Coming off of his 2023 Coachella performance and an Electronic Dance Music Award for Best Radio Show (Process Radio), French DJ and producer Dombresky has continued his momentum into 2024 with his Sound of the Drums EP collab with London duo JADED and his LIFT OFF Tour. The EP’s melodic peak-time tracks released on Diplo’s Higher Ground clock in at 130 (Sound of the Drums) and 126 (All For You), and bring a classic, yet futuristic, feel to the dancefloor.

Dombresky got his start in Miami in 2016 under the relatively unknown name, Quentin Dombres. He’s since collaborated with the likes of Blond:ish, Armand Van Helden, Diplo, Claptone, and MK.

We connected with Dombresky to talk about what he seeks out of his DJ sets, how he’s crafted his sound, his love for South America, his thoughts on the current dance music scene and more. Stream Sound of the Drums here and check out his SPIN SETS below. Want more SPIN SETS? Head over to SPIN TV to keep up with all the latest and greatest DJ’s/producers pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

Who is Dombresky and what do you stand for?

I’m a nice French human being who really enjoys spreading love during his DJ set! I stand for moments of joy and happiness at the club, and I use the tools of producing house music to help do that.

Tell us about your sound – where does your style originate from and what have been your biggest visual, social, and sonic influences?

As a French person, house music has always had a big impact on my life. I’ve always been a fan of disco and funk and those genres have a big influence on my music, as heard in my recent release, Sound Of The Drums with JADED.

Was there a definitive turning point to your success?

When I decided to leave France and take my chances in America in 2016! Then, when I started to release music, my tracks “Soul Sacrifice” and “Simple Hit,” released in 2019 was a huge moment for me.

When did you realize the magnitude of your impact within the industry/community?

When I started to see videos of DJs all over the world playing my music, that was really special to see.

Where do you want to go next with your music and what can your fans expect from future releases?

My goal is to follow my gut, always music that I enjoy first, and then if people love it, it’s the cherry on top. I love good songs with great vocal hooks, so I will try to focus on making music with a good balance of vocals / samples.

Where have you not performed yet that you want to perform?

I’ve always been a fan of South American culture, and I have never been to Colombia, but I’ve heard the electronic scene there is amazing and getting even better.. so yes, I would love to go to Colombia (and meet my future wife there, jk… maybe…)

In what ways have you pushed yourself beyond existing self-imposed limitations?

Over the years I’ve gotten more and more comfortable with the demanding lifestyle of being a touring artist. I have the confidence to play any show and welcome any new opportunity.

What’s next for Dombresky?

More music, meeting more good humans on the LIFT OFF tour, more collaborations with artists I admire, and continuing to be happy!

What do you wish for the future of electronic music? In what ways would you like to see it evolve?

I’m actually very happy with the scene now, there is a good balance between the underground scene and mainstream scene. I don’t think it needs to be more popular, and I hope this quality of great music will keep coming out!

Any last words for the SPIN universe?

I’m so excited to be able to express myself on the LIFT OFF tour and I hope to see you somewhere and share a musical experience together soon.

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.

By the end of 2021, Kaleena Zanders had already clocked over 200 million streams as a top house vocalist, songwriter and producer, working with artists like Chris Lake, AC Slater and countless more. She had also landed her single “Carry Us” with LP Giobbi on Billboard’s 40 Best Dance Songs of 2021 and as one of Forbes’ Biggest Songs of 2021. Fast forward, she was recently featured as the face of Soundcloud during Black History Month (February, 2023) and Apple Music Dance (March, 2023).

One of the many reasons for Zanders’ continued rise is that she took on the challenge of learning the decks and establishing herself as a prominent DJ. Adding her captivating live Gospel House vocals to her own DJ sets, Zanders is now hitting differently on some of the biggest stages in electronic dance music, including Beyond Wonderland; Elements; EDC Las Vegas; a recent string of shows at Miami Music Week with headliners LP Giobbi, James Hype and Oliver Heldens; and upcoming dates with Dr. Fresch.

More from Spin:

• Snapped: Backstage Vibes at The Do LaB: Coachella’s Hidden Gem (A Photo Essay)
• Kaleena Zanders and VenessaMichaels Team Up for Tropical Vaporwave-Inspired ‘Crème Brulee’ Video

Zanders is acutely aware of her impact on the music industry and how she’s forging a path for others who may not be so well represented. And though she’s at the top of her game by any standard, she remains refreshingly humble and her sense of gratitude is always center stage.

Her new single, “Real Love” just dropped today and we can’t stop singing the hook. But it goes deeper. As Zanders explains, “‘Real Love’ is about my higher conscience talking to the low vibrating imposter, the self sabotaging inner dialogue that I have to monitor everyday. The little voice that I have to scold, coach and give ultimatums to. It’s kind of funny to treat yourself as two selves but for me, this has helped me crawl out of some of the darkest places in my mind.”
 

We connected with Kaleena Zanders to talk about her role as a social justice warrior, how fronting rock bands in her early days has influenced her stage presence today, where her unique sound comes from, and much more. Stream Real Love here and check out the windiest SPIN SET ever below. Want more? Head over to SPIN TV to keep up with all the latest and greatest DJ’s/producers pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

Who is Kaleena Zanders and what do you stand for?
A couple of loaded questions here haha. Have you ever seen Everything Everywhere All At Once? I’m the mom, the daughter and the dad all in one. In addition, being unapologetically fabulous, fairness and love. If you look at me it’s fair to assume that on a daily basis I have a lot to represent. Being a black, queer gender fluid womxn, I am forced to be a social justice warrior and that isn’t an easy task but I must say I’m having a great time!

Tell us about your sound – where does your style originate from and what have been your biggest visual, social, and sonic influences?
My sound is like if Tina Turner and Luther Vandross had a baby who was reminiscent of Whoopi Goldberg & Janet Jackson but 4 on the floor with hints of Robyn S Cece Piniston, Chaka Khan, & Whitney Houston hanging in an underground EDM church. I’d also say that my sound originated from my mom playing incredible tunes on vinyl from iconic artists like those mentioned above whilst I was hibernating inside her stomach.

As a teen, I listened to a lot of rock, nu metal, and rap and I feel like that headbanging teenage me still comes to the forefront when I’m performing even though I am doing dance music. I remember looking at bands and thinking how cool it was to be so expressive on stage. They really let it all out, so that’s what I do!

Was there a definitive turning point to your success?
A small little voice inside me feels weird to say that I am successful but I do recognize the achievements and how hard I’ve worked to have a chance at living out my dream in music. I think a turning point in my career was when I got to quit my day job and fully give my life over to music. My last day job was working as an inventory specialist at Apple. I remember in 2017, I got word that one of my songs, “Stronger Than I’ve Ever Been” was going to be in a commercial for the 2018 Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics. So I pretty much took that as my sign to peace out from the day job haha.

