RIP Alex Omes
Alex Omes
Miami Beach, FL – January 14, 2015 – Yesterday was a very sad day for anyone that knew Alex Omes and the legacy he has left behind. Alex has left quite the mark on not only myself, but on millions around the world. From starting D’VOX magazine to becoming the founder of Ultra Music Festival, Alex was part of the reason DJs get paid to do what they do today. Before I had pages in Ocean Drive magazine, Alex allowed me show what went on in South Beach during the late 90’s through my photography. He was a hustler, and taught me everything from how to edit photos to how to run a business. He was a one man show with D’VOX, publishing, editing, invoicing, Alex did it all. I personally want to thank him for believing in me way before anyone else did, and by giving me a medium in which I was able to showcase my work and the bustling South Beach nightlife scene. His involvement in everything from Shadow Lounge, to Crobar and Space, all the way up to WALL played a key role in how nightclubs would start booking DJs to perform. He was the founder Ultra Music Festival and because of him DJs from around the world were put on the “main stage” for the first time, therefore making the culture of EDM more main stream. Although Ultra Music Festival is still one of the largest music festivals in the world, the rise of it sparked a worldwide craze of “EDM” paving way for other festivals like Tomorrow World, Electric Zoo, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Electric Forrest to name a few. Alex’s legacy will certainly live on through EDM culture today. Another South Beach icon has left us, but he is someone we will never forget.
Words by Seth Browarnik
Seth Browarnik, Alex Omes, & Kris at Crobar on March 15, 2003
Seth BrowarnikI personally want to thank Alex for believing in me way before anyone else did, and by giving me a medium in which I was able to showcase my work.
Jon Cowan, Alex Omes, Carmel Ophir, & Sander Kleinenberg at Crobar on April 12, 2002
“In January 1989, I flew down to Miami to get out of the cold New York winter. South Beach was a different world from what most people know of her today; a small art-deco bohemia where a certain ‘electricity’ crackled in the air. I could feel something special was about to happen in this beachfront city, and despite being a stranger, I felt a freedom, a community, and a soon-to-be home. One night while walking down Ocean Drive, I heard an amazing sound coming out of the Edison Hotel Tropics Bar. An infectious funk/soul band was playing and I gravitated towards it. At the door was a husky guy with long curly hair. He had an imposing look for sure, but just as I approached, he smiled and said “Hello hello brother, welcome to Tropics, you look like a guy who’s definitely going to love the music.” That doorman’s name was Alex Omes, and man, was he right about my diggin’ the music. Throughout the night, he made sure to check in on me and see if I was having a good time. When it was closing time, he invited me to go with him to where the ‘locals’ hang out. It was so cool to have a stranger take the time to show me around (quite the opposite of the New York mentality I was used to), and within a year I made the move to Miami and never looked back. Alex was the very first person I met here, and in essence, would always be considered the spark in igniting the move to my new ‘home’. As our relationship grew, I realized Alex had a drive to do things that went against the grain. Some would view as risky but most as admirable. In the mid-90s, he started D’VOX Magazine which focused on the burgeoning electronic music scene, giving a platform for all things underground, DJ culture and the clubs that supported them. He hired up-and-coming writers and photographers to scout all that was edgy and happening. A few years later, he envisioned doing a music ‘party’ on the sands of South Beach, a risky proposition, but against all odds, he pulled it off. It was magic, and from that, Ultra Music Festival was born, marking the beginning of one of the longest-running electronic music festivals in the world. Alex was a man who would not be swayed from what he believed in. Some would say he was stubborn, and at times abrasive, but only because he believed in what he was doing. His unwavering passion for the projects he embarked on were never diluted. Alex, you are missed, I salute you old friend.” – Carmel Ophir
Emi Guerra, Louis Puig, & Alex Omes at Back in Black at Space on October 27, 2012
Emi Guerra & Alex Omes at Nicole Moudaber at Space on September 29, 2012
“Seventeen years of friendship and an infinite amount of memories later, Alex Omes will always hold a special place in our lives. A great friend, business partner and visionary left us too soon. Yet, his accomplishments and his place in Dance Music history can never be taken away. May he rest in peace” – Emi Guerra
Louis Puig & Alex Omes at Ultra Music Festival 2001
“Alex Omes was a pioneer, an innovator, a concept originator and a festival creator. Miami’s Electronic Music Scene would not be what it is today without his contributions. He was loyal to a fault, honest regardless and determined no matter what. He was a friend to many and a brother to some. I considered him my brother. I was very lucky and truly blessed to have Alex in my life. Rest in peace my brother.” – Louis Puig
Ultra Music Festival on March 25, 2000
Joshua, Carlos, Kerri, & Alex Omes at Art Basel on December 5, 2002
Alex, Joshua, & Kerri Omes at Art Basel on December 5, 2002
Alex & Carlos Omes ay Mansion Grand Opening on February 21, 2004
Alex Omes & Paul van Dyk at Ultra Music Festival on March 24, 2001
Ingrid Casares, Dade Sokoloff, Paul Okenfold, & Alex Omes at Ultra Music Festival on March 24, 2001
Alex Omes & Goldie at Crobar on January 5, 2002
Alex Omes at Spin on February 2, 2002
Alex Omes at Ultra Music Festival on March 23, 2002
Alex Omes, Paul van Dyk, & Danny Tenaglia at Ultra Music Festival on March 23, 2002
Alex Omes, Tiesto, & Louis Puig at Space on March 25, 2002
Alex Omes & Chris Graham at Backdoor Bamby at Crobar on August 19, 2002
Alex Omes, Paul Oakenfold, Michael Storms, & Buster Cox at Rumi on November 2, 2002
Russian Rob, Alex Omes, David Waxman, Kenny Smith, Emilio Guerra, & Sean Drake at Crobar New York Grand Opening on December 11, 2003
Ricky Martin & Alex Omes at Ultra Music Festival on March 26, 2005
Alex Omes at Backdoor Bamby 9th Anniversary on April 25, 2005
Alex Omes & Alex Gold at Space on June 1, 2005
Alex Omes & Bill Kelly at Bang Music Festival on November 26, 2005
Alex Omes & Erick Morillo at Ultra Music Festival on March 25, 2006
Alex Omes & Damian Pinto at Ultra Music Festival on March 25, 2006
Alex Omes & Pete Rage at Pete Wentz & Travis McCoy After Party at Cameo on October 31, 2007
Emi Guerra & Alex Omes at Ultra Music Festival on March 29, 2009
James Fowell, Alex Omes, & Pete Tong at Pete Tong at Space on September 8, 2012
Arlette Carlin & Alex Omes at Chris Paciello’s Birthday at Bianca at Delano on September 14, 2012
Alex Omes & Pete Tong at All Gone Pete Tong Pool Party at The Surfcomber on March 16, 2013
Alex Omes, Sean Drake, & Joe Day at Mark Leventhal Fundraiser at HaVen on January 28, 2014
Alex Omes & Sean Drake at Mark Leventhal Fundraiser at HaVen on January 28, 2014
Juan Carlos, Patrick Pizzorni, & Alex Omes at David Guetta at Samanes Park on November 13, 2014
