Jose
As a child, I was always fascinated by music. My earliest memories involve my mum listening to popular Spanish music, merengue, bachata, jazz, and classical music. Interestingly, my dad was the complete opposite; he never listened to music at all.

In fact, when I became an adult, he admitted that he had never felt any emotional connection or sensitivity to music, which I still find quite peculiar. Despite their differing levels of interest, my parents often had the radio playing at home, and that became my first source of musical inspiration.

FRISO (Adana)
I began my journey into the world of electronic music at a surprisingly young age—around 10 years old. Growing up in the early to mid-1990s, I found myself immersed in a musical landscape that was quite different from what we see today.

Back then, there were limited options for discovering new music, especially electronic genres. In fact, there were only a handful of radio programs dedicated to this style, and I eagerly awaited the one that aired weekly on Saturdays. Each week, I would sit by the radio with my cassette tape in hand, ready to record the show. This ritual not only introduced me to various electronic tracks but also ignited my passion for music production.

One of my earliest and most vivid memories related to music dates back to when I was about five years old. I can still picture myself lying on the floor of my parents’ living room, completely absorbed in the sounds that filled the space around me.

My father had invested in a relatively large set of high-quality speakers, which made a significant impact on my young ears. I believe it was Deep Purple playing at that moment, and I can distinctly recall feeling the vibrations of the bass reverberating through the room. It was as if the music was not just something I heard but something I felt deep within me.

This early exposure to powerful sound experiences has left a lasting impression on me. Even today, when I step into a club with a top-notch sound system, I often find myself revisiting that same sense of awe and connection to music. The way the bass resonates and fills the space creates an atmosphere that is both exhilarating and grounding.

These formative experiences have undoubtedly shaped my journey as a music producer and DJ. They instilled in me a desire not only to create music but also to share that immersive experience with others, allowing them to feel what I felt as a child.

Friso: I grew up in a region between Cologne and Frankfurt, a vibrant hub for electronic music during my teenage years. My friends and I often traveled to various clubs, eager to immerse ourselves in the pulsating nightlife of the era. To gain entry into these venues, I frequently used an older friend’s ID. One of the most memorable moments of my early clubbing experiences occurred when I was about 15 years old: I saw DJ Rush perform live, with Luke Slater also DJing.

At the time, clubs typically featured distinct areas dedicated to different styles of music—fast-paced techno dominated the larger rooms, while house music created a more relaxed vibe in smaller spaces. This setup allowed me to explore various sounds and styles, deepening my appreciation for electronic music.

Later, I had the incredible fortune of attending the opening of Sven Väth’s Cocoon Club in Frankfurt as well. These experiences not only shaped my musical tastes but also fueled my aspirations to become a DJ and producer. The vibrant club scene between Cologne and Frankfurt provided the perfect backdrop for my early explorations into music.

Jose: I was 13 years old, and it happened in a local pub in my hometown. It was love at first sight. I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but the lights, the spinning turntable, and the sheer magic of sound coming from a vinyl record completely blew my mind. To this day, I still feel that same fascination for vinyl—it’s truly magical.

Jose: My setup is flexible, and I adapt it to the context and situation. Sometimes, I work with minimal gear, even without a proper sound card, depending on where I am.

When I’m in my full studio, I often use my favorite synths: the Juno-60, known for its warm analog tones and shimmering pads that add depth to my compositions, and the Roland SH-101 for its punchy bass lines and low-end richness. For DJing, my preferences are vinyl, followed by CDJs.