Kai Alce

There is a certain type of artist that transcends generational and artistic boundaries, that channels their experiences while simultaneously fostering an environment for others to thrive. Kai Alcé is a prime example, someone who witnessed the genesis of Detroit’s electronic musical landscape and strives to keep that spirit alive. The Alcé family moved to Detroit in 1980, the start of the decade where Techno would take formation. Kai was introduced to the “progressive” (the local term for the youth culture of early house/techno) world by his mentor and distant cousin Chez Damier. Chez, along with Alton Miller and George Baker, opened the acclaimed Music Institute where a teenage Kai worked the lights. Kai relocated to Atlanta to study psychology at Morehouse College, one of America’s historically black institutions of higher learning. As one of the pioneers of the burgeoning Southern House music scene, Kai was instrumental in establishing a connection between his new home and Detroit. Through his efforts the likes of Moodymann, Theo Parrish, Alton Miller, Mike Huckaby (RIP) and Brett Dancer were brought to Atlanta for the first time. Through these efforts his direct influence can be felt in all aspects of Atlanta’s House music culture. NDATL stands for the cities that Kai has called home and have played a role in his musical development: New York, Detroit, ATLanta.