When did you realize the magnitude of your impact within the industry/community?
I HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY?? j/k Well, what I am aware of is that there are not an abundant number of people like me on this side of the industry, and to be really honest, after going through a really rough time in dance music that almost lead me to quit it, by the grace of the universe, something in my soul told me to stay. To stay to represent people like me. To hopefully inspire other queer, womxn, black folx & anyone who needs people like me fighting to be seen so that more opportunity is created for us. I recognize this from the amazing feedback I get after my shows from people who showed up, or getting heartfelt messages in DMs with people thanking me for representing them. Also, I’ve noticed the industry folks and tastemakers that have the power to shift the music industry, (like Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, Tidal, YouTube Music), validating my path by putting me on the covers of their popular playlists. You reeeeeeeally don’t see faces like mine consistently represented. It makes my existence on earth extremely rewarding and reassures my purpose in electronic dance music.

Where do you want to go next with your music and what can your fans expect from future releases?
Well right now, I am my own little singing DJ, one woman EDM rock show, but next, I’d really like to create an electronic dance experience. One that has a live band element using synths, drum machines, and cutting edge technology with futuristic mind bending visuals. After being a former frontwoman of a four piece rock band, the band element is something in my soul that I’ll never let go of. My future releases are going to be a little bit more personal. I’m trying to shed older versions of myself so I think sharing in a more vulnerable way feels right. Ultimately, no matter what I do, it’s going to be full on and a whole lot of fun!

Where have you not performed yet that you want to perform?
The Hollywood Bowl, Madison Square Garden, O2, Dubai, Tulum, oh you know, really small intimate venues and cities. 😉

In what ways have you pushed yourself beyond existing self-imposed limitations?
One thing that I have surprised myself with is that I went from being a singer/songwriter/vocalist to being a DJ. In that, I’ve had to learn a whole new territory, a whole new instrument. I still have much learning to do but becoming a DJ was like shifting my own paradigm. Frankly, my whole musical approach and my mental health changed for the better.

What’s next for Kaleena Zanders?
What’s next for me is releasing wayyyy more music on my label home Helix Records and an EP on Night Bass that AC Slater is executive producing. I’ll be playing some stellar festivals, EDC LV, Elements, Beyond Wonderland and more. I am playing three shows in Miami for Miami Music Week where James Hype, Lp Giobbi, and Oliver Heldens are the headliners. It will be my first time performing MMW and that’s so damn exciting! I’ll be writing in the UK as well! So yeah lots going on!

What do you wish for the future of electronic music? In what ways would you like to see it evolve?
Not to sound like a broken record but I am saying these things until the change is so blinding and also very normal. So yeah, I would love to continue seeing more vocalists in dance music be able to have a thriving, lucrative, touring career and to be seen equally in the dance space. And, I’d love to see the continued effort to lift up women, POC, and queer folx by booking them on more shows and festivals. I know the industry has made some great efforts to shift since 2020 and I’m excited to see dance music honor all walks of life on a professional level. Creatively, I’d love for people to evolve out of copying current trends. I feel like, one song will get big and then the copycat army cranks out a boatload of uninteresting songs that sound alike. It makes the industry stale for a while but I guess it’s good for those who can innovate out of the trend.

Any last words for the SPIN universe?
As once heard by the great British music philosophers, Spice Girls: “Colours of the world, Spice up your life, Every boy and every girl, Spice up your life, People of the world, Spice up your life.”

Catch Kaleena Zanders on tour:

4/7 – Vancouver, CA – Commodore Ballroom – (supporting Dr Fresch)
4/8 – Portland, OR – The North Warehouse – (supporting Dr Fresch)
4/14 – Detroit, MI – Leland City Club – (supporting Dr Fresch)
4/29 – Washington, DC – Project Glow Festival
6/4 – Toronto, ON – Lavender Wild Festival
6/16 – Gorge, WA – Beyond Wonderland – Campground Set
6/17 – Gorge, WA – Beyond Wonderland – Festival Set
8/13 – Long Pond, PA – Elements Festival

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.

Jamtronica keyboardist/producer Jason Leech has opened for the likes of Griz, Galantis, and Big Gigantic. But he’s not a DJ. No USB. No decks. Instead, he opts for a rack of keyboards and a pair of headphones, and from there it’s all live leads, stabs and pads. Incorporating elements of bass and electro, Leech’s stage presence and understanding of tension and release allow him to connect with electronic music audiences much the same way great DJ’s do.

After uploading bedroom performance videos to IG and TikTok, Leech got the attention of electronic royalty REZZ, Excision, ILLENIUM, CloZee, Griz, and ZEDS DEAD, who shouted Leech out for his innovative takes on their tracks. Since his debut Brownies and Lemonade performance in 2017, he’s landed bookings at Electric Forest, Lost Lands, Secret Dreams, Interstellar and Asteria – and he’s not slowing down.

We connected with Jason Leech to talk about his roots in classic rock, what it took to step into the electronic music scene as a hybrid solo act, what’s on the horizon for his original music, how he sees electronic music transforming, and more. Stream Ghost here and check out their SPIN SET below. Want more? Head over to SPIN TV to keep up with all the latest and greatest DJ’s/producers pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

Who is Jason Leech and what do you stand for?
I’m a keyboardist/producer who loves to create and perform music. I hope to use my platform to inspire creatives to put their work out into the world, no matter how out of place they feel. I’ve seen the benefits first hand, and its given my life so much purpose. I stand for chasing your dream, no matter what.

Tell us about your sound – where does your style originate from and what have been your biggest visual, social, and sonic influences?
I grew up on my parents music—classic rock like The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Deep Purple. These bands really opened my eyes to the multiple uses of the keys, outside of just piano. It got me into playing organs, synths, etc. Soon after that, I discovered electronic music through Daft Punk, and the early days of UKF with Skrillex, Zeds Dead, and Flux Pavilion. When I first heard Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, I remember thinking, “Is this guy playing all these parts on a keyboard?” Although that’s not what Skrillex was doing, I knew that I wanted to perform music like that. As a keyboardist, I thought I had to find my place in a band in order to have a career in music. These artists opened my mind to what was possible as a solo act.

Another big influence for me was an early YouTuber named Ronald Jenkees. He set up a camera to the side of his keyboards and made performance videos playing over a backing track. It looked so fun, and he got a huge positive response online. It inspired me to start making my own keyboard vids, which led to the start of my entire career.

You take such a unique hybrid approach to your sets. When did you start playing piano/keys/synth? Ever been in bands or have you always been solo?
I started playing piano when I was 5 years old. I was fortunate enough to have piano lessons growing up. I got my first electronic keyboard a few years later and loved that I could play thousands of different sounds using the skills I already learned from piano. I played in a couple bands growing up, first starting off playing pop punk with my high school friends. After that, I played in a funky jam band in college, The Manor & Friends, where I was exposed to playing on different stages and for different crowds. Playing shows with them really helped me with my stage presence.

Was there a definitive turning point to your success?
I’ve never had anything impact my career more than playing Electric Forest last year. I did two sets on a 360° stage, with the largest crowds I’ve ever played in front of. People from all across the country go to that festival, so it seems like no matter where I play now, somebody from Forest is at one of my shows. I also meet a lot of EF people who bring all their friends to see me when I play a show in their hometown. A lot of doors have been opened for me because of those sets and I’m so grateful for it.

