021 EXPERIENCE, HAVE YOU EVER FELT THE NEED TO STOP OR COMPLETELY REINVENT YOURSELF? HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH MOMENTS OF CREATIVE CRISIS? Not really! Though I’ll admit there have been times when I’ve felt less creative, usually due to the sheer amount of work and shows I’ve had. I always say that whatever you do in life, if you overdo it, you’ll hit a saturation point eventually. The big difference with DJing is that it’s constantly evolving both musically and technologically. That really helps: during heavy weeks where things start to feel repetitive, suddenly new music appears that gets you excited again, or some plugin or tool inspires you to try something different in your set. And just like that, you’re looking forward to the weekend and getting back in the booth. So yes, there are tough moments. Not necessarily creative crises, but more like routine fatigue. In those cases, the best thing you can do is look for sparks that reignite your passion, whether it’s fresh music or new tech that you can bring into your performance. WHAT DOES PACO DO AFTER HIS TUESDAY SET AT HÏ IBIZA? AND WHAT ABOUT VACATIONS? WHEN AND WHERE ARE THEY? What I usually do after my set is go back home, rest a bit on the days I can and when I don’t have a show, and above all, enjoy time with my family. My son and my wife are the most important things in my life, so I try to spend time with them and take advantage of all the wonders Ibiza offers: going to the beach, a restaurant, or simply sharing the day together and enjoying it to the fullest. Vacations are a tougher topic. The truth is I haven’t had a proper vacation in three years. For one reason or another, I’m always traveling, and although I can take a week off — I haven’t managed more — it’s not enough to fully rest. This year, I’ve definitely drawn the line and told my manager that, regardless of the festival, date, or anything else, I need four weeks off. As for where to go… I don’t care at all. As long as I’m with my family, I’m happy, no matter the place. IN A HYPERCONNECTED WORLD OVERLOADED WITH STIMULI, HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO KEEP SURPRISING PEOPLE FROM THE DJ BOOTH? I guess by being myself, with my personality—both the good and the bad. My father always told me that you’re never going to please everyone, that there will always be someone who criticizes you or doesn’t like what you do. So I’ve focused on staying true to my path and my ideas, without doubting what I do. Even though I’m sure that not everyone will like it, I’m also sure that my followers won’t have any doubts about my sets and what they can expect. IN AN ERA WHERE MANY DJS SEEM OBSESSED WITH THE ‘MAINSTAGE’ AND FOLLOWER COUNTS, WHAT DOES “KILLING IT” IN A SET REALLY MEAN TO YOU? For me, killing it in a set is when the whole dancefloor is completely immersed in your session and in what you’re trying to convey. Nothing makes me happier and more fulfilled than the connection with the crowd. I don’t need them to have their hands up or be shouting all the time; just feeling that they understand my music and the moments created during the set. I don’t care if it’s a festival with thousands of people or a club with just a few. What comforts me and what I truly value is that they connect with the music. WHAT INSPIRES YOU MORE WHEN IT COMES TO CREATING — THE ENERGY OF THE DANCEFLOOR, THE SILENCE OF THE STUDIO, OR CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER ARTISTS? Well, the first and the last one. Silence in the studio, in my case, means a creative block and wasted time. The energy of the dancefloor inspires me a lot, which is why I value the art of mixing so much. A good blend of two tracks —or whatever you add to create a difference from the original track — can give me ideas to later try to capture that feeling in my productions. Likewise, talking with other producers, especially young ones eager to conquer the world and experiment with new plugins or production techniques, inspires me a lot and I learn a lot from them. YOUR WEDDING NOT ONLY MARKED A NEW CHAPTER IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE, BUT IT ALSO COINCIDED WITH THE START OF A NEW SEASON. HOW DO YOU CONNECT MAJOR PERSONAL MOMENTS WITH YOUR LIFE AS AN ARTIST, AND IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK MUSIC AND LOVE FEED OFF EACH OTHER? In my case, music and love go hand in hand. I met my wife Melanie while she was a resident DJ at Amnesia Ibiza — if she hadn’t been a resident, maybe we never would’ve met. Ibiza was the connection point between us, which is why we decided to get married on the island. Creatively and professionally, my relationship with my wife brings me so much. She’s passionate about music and always eager to learn and try new things in her DJ sets. That, for me, is a HUGE motivation. Sharing the same passion and profession is a privilege: it allows us to support each other and constantly push to be better. She loves seeing me take risks and try difficult mixes. When I play, I see her watching me with pride — and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love feeling valued and admired by their partner? That alone makes me want to surprise her and see her reaction. For me, she’s a massive source of motivation behind the decks. And the same goes for me watching her. Seeing her grow, her energy, her passion, her commitment to the craft… It fascinates me, because it mirrors my own. So we feed off each other. Melanie fuels my creativity and dedication to what I do. IN YOUR 31-YEAR CAREER, WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING MUSIC HAS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF? You can never relax or let your guard down. The career of a musician or DJ isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. The more you rush to reach your goals, the later they arrive, because obsession distracts you. Respect and loyalty are worth more than anything, and above all, not everything is acceptable to achieve your goals. AS AN ARTIST WITH MORE THAN THREE DECADES OF
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