Few artists embody the modern electronic music scene quite like Wade. From Tomorrowland and Ultra Miami to Awakenings, Sonus and Kappa FuturFestival, the Spanish DJ and producer has become one of tech house’s most recognisable names, building a global following through his high-energy sets and instinctive connection with the crowd.

His rise hasn’t stopped at music. Through Criterio, Wade has created a label and event brand that has grown into one of the scene’s most respected platforms, reflecting his vision of club culture while championing fresh talent.

Despite a schedule packed with international flights, festival stages and club shows, Wade remains remarkably grounded.

Throughout our 18 Questions conversation, he speaks about patience, routine and finding balance amid the chaos of life on the road. Whether it’s training, travelling or losing himself in a late-night studio session, his approach is built on consistency rather than chasing trends.

With new single ‘People Stompin’ arriving this month, Wade also reflects on the evolution of tech house, the growth of Criterio and the moments that still give him a rush after years at the top of the game. Ahead of his appearance at Kappa FuturFestival 2026, a performance we’re especially looking forward to, we caught up with Wade to discuss creativity, success and what comes next.

1. What’s the first thing you usually do when you wake up, whether you’re at home or on tour?

Usually a matcha tea first, always (laughs). I try not to rush into the day too much. If I’m home, I like taking my time a bit before jumping into work. On tour it’s different because every day changes, but I still try to have some kind of routine, even if it’s small.

2. Where do you feel most connected to yourself creatively?

Definitely in the studio, especially at night. I think that’s when my head is quiet and ideas come more naturally. But honestly, travelling inspires me a lot too. Sometimes you hear something random, meet someone, or experience something in a city and it ends up becoming inspiration without you even noticing.

3. What’s something people often misunderstand about you?

Maybe because I play energetic music and I’m always around people, they think I’m super extroverted all the time. But I actually enjoy quiet moments a lot. I like my space and staying grounded.

4. Do you find inspiration more in music itself or in the world around you?

Both, but probably more from life around me. Music obviously inspires me every day, but travelling, cultures, people, situations… all of that affects how I feel and what I end up creating.

5. What’s one record you’ve never stopped coming back to?

That’s a hard one because it changes depending on the moment. But I always go back to records that gave me that feeling when I first fell in love with electronic music. Those tracks stay with you forever.

6. When was the last time something completely surprised you?

Honestly, crowds still surprise me sometimes. You can play a track thinking one thing will happen and suddenly people react in a completely different way. Those unexpected moments are usually the best ones.

7. What’s a small everyday ritual that helps keep you grounded?

Training for sure. Even if it’s just a little bit, it helps clear my head. With all the travelling and late nights, having something that keeps you balanced is important.

8. If you could relive one moment from your career just to experience it again, what would it be?

Probably one of the first times I played a huge festival and had that moment of thinking, “Damn, this is really happening.” You work for years without knowing where it’ll take you, so those moments hit differently.

9. What’s something you’ve learned about yourself over the last few years?

That patience is important. Things don’t always happen when you want them to, and sometimes you have to trust the process and just keep going.

10. When do you feel happiest?

Probably when things feel balanced. Good music, a good show, time with people I care about, and moments to disconnect too.

11. You’ve played some of the biggest festivals on the planet, from Tomorrowland and Ultra to Awakenings and Kappa FuturFestival. What still gives you a rush when you walk on stage?

That feeling right before going on stage never really changes. Hearing the crowd, not knowing exactly what’s about to happen… there’s still adrenaline every single time. I think if you stop feeling that, something’s wrong.

12. Your sets are known for their energy and connection with the crowd. What do you look for from an audience, and how does that influence where you take a set?

I just want people to be open and fully in the moment. For me, a set is like a conversation. You can plan things, but the crowd tells you where to go. If they trust you, you can take them somewhere special.

13. You’ve built Criterio into much more than a record label. What was your original vision for the brand, and how has it evolved over time?

At the beginning it was really about having a space for music I believed in and creating something with personality. Over time it’s become much bigger than I imagined. It’s grown naturally and that’s probably the best part.

14. Tech house has changed enormously since you first started. What do you think separates an artist with staying power from someone who is simply following a trend?

Being yourself, honestly. Trends come and go fast. I think if you only chase what’s working at the moment, people will notice. The artists that last are the ones who evolve but still sound like themselves.

15. Your schedule takes you all over the world. How do you balance the excitement of constant travel with the need to stay creative and focused?

It’s not easy (laughs). Sometimes you’re tired, jet lagged, moving constantly… but I try to protect time for the studio and for myself. Also, travelling gives me inspiration, so it’s about finding balance.

16. You’ve become one of the defining names in modern tech house. Has your relationship with success changed now compared to when you were first starting out?

Yeah, definitely. At the beginning success feels like goals, numbers, big festivals. Now I think about it differently. For me, success is still enjoying what I do and being able to keep doing it for a long time.

17. Your new single, ‘People Stompin’, arrives this month. What can you tell us about the track, and what made it the right release for this moment?

People Stompin’ is pure energy. One of those tracks made for the dance floor. I’d been playing it for a while and seeing people react to it really naturally, so it just felt like the right moment to put it out. I always trust that feeling.

18. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Wade, Criterio, and the next chapter of your career?

Honestly, just the idea of building something meaningful. I’m excited to keep growing myself and my brand Criterio, take on new challenges, and see where this next chapter leads.

Wade will be playing Kappa FuturFestival 2026 which runs from 3–5 July at Parco Dora, Turin.

Tickets are on sale now at kappafuturfestival.it.