 

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When did you realize the magnitude of your impact within the industry/community?
Within that last couple years, I feel like I moved beyond just being a keyboardist who posted videos online and stepped into the realm of the music industry. The artists that I looked up to and remixed in my videos became friends that I worked and collaborated with. In 2018, I made a video remixing CloZee’s tracks on keyboards because I was such a huge fan. As of last year, I have a collab out with her, an original release on her label, and performed on her festival Voyage. I used to listen to Marvel Years all the time and study how he worked live guitar into his set. Now I’m in the Marvel Years Trio, and we’re playing Envision Festival in Costa Rica next week. When I first started making keyboard videos, I would’ve never dreamed I’d be where I’m at now. Its been such a mind-blowing journey to be on, and so exciting to see a real world impact.

Where do you want to go next with your music and what can your fans expect from future releases?
I want to make piano a more prominent instrument in my mixes. I love playing classical piano pieces and I think that sound blends so well with electronic music. I recently made a video remixing Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and it quickly became my most viewed video ever. I do a live performance of Komuz’s Fur Elise Remix, and it always gets a reaction from the crowd. There’s something there that I definitely want to explore.

Where have you not performed yet that you want to perform?
Red Rocks!

In what ways have you pushed yourself beyond existing self-imposed limitations?
I never thought I would ever do more than just put out keyboard videos on the internet. I remember toying with the idea of turning my keyboard performances into a full length live show, but never acting on it. I told myself that it was too weird of an act to ever gain any kind of traction. I hadn’t seen it done before, so there was really no proof that it would work. Even if I wanted to do it, it was going to take countless hours to put together an hour set. I spent years just putting out content from my room. However, I started getting reposts from big artists, and getting more and more followers. I’d get comments from people asking if I perform live. The love and support from the online community made me realize that I needed to leave my comfort zone. Funny enough, now I’m at a point where I’m on tour, playing all over the country, and miss being able make keyboard videos in my room. Still trying to find that balance, but so thankful that I was able to break through to performing live shows.

What’s next for Jason Leech?
I want to put out more original music. I love making vids remixing other artists’ tracks, but I feel like I’ve gotten my production skills to a point where I can be putting out EPs and albums now. I also want to work with more vocalists. I just released an original track called “Ghost” with an amazing singer Raddix, and had a great time creating a track to compliment his voice. I can make almost any sound with synthesizers and keyboards, but never the sound of a vocalist’s singing voice.

What do you wish for the future of electronic music? In what ways would you like to see it evolve?
I’d love to see lineups include more artists who fuse live instruments into their sets. The added human element in a performance adds so much to the sound. Our ears like it when certain rhythms and notes aren’t perfectly in time in a song, and playing an instrument on stage can really bring out that special flow. I know many DJs who can play instruments really well, but don’t feel like they could or should include it in their set. I think seeing the live act become more common would make artists more willing to try it out. This could bring out so many more original styles and sounds, pushing electronic music even further.

Any last words for the SPIN universe?
Thanks to anyone who has ever supported my music in any way. I’m so lucky to be able to do this for a living and I owe it all to the people who have listened to and shared my music. Your words of encouragement to keep pressing on has helped me through the hard times as well. If you’re new to my music, thanks for checking out this interview! I had a great time answering these questions and hope you check out my new single “Ghost” and my keyboard mix for SPIN.

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.

Blurring the lines between house and indie dance, alt electronic duo Phantoms have been lighting it up since their debut EP, Broken Halo, landed them an early deal with Republic/Casablanca. They’ve since stormed the charts (a #1 spot on US Dance Radio for 4 straight weeks, and more); done official remixes for Tiesto, Jai Wolf and Crooked Colours; played stages from Ultra Miami to EDC Japan, and have released material on Odesza’s Foreign Family imprint.

We connected with Phantoms to talk about the origins of their sound, their vision for an artist-friendly social media landscape, what it is they’re actually sipping during their SPIN SET, and more. Stream This Can’t Be Everything (Deluxe Edition) here and check out their SPIN SET below. Want more? Head over to SPIN TV to keep up with all the latest and greatest DJ’s/producers pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

More from Spin:

• Altin Gün Salutes Neşet Ertaş On New Album
• How a Still-Defiant Shepard Fairey Turned Punk Rock Attitude Into 30 Years of Activist Art
• Gym Class Heroes’ Travie McCoy Talks New LP On ‘Lipps Service’

… if you can get down Waterfront Park in San Diego this weekend, catch their set at house & techno festival CRSSD on March 4-5. Phantoms will be joining the likes of ODESZA, Polo & Pan, Becky Hill, Biig Piig, Channel Tres, and others.

Who is Phantoms and what do you stand for?
We are an electronic music production/DJ duo born and raised in Los Angeles. We stand for not taking yourself too seriously and keeping things sexy.

Tell us about your sound – where does your style originate from and what have been your biggest visual, social, and sonic influences?
We don’t really make music or play music in one specific genre – but it’s usually in the realm of indie dance/house/disco. We’ve been inspired by everything from Giorgio Moroder to 2manyDJs to Nicolas Jaar to Armand Van Helden. We pull inspiration through a pretty wide array of music but filter it through our own tastes and usually something “Phantoms” will come out the other side.

Was there a definitive turning point to your success?
It’s always hard to say what’s definitive but the release of our song “Just a Feeling” featuring Verité was definitely a big moment. The vocal and production style were very much something we felt was true to us and it ended up doing really well at radio when it came out.

When did you realize the magnitude of your impact within the industry/community?
It still blows our minds when people come up to us after shows and tell us how important our music has been for them or even watching people sing along to songs in parts of the country or world we’ve never been. The first time we played Life Is Beautiful festival in Las Vegas was maybe a big realization for us. That was such a memorable show.

Where do you want to go next with your music and what can your fans expect from future releases?
Now that our second album has come out, the future feels really exciting and new. So many different styles of electronic music are working really well and there’s a few different directions we want to go – but can’t really talk about yet! You’ll see soon enough.

Where have you not performed yet that you want to perform?
We would love to perform in Australia. We still have never been. We’ve been inspired by so much of Australian electronic music over the years and have so many friends from there it’s only a matter of time. Hopefully next summer!

In what ways have you pushed yourself beyond existing self-imposed limitations?
Our last album, This Can’t Be Everything, was definitely outside of our comfort zone. We wrote it mostly just ourselves (normally we’d work with one other writer) and tried some different styles of production. It was mostly written in quarantine so it felt like the best possible time to sit down and figure it out. I guess self-imposed limitations in the past would have driven us to make some more commercial or radio friendly music but for this we had no real limitations, especially with the support of Foreign Family Collective.

What’s next for Phantoms?
This year we’re just going to keep releasing some new music and have a ton of awesome festivals lined up for the summer.

What do you wish for the future of electronic music? In what ways would you like to see it evolve?
I feel like sonically everything is evolving in a good way right now. It’s a double-edged sword though – TikTok is helping the younger generation expand their tastes and discover more unique styles of electronic music. However, it’s also turned the music industry into a content factory where every artist (especially a new-comer) is clamoring to make a viral video to promote their music. It’s our new reality but it’s also just not very sustainable. I would like it to evolve to a place where music is listened to in a slightly less chaotic and “hottest TikTok track of the week” style of consumption.

Soooo… is that water or vodka you’re rocking during your SET? We must know!
…It might just be vodka 😉

Any last words for the SPIN universe?
Thank you for listening to this set! Listen to our album! And come to one of our shows this year! Yeah Baby!

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.

