In 1998 with the support of Giacomo Maiolini, owner of TIME Records, Alex founds RISE Records, which becomes soon one of the most respectfull european labels, signing hit records like The Tamperer and Black Legend (Alex is the only italian A&R who had two # 1 in the UK sales chart ) and the super - hit of "Robbie Rivera Bang", which allowed him in 2000 to get the nomination as best european A&R at the European Music Awards in London.

In this period he increases also his activity as a producer with two singles in 2003 featuring big names such as Crystal Waters e Ultra Natè: the single "Destination Unknown" is played by all the most important deejays, including Pete Tong and Judge Jules and reached the top of the UK Buzz charts.