IN CONVERSATION WITH WADE

interview by MARIANA MALHEIRO

During my time at Sonus Festival, I had the privilege of interviewing Wade, one of the most exciting names in the house music scene today. The festival's vibrant atmosphere on Croatia's Zrće Beach was the perfect backdrop to get to know an artist who has rapidly ascended within the global dance music community.
Wade’s journey began in a small town in Spain, Valencia. Whether you've experienced his energy on the dance floor or through his productions, you know that Wade’s style is truly unique. He masterfully blends rhythms —vocals, percussions, and more—creating tracks that are brimming with energy and passion, as he did in his set at Sonus, it was a wave of energy across the dance floor from the first beat to the last. When asked about his inspirations, he doesn’t have much, so innovation and authenticity is the core of his approach.

Sonus it’s unique blend of festival and holiday vibes. How do you feel about performing at Sonus for the first time, and what are your expectations?

It's my first time performing here at Sonus, yes, but not in this club, I played last year in this club Papaya, okay at Sonus, yes, the first time. Yes, we're excited because I heard a lot of good things about this festival so yeah, I'm super, super excited to play here for all the Croatians, yeah, it's quite international as well.

Your sound has a high-energy vibe that resonates with fans. How do you keep that energy alive while evolving as an artist?

I always just start with the minimal stuff, you know, I try to warm up the people at first and then after 30 minutes or 25 minutes I start to play more energy and it depends on the crowd because sometimes the crowd is not with so much energy, so I try to give energy to them. Also, they have to give energy to me, you know, it's like a match, you know, it's like you give to me but yeah of course I like to give energy to the crowd with my music. Also, Tech House is really energetic, yeah, I love it.

You have a distinctive style that blends energy with groove. How did you develop this sound, and what were your key influences?

I try to build my own thing, you know. I love Flamenco because, you know, I come from Spain and we have Flamenco, so I try to add Flamenco elements to my beats. Also from Indian music, Brazilian funk, yeah. So I try to mix everything because people love it. Yeah, and also I love it. So it's like, I try to do the best. For example, Flamenco is from my parents. Brazil is from the carnival; when I was a child, I saw the carnival in Rio de Janeiro. So I try to keep all these drums and rhythms in my style of music. Many DJs play so many styles like this, mixing Flamenco with funk with Indian music, but I try to do it myself and try to put my own thing. And I think people love it.

If you could send a message to your listeners through your music without using any words, what would you want to communicate?

It's like this connection, this emotion. It's like love and energy. Of course, you have to disconnect from the world, from your day-to-day, you know. It's like its connection. It's love because you have to love each other, and when you are on the dance floor, it's energy. You need energy to dance and have fun.

What is the best advice you have given or received to work as a DJ?

You have to keep being humble, always humble. You have to keep your feet on the ground. And enjoy the process, every moment of your career. If you are here, enjoy it. If you're not at the top, enjoy that too. It's important to be happy with what you're doing and with the process. Keep the smile and enjoy life.

What inspires you to keep innovating and pushing the boundaries of your sound?

Right now, I don't think anyone inspires me. I try to do my own thing, whatever I feel in the moment. Maybe in the past, 10 years ago, there was someone who inspired me, but right now, no. I don't try to copy anyone. I just do what I feel.

What’s your take on the no-phone policy at some parties/festivals? Do you prefer it, or do you like seeing phones in the crowd?

I don't care a lot about the phones because everyone enjoys it in their own way, with or without the phone, you know. But okay, without the phone, people have more fun because they dance more. But with the phone, they record, but sometimes they don't even post it on social media. It's like, 'I record, but I do nothing with it,' you know. Or they take a picture with me and never tag me, and I'm like, 'Why are you wasting your time?' So yeah, of course, I prefer without the phone because people have more fun, but if they use their phone, I don't care as long as they're happy.

Quick-Fire questions: 

What feelings do you want to evoke in your audience when you are playing?

I want to evoke energy, connection, and love. I want people to disconnect from their daily lives and just enjoy the moment.

What kind of music do you listen to when you're not DJing?

Brazilian Psytrance. Like Universo paralello in Brazil, I love it. I love to listen to that when I'm training or flying. It's amazing.

What are your guilty pleasures?

I don't really have guilty pleasures when it comes to music. Mostly I stick to electronic music, psytrance, and trap music.

What’s your favorite new track right now?

Right now, I love Innerbloom.