Starya’s new EP Find the Key is a symphony of syncopation. With pulsing arps, sidewinding basslines and pop house vocals, the singer-songwriter-producer-DJ-multi-instrumentalist is bringing something truly fresh to the electronic scene.

Hailing from LA, Starya recently shared the lineup with legends Justice and 2ManyDJ’s at the LA Coliseum’s inflatable dome. She’s released material on Popgang Records and her own imprint, Spells, and has a slew of hybrid live vocal dj sets in the works for 2023.

More from Spin:

• SPIN SETS Presents: Jörgen
• SPIN SETS Presents: Malóne
• SPIN SETS Presents: Keys N Krates

We connected with Starya to talk about the mission within her music, how Justice became her turning point, how she defines success, her ties to sad girl music, and more. Stream Find the Key here and check out her SET below. Want more SETS? Head over to SPIN TV to keep up with all the latest and greatest DJ’s/producers pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

Who is Starya and what do you stand for?

Starya is the name I made up because I wanted something to aspire to, something that sounds fantastical and other-worldly. I guess the main thing I stand for as an artist is – I want to break through the noise, I want to make music that will make people feel something. Music has always had a deep impact on myself as a person, my growth, my emotional state – its been so important to me. So I would like to make music that is important to other people. In the monotony of day-to-day life, in the noise of social media, the pressures of the impending apocalypse, etc – I want to create something real for someone to experience, a moment of joy or catharsis.

Tell us about your sound – where does your style originate from and what have been your biggest visual, social, and sonic influences?

I am inspired by so many different genres. I used to listen to alternative rock, classic rock, indie music, etc. I got into electronic music when Justice came out with Cross, and then I fell in love with the world of electronic music and the endless possibilities. I guess my biggest influence is the “live show” – imagining where my music is being played, the energy of playing it live to a group of people – and the energy that I’ve witnessed from other artists’ shows.

Was there a definitive turning point to your success?

When I made the decision to focus on music full time, to prioritize that in my life – even if it did not mean commercial success right away, I think of that as a turning point. What is success though? I try not to define success by monetary value, as long as I can pay my bills and spend my time doing what I love – that is success. And at the end of the day, the choices we make to get there are often more important than the things we cannot always control, like the number of streams or followers.

Question that is Starya-specific (promo/release/tour/hopes/dreams/life/etc… anything!)

I am really excited to have this debut EP out in the world and to continue releasing music. I’m starting to confirm some fun events this year as well – like Treefort Fest in Boise Idaho in March. I’m really looking forward to playing all these songs out and seeing where this year takes me.

Where do you want to go next with your music and what can your fans expect from future releases?

I am constantly trying to simplify my process. Sometimes I overwork the song and I am trying to find ways not to do that. I really want to make music that people connect with, but that they can also dance to.

Where have you not performed yet that you want to perform at?

There are so many festivals I would love to play – Lightning in a Bottle, Electric Forest, Glastonbury, Shambhala, Fuji Rock, Tomorrowland.

In what ways have you pushed yourself beyond existing self-imposed limitations?

Ever since I started making music, everything that comes out of me is slow and chill and low energy. It has been a challenge to push myself to make music that has more energy in it. I want to make people dance, but I grew up listening to sad girl music. It has been a fun and interesting challenge!

What’s next for Starya?

More music, more releases! More shows! Less distractions!

What do you wish for the future of electronic music? In what ways would you like to see it evolve?

Honestly if anything needs to evolve its probably the industry vs the actual music. Its still so crazy to me that a festival lineup can be 90% male. Same with label releases. I try not to think about it too much, you can’t control how things evolve – I try to focus on the evolution of my own music and work ethic instead.

Any last words for the SPIN-verse?

Thank you for everything you do! And for giving artists like me a platform!

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.

Electronic artist and producer Venessa Michaels describes her style and genre as “2090” – a fitting reference for her otherwordly fusion of club music, hip hop and pop. Her new album, Sent from Saturn, soars with vocals, stabs with syncopation, and pulls you to the dance floor with eight radio-length gems bookended by short cinematic ins and outs. A true journey.

Michaels has collaborated with the likes of J.Worra, Kaleena Zanders, Lil Texas and Luck; has toured alongside NIKI, Raury, 6lack, Party Favor, and Krewella; and has taken the stage at Coachella, Splash House, and Camp Flog Gnaw. She even found time to create the theme song for the DreamWorks Netflix show KIPO and the Age of Wonderbeasts. DJ Mag recently named her one of the Emerging Artists You Need To Hear.

More from Spin:

• Altin Gün Salutes Neşet Ertaş On New Album
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“Music is energy and as long as we give each other a way of expression, then we’re doing something right.”
-Venessa Michaels

We connected with Venessa to talk about her musical influences, deep space, sharing experiences with her audience, how she’s stayed motivated, what’s next for her, and more. Stream Sent from Saturn here and check out her SET below. Want more SETS? Head over to SPIN TV to keep up with all the latest and greatest DJ’s/producers pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

SPIN: Who is Venessa Michaels and what do you stand for?
Vanessa Michaels: I’m just here doing what I love. Stay passionate and persistent in whatever uplifts you and never give up!

Tell us about your sound – where does your style originate from and what have been your biggest visual, social, and sonic influences?
I am a big fan of all kinds of music. I’ve always been inspired by anything produced by Timbaland, Missy Elliott, No Doubt and Calvin Harris. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Shermanology and Zhu. Visually, I’d say my inspiration stems from what I think about when I look up into the sky and see how endless it is and how little we know. I used to be really obsessed with UFOs and aliens. A lot of the visuals stemmed from that obsession of space and not knowing what’s out there. Sometimes you can see the beauty of the universe by creating your own idea of what that looks like. It’s all so infinite.

Was there a definitive turning point to your success?
It’s really hard to define what success means. Sometimes success means playing a festival you’ve always dreamed of, but there’s always more to do. I feel like I have a lot more to check off my list before being able to answer this properly, but I can say I am very proud of what I’ve done so far. You have to remind yourself sometimes or you can get lost in that word “success.”

When did you realize the magnitude of your impact within the industry/community?
I feel like I impact people when they feel something through a shared experience. It’s always the best feeling in the world when playing a show and people are moving to the energy being curated. Music is energy and as long as we give each other a way of expression, then we’re doing something right.

Where do you want to go next with your music and what can your fans expect from future releases?
I just want to stay in a space of doing. It’s too easy to overthink the process of creating, and my biggest focus is to let that energy go. With that being said, I am looking forward to releasing a lot more often this year. Definitely a lot more dance music coming and production/writing for some of my favorite artists that I work with. I’m excited for all of it to come.

Where have you not performed yet that you want to perform?
Australia, UK, and Ibiza.

In what ways have you pushed yourself beyond existing self-imposed limitations?
I’ve had to be super self-motivated and get past a lot of funks these past couple years. I think that mentality of trying to make something perfect can be so deceiving. It’s important to let the music move you first, and then move with it. It doesn’t have to be perfect to make you feel something deep. I am practicing this every day.

What’s next for Venessa Michaels?
More music and shows!

What do you wish for the future of electronic music? In what ways would you like to see it evolve?
I want to see people support each other more often. There’s so many ways to thrive when you do it together. It’s a beautiful scene and there’s a lot more we can do to showcase how amazing this space is.

