bonzai Progressive “The Medici Effect” broke into the top 100 Progressive House releases globally both on Beatport and Traxsource and has been supported by DJ’s around the world, with Joseph Capriati, Cristian Varela, Giusseppe Ottaviani, and Luciano Scheffer all pledging their support. To further emphasize his international presence, In 2021 his track “Last Train to Madrid” on Slur Records reached the #1 spot for Techno in Italy on iTunes, and In 2020 his remix of “StayLoose - Tiny Warrior” reached #1 in Electronic music in the Netherlands on iTunes.
An artist whose eyes and ears are consistently set on the future, Subtractive strives to create music that is totally non-traditional. His compositions explore the limits of electronic sound, while maintaining a rhythm which is irresistible to dancers. Dream-like synth melodies and pristinely processed vocals float over the top of floor-shaking bass, creating a groove which consists of equal parts dance party and introspective voyage. A true master of manipulating energy, Subtractive’s productions take his listeners on a journey that has captivated many across the globe.
Press
"Subtractive’s unique approach transcends the ordinary, providing an extraordinary musical odyssey that invites enthusiasts to explore the frontiers of electronic soundscapes. Join the avant-garde movement and let Subtractive redefine your perception of music."
The Further
https://the-further.com/subtractive-unveils-the-future-dive-into-the-sonic-odyssey-of-club-rave-listen
"Because of his incredible versatility and ability to combine rhythm and melody, he is widely regarded as "The Midwest Maestro of Melodic Techno.” His DJ sets combine the edge of old-school techno with the melody of the contemporary scene, finding the perfect balance between these different styles and making for a truly unique formula."
Real Chicago Music
https://www.realchicagomusic.com/2023/01/subtractive-has-recently-released-brand.html
"Grand Rapids transplant and electronic music artist Alex Hunt, aka Subtractive, will be the first support act of [Tinlicker in Detroit]. His most recent EP, “Eyes of Wisdom,” recently charted at No. 21 on the Beatport Top 100 Progressive House releases, so it’s not a stretch to suggest that Subtractive’s recent rise makes him an artist to watch in 2023."
Local Spins
https://localspins.com/looking-for-the-perfect-beat-techno-melody-in-the-motor-city-with-genre-defining-tinlicker-local-spins/
"Blaster Music Magazine: What are the main topics for most of your songs? Do you think topics will change over time?
Subtractive: My songs are all based on what emotion they evoke when a listener hears them on a massive, well-tuned nightclub sound system. That's what I'm always thinking about and envisioning when I'm creating. What kind of experience feels far away from the normalcy of everyday life? What's going to ignite that true escape for club-goers? What's going to give people that feeling that they can do anything for just one night? If I apply deeper, personal meanings to the songs, that is always secondary to the listener, and I have to remain conscious of that."
Interview with Blaster Music Magazine
https://blaster-magazine.com/music-interview/exclusive-interview-with-subtractive/
The Further
https://the-further.com/subtractive-unveils-the-future-dive-into-the-sonic-odyssey-of-club-rave-listen
"Because of his incredible versatility and ability to combine rhythm and melody, he is widely regarded as "The Midwest Maestro of Melodic Techno.” His DJ sets combine the edge of old-school techno with the melody of the contemporary scene, finding the perfect balance between these different styles and making for a truly unique formula."
Real Chicago Music
https://www.realchicagomusic.com/2023/01/subtractive-has-recently-released-brand.html
"Grand Rapids transplant and electronic music artist Alex Hunt, aka Subtractive, will be the first support act of [Tinlicker in Detroit]. His most recent EP, “Eyes of Wisdom,” recently charted at No. 21 on the Beatport Top 100 Progressive House releases, so it’s not a stretch to suggest that Subtractive’s recent rise makes him an artist to watch in 2023."
Local Spins
https://localspins.com/looking-for-the-perfect-beat-techno-melody-in-the-motor-city-with-genre-defining-tinlicker-local-spins/
"Blaster Music Magazine: What are the main topics for most of your songs? Do you think topics will change over time?
Subtractive: My songs are all based on what emotion they evoke when a listener hears them on a massive, well-tuned nightclub sound system. That's what I'm always thinking about and envisioning when I'm creating. What kind of experience feels far away from the normalcy of everyday life? What's going to ignite that true escape for club-goers? What's going to give people that feeling that they can do anything for just one night? If I apply deeper, personal meanings to the songs, that is always secondary to the listener, and I have to remain conscious of that."
Interview with Blaster Music Magazine
https://blaster-magazine.com/music-interview/exclusive-interview-with-subtractive/