• Can you tell us about your background and how you got into music?
I started my musical journey totally fascinated by a DJ setup that an older kid in my neighborhood had. Hip-hop music and culture took me by storm — becoming a DJ and dropping heavy beats quickly became my dream. Mixing, blending, and later turntablism became part of my daily routine. As I spent more time digging for rare sample records, the desire to create my own beats and original music naturally grew. That passion eventually led me to buy my first Akai MPC drum machine — and that’s where it all truly began.
• Who are your biggest musical influences? How have these influences shaped your sound and approach to music production?
One of my biggest musical influences has always been the sampling era of ’90s East Coast Hip-Hop. I still believe to this day that the magic of a great soulful sample beats everything. Even now, whenever I step into a record store, I’m instantly back in crate-digging mode.
• What has been the highlight of your career so far? Do you have any good tour stories to share? And what was the worst job you ever had?
I’d say my first platinum record in the U.S. as a songwriter — for contributing to The Chainsmokers’ song “Takeaway” — was a real milestone. Another huge moment was when my own track “The Horns” went platinum in Italy. I suddenly had multiple radio interviews, and the success in Italy happened so over night that when people started asking me for autographs, I honestly thought it was a prank. I remember thinking, “Is there a hidden camera somewhere?” To get to that point, I really hustled — I worked all kinds of jobs to afford my first equipment, from cleaning public parks and delivering newspapers to installing TVs and working on a pharmaceutical assembly line. I pretty much did it all just to keep my music production dream alive.
• Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame them?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this journey is that not everyone will believe in your art or vision the way you do. Whether it’s a label, management, or people in the industry, you’re often on your own when you’re still building. But once success comes, suddenly everyone’s around saying, “I believed in him from day one.” The truth is, during the grind, very few actually bring anything to the table. That experience taught me the importance of trusting myself and staying committed to my own path, even when the support isn’t there yet. You really have to back yourself — no one else will do it for you until it’s already working.
• How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music? And what would you be doing if you weren’t a musician?
I’d describe my sound as soulful, electronic, and genre-crossing dance music — rooted in emotion but always made for the dancefloor. I love blending different influences to create something fresh that connects with people in a real way. If I weren’t doing music, I’d probably be working in something like sports or graphic design. Those have always been big passions of mine outside of the studio. I’ve always been drawn to creativity and energy, whether it’s through visuals, movement, or sound — so I could definitely see myself thriving in that world too.
• Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and recording a new track?
For me, it always starts with a sample, a song concept, or a vocal that sparks inspiration. From there, the next step — especially as a DJ — is making sure the drums are crisp and punchy, something that really hits in my sets. Depending on the style of the track, I often collaborate with songwriters and vocalists, so an important part of the process is selecting the best vocal takes and shaping the performance to match the energy of the production. The final step is usually the arrangement, which is often the key to making a record work — whether for streaming or the clubs. It’s definitely the trickiest part, though, as it’s easy to get lost in the details.
• Can you tell us about your new single, ‚No Good‘? What does this song mean to you?
I’ve always wanted to reimagine Kelly Charles‘ iconic hook and bring it into today’s soundscape — blending a sense of nostalgia with something fresh and modern. After a lot of time and creative exploration, I’m thrilled to have crafted an entirely new song around it with Clearest. Her one-of-a-kind voice brings a special magic that makes ‘No Good’ stand out in a powerful way. I’m genuinely proud of what we created together. For me, this track represents the journey of evolving as an artist while paying tribute to the roots of the music that inspired me. Clearest brought a fresh dimension to the project, and I believe ‘No Good’ captures something truly unique and unforgettable.
• What do you do when your equipment fails?
That’s every DJ’s nightmare — having the equipment fail while performing in a club. Luckily, I haven’t experienced that yet, but I heard a story from a friend who did. He started singing “Happy Birthday” out loud, and the crowd sang along with him. It gave the team a chance to fix the equipment in the meantime.
• Which track would play during your walkout for a boxing match?
I’d probably keep it traditional with Bill Conti’s „Rocky“ theme.
• What do you think is the most important music equipment invention of all time – and why?
I’d say two turntables and a mixer — that was the setup that first got me into DJing.
• What advice would you give to someone trying to make it as a professional musician?
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that even if your music isn’t at a top level right away, you have to keep going. Every craft takes time, patience, and consistency to truly develop and master. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, but real growth comes from staying focused on your own path. Be unique — don’t chase trends. Find your own lane, your own sound, and your own way of doing things. That’s what will set you apart in the long run. And remember: progress is more important than perfection. Keep creating, stay true to yourself, and trust the process.
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