Any last words for the SPIN universe?
SPIN universe! I am beyond grateful to be here and I can’t wait to share more with you. Thank you <3

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.

Azzecca’s distinctive sound as a DJ and producer is heavily influenced by her love of house, techno, and the darker sides of dance and disco. Her ability to take crowds on an unexpected journey has landed her on club and festival lineups alongside Tale of Us, Amê, Joris Voorn, Dj Tennis, Nora En Pure and more. After capturing the attention of Diplo’s Higher Ground label, she debuted her first wide-release single, “I’ve Been Waiting” with the label back in June.

We connected with Azzecca to talk about her roots in Chicago’s house and disco scene, taking risks, building community, what’s next for her, and more. Stream Other Side here and check out Azzecca’s SET from Cermak Hall in Chicago below. Want more SETS? Head over to SPIN TV to keep up with all the latest and greatest DJ’s/producers pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

More from Spin:

• SPIN SETS Presents: Jörgen
• SPIN SETS Presents: Malóne
• SPIN First Drop: Azzecca

Catch Azzecca live at PROPER NYE / NYD – a FNGRS CRSSD two-day, three stage NYE event in San Diego. This crazy lineup also includes Grammy-nominated UK hitmaker and Black Book Records label boss Chris Lake, FISHER, John Summit, Lane 8, Nora En Pure, Sofi Tukker, Dombresky, and more.

1. Who is Azzecca and what do you stand for?

I am a Chicago-based DJ and producer, and I run an event series called ‘Dirty Disco’ that focuses on creating female-friendly spaces in underground dance music.

2. Tell us about your sound – where does your style originate from and what have been your biggest visual, social, and sonic influences?

My individual sound is truly an amalgamation of all of the things that move me. I’m a Chicagoan, so of course I have a deep love and respect for the origins of house and disco. The community these sounds bring together and the message of love and acceptance associated with them are what music is all about for me. With that said, I’ve always been drawn to darker, harder, more abrasive sounds. That’s where I get the most emotional release. I hope that my productions will always exist somewhere in between happy and hopeful, dark and gully. I don’t want to exist within one genre, I just want to make music that makes people feel things.

3. Was there a definitive turning point to your success? 4. When did you realize the magnitude of your impact within the industry/community?

I feel like my place in the music industry is still very much evolving and it’s hard to pinpoint a moment when everything came together. So many milestones have felt monumental over the past year, but I think releasing my debut EP Other Side and receiving more support than I could have ever imagined was really eye-opening – and reassuring that my art is actually resonating with people. It’s an incredible feeling.

5. Where do you want to go next with your music and what can your fans expect from future releases?

My only goal is to keep taking risks with my music. I don’t ever want to follow trends or to focus on streams or stats. I just want to make music that I know I would want to hear on the dancefloor. I am a raver at heart, and every late night out fills my cup of inspiration, so there is no formula when I go into the studio. I can’t really say which direction my music will go.

6. Where have you not performed yet that you want to perform?

I really would love to perform in Israel. Mostly because I am in love with the sounds coming out of Tel-Aviv at the moment. I think there is an unmatched level of sonic creativity and ingenuity being cultivated in that part of the world, and as much as I’d like to bring my sound there, I also just want to absorb as much of their scene as humanly possible.

7. In what ways have you pushed yourself beyond existing self-imposed limitations?

I’m extremely proud of myself for making the decision to release my music at all. There is an exhausting amount of misogyny within the music industry, so it was a difficult decision to step outside of my safe, supportive community in Chicago. I’m forever grateful for those closest to me who encouraged me to share my art with the world.

8. What’s next for Azzecca?

It really feels like the sky’s the limit right now. I want to keep building a stronger community in Chicago through Dirty Disco, and I want to make as much music as possible this year. Eventually, I’d like to start my own imprint where I can champion artists and sounds that I love. The big picture is a bit dizzying at times, so for now I just want to take everything day by day and try to appreciate every small moment on this journey.

9. What do you wish for the future of electronic music? In what ways would you like to see it evolve?

It feels like there has been a great change in the musical landscape over the past couple of years and I hope the industry continues to trend in that direction. People are more open to hearing new, unique sounds and discovering new artists than ever before and I find that so exciting. There is an endless amount of art out there to discover and I hope that festival and club promoters make the effort to showcase new talent as much as possible.

10. Any last words for the SPIN universe?

I hope you enjoy the mix and hopefully I’ll get to meet you IRL on a dancefloor somewhere. I’ll be performing at quite a few festivals next year, so make sure to come say hey if you see me in the crowd!

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.

Franc Moody’s Into the Ether is a work of art. Inspired by Spaghetti Westerns and legendary thematic scores, the UK electro-funk group wields a kaleidoscope of atmospheric layers, pulling from disco, house, funk, and a heavy dose of sonic magic. Fronted by co-vocalists & producers Ned & Jon, Franc Moody released their debut album Dream In Colour at the beginning of the lockdown, and have since gone on to participate in projects like the Music Venues Trust fundraiser, the release of a wholly sustainable merch line, hosting online parties and performances such as the Live In The Lift livestream, and the release their House Of FM EP. They’ve amassed over 175 million streams and have garnered support from legends like Nile Rodgers and Skream.

“Writing Into The Ether began literally the week after we released our debut album, Dream in Colour, when instead of touring the record we were forced to descend to our makeshift bedroom studio setups as a result of the pandemic. It was during those months our longing to be out on the road with the band playing live shows developed into a delirious, dreamlike state, conjuring up imagery of us and the band traveling through the desert on a journey to find whatever it was that we were craving. A surreal, craggy, tin can tourbus, deserted petrol station version of The Odyssey if you like.”
-Franc Moody

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If you want to round out your 2022 with some epic Franc Moody vibes, they’ll be performing two DJ sets at Holy Ship! Wrecked – a four night all-in stay at Hard Rock Riviera Maya, Mexico from December 13-17. Catch them at 12am on Wednesday 12/14 and 1:15am on Friday 12/16. The lineup also features electronic royalty Chris Lake, Dom Dolla, Jai Wolf (DJ Set), John Summit, Lane 8, Louis The Child, Nicole Moudaber, SG Lewis (DJ Set), SLANDER, Armand Van Helden, TSHA, and more. Holy Ship! Wrecked is put on by the crew at Beats at Sea, a coast to coast partnership between HARD/Insomniac, Cloud 9 Adventures, and The Bowery Presents, so it should be going off.

We connected with Franc Moody to talk about their roots in the Tottenham warehouse scene, their eclectic influences, how they’re impacting music, what’s up next for them, and much more. Stream Into the Ether here and check out Franc Moody’s SET below. Want more SETS? Head over to SPIN TV to keep up with all the latest and greatest DJ’s/producers pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

1. Who is Franc Moody and what do you stand for?

Franc Moody was initially formed by us (being Ned Franc and Jon Moody) out of the ashes of a Tottenham warehouse scene that we’d been deeply involved in. We’d put on nights showcasing soul, funk, r n’ b, swamp pop (and loads more besides) in a bid to pay our rent and to fund a Daptone-inspired recording studio…eventually the dream petered out and we moved on to newer pastures but that ethos of putting on wild, raucous and intimate nights never left us. That quest for a live experience that is both inclusive and life affirming is something we strive for and very much at the core of Franc Moody.

