IGLESIAS: “PRODUCING MUSIC HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY TRUE PASSION”.
Hello! It’s a real pleasure to have you on Fiesta & Bullshit. I’d love to know how you got infected with the electronic music virus? Was there a specific moment when you thought this is the kind of music I want to make?
Hey, thank you for having me on Fiesta & Bullshit! I’m truly thrilled to be here. My journey into electronic music actually began in a rather unconventional way. It didn’t start with me actively seeking out electronic music, but rather with my passion for pop-punk. Growing up, I was a huge fan of Blink 182, and their music had a significant impact on me. In particular, Travis Barker’s incredible drumming skills inspired me greatly, and I became obsessed with drums and percussion.
As I delved deeper into the world of music, I naturally started exploring different genres, including electronic music. However, I couldn’t help but notice that most electronic music relied heavily on electronic drum machines rather than incorporating real drums. This realisation sparked something within me.
Combining my love for pop-punk and my fascination with drums, I felt compelled to create my own style of electronic music. I wanted to bring the raw energy and dynamic nature of real drums into the electronic music realm, infusing it with a unique flavour. It’s this fusion of influences that ultimately shaped my desire to craft electronic music that stands out from the crowd.
So, in a way, my journey into electronic music was a result of my love for pop-punk and my unwavering passion for drums.
We all have role models in our profession to whom we want to aspire. Who are the role models that guide your path?
I think I jumped the gun with my answer above haha. But in terms of my profession, I find inspiration from a diverse range of role models. As I mentioned earlier, drummers like Travis Barker, Frank Zummo, and Chris Wilson from Good Charlotte have been instrumental (pardon the pun) in my musical journey. Their incredible talent and unique styles have always captivated me and fuelled my passion for percussion.
When it comes to the electronic music world, there are two artists who have truly left a lasting impact on me: Paco Osuna and Marco Carola. What sets them apart for me is their unwavering commitment to the craft and their long-term vision. They haven’t relied on fleeting moments of fame or social media hype. Instead, they have built their careers through sheer dedication, hard work, and a consistent approach to their artistry.
Seeing their enduring success and the way they have navigated the industry inspires me. It reminds me of the importance of perseverance, honing my skills, and staying true to my artistic vision. So, while my role models span different genres and disciplines, the common thread among them is their dedication, talent, and the impact they have made on their respective fields. They continue to motivate me to strive for excellence and forge my own unique path in the world of electronic music.
How was your experience at NOW HERE last year?
My experience at NOW HERE last year was truly mind-blowing. I had the incredible opportunity to perform twice, both solo and alongside my talented friend Latmun. It was a career highlight for me, as I was recognised for my unique sound and artistic vision. The energy from the crowd was like no other and the connection between the music and the audience was undeniable. NOW HERE is all about the music and being Here in the moment and that is exactly what I felt when I was playing. It was an unforgettable experience that solidified my belief in the power of music and the boundless possibilities ahead.
In a nutshell, my time at NOW HERE last year was just incredible. It validated my distinct sound, fuelled my commitment to pushing boundaries, and left a lasting impression on my career journey. I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a special family and already cannot wait for this year’s shows.
How would you define the sound of NOW HERE? Does the party have a clear style or is it more eclectic?
It is really hard to put into a single word or to be able to categorise Now Here. But, what I can say, is that NOW HERE is all about energy. You really have to experience one of the nights to understand it. The flow is also spot on and carefully programmed. Each artist on the line-up brings their unique style and approach which creates a diverse yet cohesive musical experience.
Hï Ibiza has been considered the best club in the world, what do you like most about playing at the Club Room?
I really am not surprised that it is voted the best club in the world. The venue itself is absolutely incredible, and the level of hospitality is unparalleled. However, what sets it apart for me is the insane sound system. But for me, it is the sound in the club that hits the spot.
What I love most about playing in the Club Room is the unique connection it fosters between the crowd and the DJ. The setup allows the audience to surround you, creating an intimate and immersive atmosphere. It’s a feeling like no other, and I found that I could really connect with everyone in the room. After the season ended, I struggled to have that same feeling of energy and connection in other clubs for quite a few weeks. It really is a special place!
Playing at NOW HERE is not the first time you have collaborated with Paco, you have performed at the Mindshake parties and also produced music on the label, how did your relationship with Paco Osuna come about?
I still consider myself incredibly fortunate to be part of this growing family, and I owe a great deal to Paco Osuna. Before this journey, I was something of a lone ranger, not fitting in with other brands as a resident, nor did I want to conform. I wanted to be different, to play and create music that resonated with my own vision. Paco recognised this and began showing support to my music. We had numerous phone conversations about music, shared tracks, and he has offered invaluable advice that I will carry with me throughout my career. They say “you should never meet your heroes”, but this is the one time that I am glad I have!
When it comes to the music itself, releasing on Mindshake felt like an authentic representation of my style. While some may label it as tech house, I personally resist the urge to confine my music within vague genres. Paco and I share the belief that good music transcends labels. If the music is good, that’s all that truly matters.
Being a part of Mindshake and working with Paco has been an incredible experience. It has allowed me to fully express myself artistically but mainly it has allowed me to become more confident as an artist.
In addition to being a DJ, you’re also a great producer. Do you wait for inspiration from the music or do you work for hours and hours until you find what you’re looking for?
Producing music has always been my true passion and still is now more than ever. In today’s music industry, there’s a prevalent trend of rushing to create music in the race for fame and chart success. However, that’s not what music is about for me. It’s a deeply ingrained part of who I am and I honestly couldn’t care less about fame. I do what I do because I absolutely love it.
When it comes to finding inspiration, I believe in allowing the creative process to unfold naturally. I spend countless hours in the studio, tirelessly experimenting and crafting drum grooves until something resonates with me. Once I have a strong foundation of a record, I save it on my laptop, ready to be paired with the perfect synth riff, sample, or vocal when the right moment arises. This might be a few hours later or even months later that I decide to revisit it, but not every record I make will be finished or released – I am far too brutal on my own music to share it all haha. I also don’t believe in putting pressure on myself to create a track within a specific timeframe. Instead, I trust that creativity will flow when the time is right. I delve into my personal collection of ideas stored on my hard drive, carefully exploring which one aligns best with the current vision. This approach ensures that my creativity remains intact, avoiding the unnecessary pressure I could end up putting on myself to release music. There may be some weeks that I don’t write anything which I am okay with – as long as people hear what I am truly proud of then that is all that matters to me.
The first time you set foot on Ibiza, you thought..
The first time I ever set foot on Ibiza I remember thinking I hope one day I can play here. It is crazy to think that not long after that I would be playing at the Number 1 club in the world and alongside the Number 1 DJs in the world – MENTAL!!
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