Crescenzo delivers deep, hypnotic grooves with a dark, sensual edge. He reads the room with precision, guiding dancefloors through energy-driven journeys across Montreal’s leading house and techno venues. In this conversation, we explore the stories behind Crescenzo’s sound, delving into his background, inspirations, and significant life events. He also reflects on his recent mix recorded […]
What genres or sounds have you been diving into lately, and how are they shaping your current production or DJ sets? For me, good music is good music. I started as a progressive house DJ in 2003, then my sound moved through electro, minimal, tribal and deep influences, and it keeps evolving. I am not […]
What genre or sounds have you recently become obsessed with, and how has it influenced your mixing or selection style? I’ve always been drawn to a wide spectrum of sounds: disco, soulful house, afro grooves, and acid sounds. My taste is intentionally miscellaneous, and I naturally gravitate toward music that moves something deeper in me. […]
Where did the name Hoopalai come from? It came from the idea of creatively being on a slippery floor! How did Montreal’s underground scene impact your sound? Our influences mainly come from the ’90s and the original rave era, where we first got involved as DJ & promoter and curators. That period had something truly […]
How would you describe your sound for those who don’t know you? It’s a mix of minimal indie, house, and tech house. I like to blend these influences with groovy beats and live percussion to create something energetic and engaging. You’re based in Dahab, away from the big city nightlife; how has living there influenced […]
What first sparked your passion for DJing and house music? The energy of the dancefloor. I was fascinated by how music brings people together, how friendships are formed at parties, and the shared love that exists in those moments. That connection is what inspired me to become part of this culture. What lessons did you […]
Iraqi-born and Toronto-based, Mustafa Ismaeel is a DJ and producer renowned for blending emotive grooves with a genre-defying sonic palette. Rooted in a multicultural upbringing, he draws on his origins and nomadic experiences to craft vibrant, deeply expressive sets and productions. Born in Iraq, growing up in India, and maturing in Canada has added to […]
From the bustling underground of New York City to deeper, more introspective spaces shaped by his roots, Saqib has carved out a sonic world that feels goood. His productions carry the weight of memory, the pulse of the dancefloor, and a quiet kind of rebellion against genre boxes. In this conversation, we explore the stories […]
Hailing from Argentina, Mercurio is a name that has become synonymous with melodic depth and emotional storytelling on the dancefloor. A frequent collaborator of Hernán Cattáneo, his productions weave together lush harmonies, intricate rhythms, and a cinematic sensibility that sets him apart in the global progressive house scene. With a career rooted in live instrumentation […]
Sarkis Mikael is a sonic storyteller—a Los Angeles–based Armenian-American producer, DJ, and engineer whose work bridges ancient resonance with modern rhythm. Known for his emotionally rich, genre-fluid productions and deep-rooted collaborations, Sarkis shapes his sound at the intersection of cultural memory and dancefloor evolution. With releases on iconic labels like Sol Selectas and The Soundgarden, […]