2. Tell us about your sound – where does your style originate from and what have been your biggest visual, social, and sonic influences?

So many to mention here. Jon comes from a classical background, both his mother and sister are professional violinists and cellists respectively whilst my early influences were inspired by my parents’ obsessive music listening, especially early rock n roll and blues. Both of us have drawn extensively on these early musical impressions and added to the pot over the years. Before Franc Moody we’d both been in funk, soul and rock n’ roll bands with horn sections, percussionists, etc. where getting folks onto the dance floor was key. That ethos 100% stayed at the core of what we wanted to do with Franc Moody. Other huge influences that we cite are the likes of James Brown, Daft Punk, Jamiroquai, LCD Soundsystem, Lil Bob & The Lollipops, The MC5, Parliament Funkadelic and many, many more. Visually acts like Parliament inspired us greatly, so too the vibrancy of acts like Sly & The Family Stone. Socially speaking there are so many deeply inspiring acts, I think it’s key as an act where you have the fortune of bringing people together that you endeavour to make a positive contribution in any way you can.

3. Was there a definitive turning point to your success?

I’m not sure we’d call ourselves successful quite yet but a huge moment for us in terms of us realising we had something to put out that wasn’t completely awful was when we’d written “Dopamine.” It was like a coming-together of all the disparate parts that we’d wanted to mould but couldn’t quite work out how, a bit of a final piece of the jigsaw moment if you will.

4. When did you realize the magnitude of your impact within the industry/community?

Again not sure we’re quite worthy of words like “magnitude” just yet, more a ripple on a village pond. But I think you realise you’re making a bit of an impact when fans come up and tell you that a certain song has helped them in some way, be it through a tricky time or just soundtracking special moments in their life. That’s an incredibly powerful thing to be told.

5. Where do you want to go next with your music and what can your fans expect from future releases?

Jon and I have never really talked about exactly where we want to go next sonically speaking. Into The Ether was very conceptual, and we planned and meticulously discussed its sonic personality and concepts a lot before we sat down to write. The future for Franc Moody looks markedly different though. In fact one of the things we’re most looking forward to doing is to release more frequently, and to write with no agenda sonically speaking. That is to say if we want to write a musical about boiled eggs we can, or indeed if we want to write an Alpine Horn themed album where nothing dips below 200bpm, again we can. That freedom is the key. Expect “Hard Boiled: The Musical” in the west end soon, and “Lonely Goat ft. Roni Size” to follow thereafter.

6. Where have you not performed yet that you want to perform?

Paradiso, Amsterdam. Finally happening in March ’22. Big bucket list moment for us!

7. In what ways have you pushed yourself beyond existing self-imposed limitations?

In so many ways. Perseverance is the key. We constantly try to push ourselves, to create a better live experience for fans, to write bigger, bolder, more ambitious music. Resting on our laurels isn’t an option.

8. What’s next for Franc Moody?

Next year we’ve got a UK/EU tour early in the year followed by a summer jam packed with festivals then heading back to America at the end of the year. Hopefully also a trip to Australia is in the offing at some point! Other than the touring schedule, back to the drawing board to write and release regularly!

9. What do you wish for the future of electronic music? In what ways would you like to see it evolve?

I mean I think it’s going in the right direction. There are hordes of young bedroom producers and songwriters, DJs, etc. that have so much talent. I just hope there are always platforms and ways into the industry for their work to get the full attention it deserves. I think evolution musically is all about inclusivity, the talent is out there, it’s about making it accessible for all.

10. Any last words for the SPIN universe?

Thank you for having us and hope to see you all at a show or two down the line!

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.

With roots in funk and soul, self-taught producer/DJ Maddy O’Neal fuses future bass with synth design to create a truly signature sound. Each track is a distinct journey across the bass music spectrum, incorporating textured bass stabs and lines, glitched-out hip hop grooves, otherworldly vocals, lush pads, the occasional scratch, and much more. Thanks to more than a decade spent in the Denver scene, a cohesive electro soul feel glues it all together.

On stage, Maddy adds dynamic to her original mixes through the use of live drum and sample pads. She’s been touring the country heavily for the last 5 years, clocking over 90 shows per year, having taken the stage at Lollapalooza, Electric Forest, Camp Bisco, Summer Camp, North Coast, Summer Meltdown, Red Rocks (x3) and more, while supporting the likes of Clozee, Pretty Lights, Big Gigantic, The Floozies, Opiuo, Wreckno, Cherub, SunSquabi, and Manic Focus, to name a few. Her track “Zest Please”, a Clozee collaboration, amassed over 2 million Spotify plays in the first year. With her second full length album Ricochet just released, Maddy is on the move.

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• SPIN SETS Presents: Jörgen
• SPIN SETS Presents: Malóne
• SPIN SETS Presents: Keys N Krates

We connected with Maddy to talk about what her project stands for, how she’s honed her sound, her roots in the Denver music scene, what’s on the horizon, and more. Stream Ricochet here and check out Maddy O’Neal’s rooftop SET from the Rino Arts District below. Want more SETS? Head over to SPIN TV to keep up with all the latest and greatest DJ’s/producers pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

All photos: Stephanie Parsley
Video: Butter Creations – Frankie Lee + Tomas Morgan

“The Rino Arts District is my favorite part of town. It has exploded over the last 10 years with all types of restaurants, galleries, shops and venues. It’s truly a creative hub.”
-Maddy O’Neal

1. Who is Maddy O’Neal and what do you stand for?

The Maddy O’Neal project at its core is rooted in soul. The ultimate goal is to project the most authentic version of myself through a genre blending melting pot of funk, soul, hip hop rhythm and sampling, as well as the grime that comes from the synth and bass tones to glue it all together. Maddy stands for empowerment and exploration. It feels really amazing growing up with a super feminist mother and feel like my music project is also connected to the bigger movement of female inclusion in the music industry and beyond. If I can be an authentic example in that space, that is the highest honor.

2. Tell us about your sound – where does your style originate from and what have been your biggest visual, social, and sonic influences?

My style is a combination of many influences from over the years. From growing up in a Rock n Roll Blues household, which had a music den with records always playing, all the way to discovering electronic music for the first time through groups like Animal Collective, Daft Punk, RJD2, DJ Shadow, Jamie xx, etc. The real driver for me was figuring out how to combine all of my inspirations into one. I initially figured out how to reverse engineer hip-hop beats – I fell in love with the process of going to record stores, digging for vinyl, and bringing it home to chop up and make into beats. I am super inspired by communities that are formed from different sectors of the music world – fashion is a big one for me, but also lifestyle. I got into producing when I was in college when snowboarding was a big part of my life. Driving up the mountains with my crew, popping headphones in, and just cruising down the mountain. I met a lot of other producers/DJs that were also big snowboarders, so that definitely had a big impact on my perspective of sound and the environments/lifestyles I really saw electronic music seeping into.

