When it comes to Spanish electronic music musicians, Daniel Kyo has been leading the charge for some time now. A prolific producer, the Valencia native’s works have graced a bunch of esteemed labels, each one no doubt enticed by his unique house touch. Kyo’s latest sees him crop up on the debut release for Primavera Sound’s Nitsa Traxx. A dark and dexterous effort, “Nacht Drei” is the sort of track that’s evidently been made with big stages in mind. That said, it’s testament to Kyo’s talents that it’s far from this sort of tackle for which he is capable. On the contrary, he’ll be spinning in Ibiza a number of times this summer at a monthly residency at Pikes, where his Maestro party promises to hark back to the Ibiza of old, with disco, house, techno, Italo and everything in between all on the menu. We nabbed Daniel for a quick natter recently, as he talked us through the current state of the Spanish electronic music scene – and much more besides…
WWD: Daniel, thanks for taking the time to speak to us today. We wanted to start by asking about this new release on Primavera Sound. How did it come about and how do you know the guys at the festival?
DK: I´ve known the guys from Nitsa/Primavera Sound for a while now. Since we met each other at a gig here in Valencia, our relationship has really blossomed. I feel close to them as professionals, but most importantly as people. I can’t thank them enough for their support.
WWD: What do you think the festival stands for? And why do you think it’s so important to the scene in Spain overall?
DK: Primavera Sound and everything the guys there are achieving, is very important to the scene over here. Together with other big events happening over here, Barcelona is arguably Europe’s music capital. Which is obviously good news for us!
WWD: It seems like a lot of Spanish producers have begun to make a name for themselves internationally over the past few years. What do you attribute this to?
DK: Historically, Spanish producers have been last in the queue for years, but recently a few Spanish artists have been making a name for themselves. I think it´s probably thanks to big events like Primavera and other quality festivals as well, as lots of smaller venues are also doing some great stuff for the scene here.
WWD: You’re from Valencia. Are you still based there? Is it still a good place for electronic music?
DK: Yes, I still live here. I think Valencia has one of the best crowds around, and also probably the biggest tradition of DJs in Spain. The problem is that some promoters just book friends for the nights while all the other good DJs stay at home without requests. That´s quite an important issue here. Often, they don´t think as a community and just think for themselves. That´s quite sad and something I hope changes one day. Anyway, at least there are more interesting events going on so I guess that´s good for us.
WWD: How does Valencia compare to bigger cities such as Barcelona or Madrid? Have you ever considered moving away from home? Or even to Ibiza?
DK: Sometimes I miss some things from cities like Barcelona and I’ve often thought about moving. But there are also other factors to take into account. I´m 3 hours away from Barcelona, 1,5 hours from Madrid and just a 30 min flight away from Ibiza, as the city is in the middle of all three. So I´m happily based here and travelling to them when I need to.
WWD: Speaking of Ibiza, we noticed you will be doing a few dates at Pikes this summer. How did that one come about? And what should we expect?
DK: Yes, we´ve just started our own monthly party at Pikes Hotel. The parties are called “Maestro” in honour of Larry Levan and all other “real” DJs. The lineups are secret for now, but there will be top international DJs playing sets for around 6 hours each. It will be a musical trip in a magical location! The next dates are July 26th and August 31st.
WWD: Pikes has a really special vibe that’s unlike anywhere else on the island. Do you prepare for a set there any differently than you would a set anywhere else?
DK: Of course, this place is so special that I prepare my set quite in a different way than the others. Somehow, I search for music that reminds me of the old Ibiza, before the big clubs and the infection of EDM.
WWD: So will it be straight up house and techno from you at that one or can we expect more chilled out grooves and Balearic jams?
DK: Exactly, lots of Balearic jams, afro-infused beats, Italo and much more.
WWD: As you’ve a close association with Primavera, we also wanted to ask: who would be on your dream line up in terms of a festival and why would you pick those guys?
DK: That´s a tough one! My favorite band ever is Radiohead and they booked them last year, so there’s not much more I can ask for. Naturally I would like to see Daft Punk playing their classic albums. Primavera would definitely the perfect place for that!
WWD: It also seems like you’re entering a really exciting time in your career. Is this fair to say?
DK: Fair enough. I have several interesting EPs coming and the most important thing: I´m working in the studio better than ever before. 2017 and 2018 are gonna be the most important years for my career to the date, I think.
WWD: As someone who listens to a lot of electronic music, what other Spanish producers should we be watching out for over the next while?
DK: There are several I really like but I could name Eduardo De La Calle, Orbe or, of course, John Talabot and also labels like Frigio, Semantica or Rotten City, where I’m also releasing an EP soon.
WWD: And finally, what are your hopes and dreams as a musician? Do you set yourself goals and if so, where would you love to play and who would be your ideal production partner?
DK: Yes, not so long ago I realized I needed to set goals to work more efficiently. My only wish is to be able to showcase my music in as many places as possible. I don´t care about money. I just want to make tracks that people like and tracks that make them feel emotions in the club.
Daniel Kyo’s Nacht Drei EP is out 28th July on Nitsa Traxx. Catch Daniel at Pikes Ibiza on July 26th and August 31st
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