With the Spanish DJ/Producer Drival looking to build on the growing momentum behind him, he is looking forward to a great year ahead. With his new release ‘Forever Is Gone’ released on the 18th January 2018 via Phoenix Recordings, we caught up with him to discuss his plans for the future and learn a bit more about him!

Drival, how are you? How’s everything going at the moment?

Hi there and first of all thanks for reaching out! I’m really good. I’ve never been as busy and excited as I am now, things are looking good so I am thrilled to keep up the momentum and show myself as a rising artist.

Where do you call home?

Madrid is my home. I was born here, although I also lived in Chile for a few years when I was very young and most of my relatives live there, but I grew up in Madrid. It is a lovely city I strongly recommend visiting in case you haven’t done it yet.

How did you start off in the Dance music scene, and when?

To answer that we have to go back to 2000, just after finishing high school. A colleague of my mother turned out to also run a few clubs in downtown Madrid. She suggested him to meet me and give me a chance since I had been playing around with DJ tools since I was 14. My opportunity came, and after my first performance, he offered me the club’s residency.

What makes your sound unique – and how would you describe it?

I like to describe my sound as assorted in terms of variety. For example, within a Trance set I enjoy moving from melodic or progressive Trance to a more uplifting vibe. And when it comes to production I also like to taste different genres. In fact, although I am fully focused on trance now, I have released a Deep House track before now! I believe it all comes down to enjoying music itself and its many ways of expression.

Who were your influences growing up?

In the late 90’s, during the early stages of my music career, Milk Inc. was definitely one of the bands that had more influence on me. Their continuous and superb releases just blew my mind and I didn’t miss a single vinyl. Later on, after the Eurodance golden years, Armin Van Buuren indeed got me into Trance. It was sort of a revelation, but as I kept digging into his sounds, and others such as Gareth Emery or Mike Shiver, the feeling that Trance can deliver eventually charmed me.

What have been your favourite moments in your career so far?

Actually, two come to my mind! The first and most emotional one took place when, after around 2 years as resident DJ in a club, I had to leave for a while due to a Master I had enrolled in. When I ended my last set and lights went on, the whole crowd started clapping and came to me with warm feedback. I couldn’t be more grateful. The other important moment to me happened in 2017 when I reached position #2 in Beatport for the third time within 6 months. I love making and playing music for the people, so when dedication pays off and you get supported… Full-circle!

And what’s your ultimate career dream?

I cannot deny I dream of playing in front of a massive crowd, but in the very end what really matters to me is to achieve a living off music. When your passion becomes your job, it is not actually a job anymore.

Can you tell us about any upcoming releases and projects you’ve got lined up?

Sure. I am currently working with talented Jennifer Rene on a vocal Trance release, as well as a few new tracks that are on the way. One is already scheduled for March and is signed to Phoenix Recordings. In terms of live performances, I will be playing with Rene Ablaze in March in Madrid and I’m looking forward to potential international gigs.

Who’s inspired you the most in 2017, and whom do you think we should look out for in 2018?

In my opinion last year there was a very busy Trance scene, but in 2017 I’ve especially liked Steve Allen and Giuseppe Ottaviani to name but a couple. They are both extremely talented producers and their passion is clearly visible in their music and behaviour. In 2018 I will keep be keeping an eye on Davey Asprey and Bogdan Vix.

What are your resolutions for the new year?

Releasing around 10 tracks, doing some collaborations with other artists and starting to gig internationally. I am aware there is still a long way to go but I would like to become an established Trance artist and I am confident this will be a productive year!

Can you tell us something not many people know about Drival?

When I was 12 or so, I discovered a dance radio show called ‘It’s Your Time’ that was broadcast in my national territory. Passion for electronic music immediately grew on me and I began to record the show almost every day in a double cassette radio I had in my bedroom. I was too young and had no turntables yet, but I found out that I could mix songs playing the tapes at the same time and adjusting the pitch by applying more or less pressure into the pause button of the second cassette deck. It was a rudimentary but fun way to get started in mixing!

Anything to add, or any shout outs?

Music diversity is not only good but also enriching. Along these 20 years of my music career, I have seen many different music trends: Eurodance, House, EDM, Tech House… I strongly believe there is room for everybody as long as the whole music industry (labels, venues, agencies, stores, etc) works as one for the greater good.

Check out Drival on his official website and social media platforms here:
http://www.drivaldj.com
https://www.facebook.com/drivaldj
https://twitter.com/DrivalDJ
https://www.mixcloud.com/drival
https://soundcloud.com/drival-351946304 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM7r8x14YeeZklHRer7GIEg