3. Was there a definitive turning point to your success?

I started this solo project about 6 years ago from a previous duo. It took me a few years to rebrand and figure out what the vision of this new direction was. I was touring and grinding and making new music, but touring life mostly trumped the time I spent exploring sonics. When the pandemic happened (although it really sucked most of the time), it gave me a real opportunity to pause and dive deeper into what I was trying to say. The last two years I’ve really changed up my overall lifestyle in support of giving this project my all, in addition to taking care of my mental and physical health. I’ve made a routine for myself, including yoga time, touring, regular studio sessions, producing, exploring, learning, mixing, etc. When I really took the time I needed for myself over social situations and other things, the work I was putting in really started to click. Setting your standards high and meeting yourself there is what it’s all about.

4. When did you realize the magnitude of your impact within the industry/community?

It really is hard to try to grasp those types of things.. I think when I receive messages from fans and fellow producers alike saying how much I have made an impact on their lives or inspired and touched their lives, those are the moments that show me the impact of what I have been doing the last 10 years. I really try to keep up with and read messages from fans on social media as much as I can because those connected and kind notes really hit home and humble you sometimes.

5. What was it like coming up in the Denver electronic music scene and why do you think Denver has bred such a unique, vibrant electronic music community?

Denver is a place that people move to daily for the lifestyle that comes with the city. It’s a city that is progressive and active – you can get to the mountains in 45 minutes to go hike, ski, snowboard, fish, explore etc. I think that the shared love for nature and a general laid back lifestyle molds a breeding ground for creatives. The music scene here is a big product of that, in my opinion. The community here is very hands-on and collaborative. Everyone works together and seems to be wanting to push the scene forward in a way that remains exciting all the time. I definitely credit the people and community in Denver for a lot of my success.

6. Has it ever been difficult navigating such a male-dominated music space?

Yes. I definitely feel like I have had to prove myself over and over again. I think that is the main difficulty. Luckily, I’ve been surrounded by a gang of brothers in this industry, men who have had my back and supported me and lifted me up. Aside from day to day stuff on the road, I’ve mostly encountered scenarios where people underestimate me and I’ve had to prove them wrong. It always feels good when they come back and apologize after that fact though, lol. Also, not having a ton of female mentors when I first got started was a big factor for me. When I finally met and connected with other female producers later in my career, it was so refreshing to find like-minded people who have dealt with similar things.

7. Your new LP, Ricochet, has tons of collaborators. How do you choose who to work with?

I am always finding collaborators that inspire me or who I feel are pushing boundaries in one way or another. I also love collaborating with people in a slightly different sector or style than me because those always make for the most challenging and unique songs. I am constantly trying to get out of my comfort zone and grow, and working with other people is the best way to do that. We most definitely have to connect on a personal level though to collaborate. We have to see eye to eye and be able to communicate and understand each other’s work styles too.

8. The album is also very genre-melding. Who are some of your biggest influences, and why is it important for you to stitch different sounds and genres together?

I never want to feel like I am inside a box. The coolest music I hear is always something that makes me double take…If I am able to love all different styles of music and fuse them together into my own sound in a way that is hard for people to really put their finger on, that’s kinda the goal. I don’t want to be able to put a title on my music like, oh its “Trap,” or its “Dubstep,” etc. My favorite music lives somewhere in the in-between zones of broader genre categorization. Artists who have done this well are RJD2, DJ Shadow, Pretty Lights, Madlib, Flying Lotus, etc.

9. Your live performances incorporate live drum pad playing into DJ sets. Why is it important to add a live playing element into your show?

I usually play about 80% or more of my own material in my live sets. Although I LOVE to DJ, when I am playing mostly original material it is so much fun to have the option to be more interactive with it. I love cutting out drum or vocal samples into drum pads and playing them live. I can choose the performance to be more like the record, or more improvisational.

10. You’re all over the country this fall – what has been your favorite recent place to play, or which place are you most looking forward to on tour?

I love to play on the east coast or PNW in the fall – the drives and scenery are just unmatched. Chicago was also a recent highlight for me. The people and crowds there continue to make it one of my favorite places to play.

11. Where do you want to go next with your music and what can your fans expect from future releases?

We are actually working on a remix album for Ricochet right now, which I’m super excited about. I love hearing the different things other people do with the same pieces of a song. I also and super hyped to just tame all the tools and lessons I learned making this last album and implement them into the new music I’m working on. I really honed in on this atmospheric/textural layer of my music that I am pumped to continue into future productions, as well as a lot of sound design work I’ve been honing.

12. Where have you not performed yet that you want to perform at?

Europe. Always been a goal…I feel like I am missing out on such a world and a culture there…I can’t wait to be able to tour there one day.

13. In what ways have you pushed yourself beyond existing self-imposed limitations?

It is easier to get imposter syndrome or to get down on yourself about not being where you’d like to be. I’ve found the hardest part about creating sometimes is just sitting down to start…I have been making the time to open up the shop and just go for it more so than ever, without feeling the session has to be successful. I’ve also lived my entire career saying yes to things I may not have been ready for at the moment and meeting myself at the challenge. Highly recommend living that way!

14. What do you wish for the future of electronic music? In what ways would you like to see it evolve?

I would like it to feel more inclusive and less clicky. I feel like even the fans sometimes get locked into a “genre” or secor of the industry and become closed minded. It’s ok to like all types of music or put together bills with an eclectic lineup. I also think we have made big strides in lifting up women and people of color and LGBTQ artists but we still have a long way to go…

15. Any last words for the SPIN universe?

Really just want to say thanks to my fans who have been around and supporting me year after year… I wouldn’t be here without ya. And, if you are new here and just finding me I appreciate you taking the time to open your mind to something new. Go check the new record Ricochet, buy the vinyl, or come see what my live show has in store this fall. We’ll be hitting stops all over the country and I’m really excited to play all this new music for you all!

Upcoming Maddy O’Neal Tour Dates

10/22/22: Salvage Station – Asheville, NC
10/27/22: : Hulaween – Live Oak, FL
10/29/22: Freaky Deaky – Baytown, TX
11/3/22: Telegram Ballroom – Los Angeles, CA*
11/4/22: Music Box – San Diego, CA*
11/5/22: Black Box – Charlotte, NC^
11/11/22: The Big Dirty – Eugene, OR
11/12/22: The Get Down – Portland, OR
11/18/22: The Cornerstone – Berkeley, CA*
11/25/22: Terminal West – Atlanta, GA^
12/03/22: Cervantes – Denver, CO
1/20/23: The Jamaica Incident 2023 – Runaway Bay, Jamaica

*w/ Dirtwire
^w/ SoDown

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.

Artist and producer Manila Killa’s new album Dusk opens with the lyric, “We shouldn’t be here. Everything has led to this moment….” It’s a telling introduction for a body of work that seems to truly embody the artist’s full journey. Dusk is all at once danceable and electrifying, yet introspective, featuring an eclectic range of collaborators, including Lights, Trace, MADI, Panama, Kwesi, EVAN GIIA, Gioli & Assia, Night Tales and fknsyd.

Manila Killa’s cross-continental musical upbringing started in high school in The Philippines, where he fused self-taught Ableton lessons with his deep love for dance music. In 2014, he launched his house duo Hotel Garuda and co-founded his own independent record label Moving Castle, signing acts such as AObeats, Slow Magic, Khamsin, and more.

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After dropping his widely acclaimed debut solo EP 1993 in 2019, Manila Killa kept the heat on, with official remixes for CHVRCHES, The Knocks, Tegan and Sara, and performances at Firefly, Ultra Miami, Electric Zoo, 88rising’s Head in the Clouds, and more.

