From Queens, New York, Alex Butler originally never saw himself becoming a DJ, but the generations of musicians and artists making up his family made of him a natural entertainer. While attending Manhattan’s prestigious LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts (see Fame), Alex found himself most comfortable on stage, leading numerous theatrical productions. As a student focused on classical music with career ambitions centered around theatre, Alex’s life changed when he first met Adam Goldstein (best known as DJ AM). Mesmerized by AM’s control of the crowd and love of music, Alex instantly knew that the stage he most wanted to be on had turntables. Over the next few years the two developed a mentor/mentee relationship, with Goldstein taking Butler under his wing and educating him in the art of spinning Upon graduation, Alex traded in the concrete jungle for the sunny beaches of Florida, enrolling in the University of Miami’s acclaimed Frost music business program while pursuing his newfound passion. He honed his DJ skills through private events before becoming a staple on South Beach, performing and holding residencies at top Miami clubs such as; Mansion, Wall, Nikki Beach, Mokai, The Shore Club, Arkadia, and others. In 2012, Alex worked with popular Gen-Y online publication Elitedaily to create Press Play; an interview series highlighting the personalities of some of the world’s top DJ’s. The show quickly claimed success and drew a loyal following from fans and EDM publications alike. Alex’s exposure to some of the world’s most talented DJs enabled him to learn from the best and mature his sound. Mixmag–the world’s largest dance music publication–took notice. Wanting to increase their exposure in the United States, Mixmag saw Alex and his promising future as an opportunity to have a US ambassador. Moving away from the trademark open-format style of “Alex Butler,” Aear’s sound is a fusion of progressive house and vocal trance, accompanied by some tribal beats; high energy music meant to create unforgettable experiences rather than simply provide ambiance.