Alex Y. aka The Sentinel was born in 1981 in Odessa, Ukraine (former Soviet Union). His family moved to the United States in 1991 to the city of Philadelphia. His interest in electronic dance music was sparked by a visit to Baltimore, where for the first time; with the help of a fake ID, he visited a night club. Previously disliking any kind of techno/dance, this experience changed it all. The music he heard really began to interest him. From there on, he began journeying to Baltimore every weekend to see his friends and to enjoy the dance scene. In the mean time he wanted to hear more and more of this new style of music; it really intrigued him. Trying to find Dance/Club music was not an easy task. Fortunately a local store (Northeast Video) sold dance compilations such as Dream Dance, DJ Groove (Russian DJ), etc. They were played non stop in his car as well as on his WALKMAN. “This music captivated meI was really amazed to hear such sequence and order but also the emotion within these tracks.” It was the summer of 1998, during this time Alex would embrace his musical passion. “A couple of my friends told me about a new nightclub in Philly, it was called Club SPACE. They said ‘you should really check it out’.” After one visit he was hooked. The music that he heard was incredible. Apparently this was the height of the Rave scene in Philadelphia, a totally new experience for many. Every weekend during the summer as well as the fall, he would go “Space” and indulge in the sonic bliss. During this time a new style of dance music began to forge, called Trance. Names such as Tilt, Lost Witness, Union Jack, ATB, Transa, and Oakenfold began to make a big impression on the scene as well as on Alex. Listening to music was one thing, but now it was time to take it to the next level. In 2000 Alex bought his first turntables. Advancements came with time. Being a technology savvy guy, he always upgraded his DJ equipment. But soon he began to wonder; how is it that these songs and sounds are really made. The journey into sound for Alex began with the purchase of his first synthesizer, the E-MU Xtream Lead. Although Alex had no idea about music theory, however he picked up a lot of know how from DJing. With absolutely no musical training it was a huge challenge for Alex, nevertheless he pursued his passion. “I’m very technical, I love to tweak and adjusting equipment this is why I bought a synthesizer in the first place.” A couple of years of practice and ambition, the music speaks for itself!!! What is “The Sentinel Project?” A sentinel is someone who protects and guards. Due to the lack of creativity in the dance scene these days (example: CASCADA), I want to bring back and preserve the very essence of Dance music. “2006 is going to be a huge year for The Sentinel Project, stay tuned” Major influences: Tiesto, Van Buuren, Above & Beyond, Sensorica, Lange, old sckool Oakenfold, Mark Otten, Transa, PPK, 4 Strings, Thrillseekers, Airwave, PVD, Perry O'Neil, Yahel, Infected Mushroom, Depeche Mode, Yaz, Airbase, Alphazone, Moon Man, ATB, Des Mitchell, Johan Gielen, Airscape, Rank 1, Blank & Jones, RMB, Riva, IIO, Tenth Planet, Mauro Picotto, Talla 2XLC, Moby, Tiimo Mass, Kraftwerk, Agneli & Nelson, Veracocha, Marco V, Breeder, Digweed, Sasha, Tangerine Drea, D:Fuse, DT8, Sunscream, Ian Van Dahl, Fragma, Cass & Slide, Sagitaire, Ultrashock, Dumonde, Jam X & De Leon, Tilt, Solange, Blue Amazon, Apallo 440, Lost Witness, etc