We connected with Manila Killa to talk about the new album, why he makes music, his biggest influences, how he’s pushed his boundaries, and more. Stream Dusk here and check out Manila Killa’s truly epic SET below. Want more SETS? Head over to SPIN TV to keep up with all the latest and greatest DJ’s/producers pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

Video Credit: 88rising / Head in the Clouds / Goldenvoice

“Dusk is my debut album, the apex of the sound I’ve been crafting over the years. I spent a lot of time during quarantine reflecting on what I wanted out of creating a full-length album. I reached a realization that I wanted it to be a project that touched on all aspects of my inspirations and influences through dance music. The subjects and emotions I touched on consisted of heartbreak, yearning and resolve; all things I considered throughout the creative process. I took a dance-music-driven approach to the production, reaching back to my roots and channeling the feelings I got when I first started listening to dance music. This album is something I’ve worked towards my entire life and I hope that people can resonate with the ideas and energy I’ve put into it.”

SPIN: Who is Manila Killa and what do you stand for?
Manila Killa: Manila Killa is the embodiment of what has influenced me musically and culturally throughout my life. I come from a background of a family that has traveled and moved to several places around the world growing up to now settling in Southern California where I work as a full-time touring musician. I stand for evoking emotions and feelings, whether that be positive or negative that people may have not tapped into through my art.

Tell us about your sound – where does your style originate from and what have been your biggest visual, social, and sonic influences?
My style originates from one thing – emotion. I’ve always felt that I resonate with pieces of culture that evoke heavy feelings of love, loss and everything in between and I’ve always felt that those aspects are present in my art, whether it was intentional or not. My biggest visual, social, and sonic influences come from films, music albums and traveling. I’ve always loved immersing myself in movies, paying close attention to how the music and visual style influences the story trying to be told. Movies like Interstellar, Drive, Howl’s Moving Castle and Lost in Translation hold a special place in my heart and are always in my mind when it comes to creating my own story through music. I hold musical artists like Bon Iver, Sigur Ros, and Fred again.. in high regard in how they’ve influenced my sound palette – the mix of electronic and organic sounds is something I’ve always gravitated towards and something I try to achieve in my own sound. Traveling has always inspired me, being given the chance to see how other cultures interact and the style of architecture and nature around the globe always made me feel more connected to the world.

Was there a definitive turning point to your success? When did you realize the magnitude of your impact within the industry/community?
It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific turning point in my career where I felt that I was deemed “successful,” but the year of 2015 was life changing. Some of my music started to get signed to labels that I’ve always looked up to and I was signed to an agency where I started to get booked to play shows. The momentum was there and many people were talking about my music and I started to meet some of my idols. It was at that point when I realized that “wow, maybe music can be an actual thing I pursue seriously in life.” I never felt like I had that big of an impact within the music community until recently, when fans and friends started to talk about how I’ve influenced and inspired other people not only just to make music but to keep their head up during dark times in life. Especially now when the world seems like it’s flipped on its head, hearing that my music has gotten people through difficult times is all I can really ask for as an artist who’s always wanted to share how music has helped me. That’s the most important thing to me and the biggest reason why I make music – just as my favorite artists have helped me through hard times, I would like to do the same for others.

What was the process of creating Dusk and how did you come to the title name?
I knew I wanted to make an album after coming off my EP tour in 2019 but didn’t really know where to start. It was around February 2020, right before the pandemic began, when I took a trip to Joshua Tree, a desert area in California, that solidified the concept. Because I was at home for so long after that, I had the chance to take some time to figure out exactly what I really wanted to do with my music moving forward. I wanted to create a body of work that sounded like you were alone in the desert, contemplating your own life and reflecting on the good and bad. I wanted to give people a chance to realize that it’s okay to not feel okay, and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel if you take the time to look hard enough. Prior to this time period, I was making music with the intention of how people would perceive it, but I decided against that for my album because I wanted to be as honest as possible. The title “Dusk” comes from the idea that life is all about transitions. Everything is always changing, whether you want to or not, and it’s up to you on how you’ll deal with those changes. It helped that the Joshua Tree area has the most beautiful sunsets ever – that’s when it struck me that I should call the album ‘Dusk.’

What are you most excited about for this upcoming tour?
After not being able to tour or play shows for two years, the most exciting thing about this tour is the fact that I get to play my music for people face-to-face. It’s the driving force behind everything I do – to experience something that’s come from my heart, hand delivered to those willing to come to a show of mine. The energy I feel while playing a show and connecting with the people around me is something I can’t describe, nor can be topped.

How does your album Dusk embody your growth as an artist?
Throughout the last few years I’ve felt a great amount of growth in my maturity and perspective as an artist and person. It was this transitional period that gave me enough confidence to ditch the idea that I need to be making music that would be perceived as “good” or “acceptable” by other producers and listeners. It’s the beginning of a new era in my artistry, where I tap into the feelings that gave me excitement within the dance music scene in the first place – which revolves around the sound of house music. The album isn’t necessarily a “house” music album (there’s some Drum n Bass in there as well) but the core sound is heavily influenced by the style and the emotions evoked in that classic 4 on the floor dance beat. It’s funny because although this can be seen as growth, all I really did was look back into the past and think about what sparked inspiration in me when I was younger.

What festivals are you hoping to perform at in the future?
This list is ever growing but a few that I would love to perform at are Outsidelands in San Francisco, Coachella, ARC in Chicago, Lollapalooza, and Splendour In the Grass in Australia. My favorite sets are usually at festivals where I’m given a chance to let people (who wouldn’t have necessarily listened to me in the past) into my world.

In what ways have you pushed yourself beyond existing self-imposed limitations?
I spoke briefly about letting go of other people’s expectations when it came to working on this album and I think that was the biggest push I’ve given myself. Throughout my entire life I’ve always felt like I was living according to other people’s expectations, whether it be my family, educators, figures of authority, etc. I feel that when I had that moment of clarity that I’m the one in charge of my own life, my approach in making music changed. I’m making music solely for myself, with the goal of letting it out in the world and hoping someone out there resonates with the message I’ve sent.

What’s next for Manila Killa?
Despite the fact that I just put out my debut album and have now embarked on the tour, I’m always working on the next thing. I’m going to continue pushing in the musical direction I have with Dusk, as I feel that I’ve finally come “home” with the style of music I make. Luckily I already have a few more tunes under my belt that I’m confident and excited about. A majority of the album was rooted in collaborations between me and singer/songwriters, so I’ve begun exploring collaborating with producers more.

What do you wish for the future of electronic music? In what ways would you like to see it evolve?
Honestly, when I was younger and listening to electronic music, it seemed like no one around me really understood it. People actually made fun of the music I was into and my wish as an adolescent was for people to understand why electronic music is such a beautiful and healing sound. And now I feel like people finally get it, so I do think my wish came true. The scene is in such a great place right now, where a lot of producers are taking risks and pushing the boundaries of what could be done with electronic music.

Any last words for the SPIN universe?
Yeah – the set I’ve put together for this feature is one of the best sets I’ve ever played in my life and is an embodiment of my goal with my art – to touch people’s lives. You can literally see that in the video and I’m so so excited that we were able to capture such beautiful moments.

All photos: John Liwag

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