Since being shifted into the spotlight way back in 2012 by house music icon Roger Sanchez, Juanito has been paving the way for his success. The French born, Barcelona based DJ/Producer has been a key figure in the tech house scene for over a decade now.
With releases on prestigious labels such as Hottrax, Moon Harbour, Deeperfect, Nervous and many more, surpassing over 3million streams on Spotify. It’s safe to say Juanito is here to stay! We sat down to talk about overcoming obstacles, pre-set rituals and the one city that blew his mind.
Hey Juanito, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us! Let’s start with the beginning of your career – talk us through your journey to breaking through as an artist. Did you come up against any obstacles along the way?
Hey! Thanks for having me, it’s always a pleasure to share a bit of my story. I started pretty young in my bedroom, messing around with software like Virtual DJ, haha. I used to post a weekly podcast sharing all the new tracks I discovered, and that helped me get known around my hometown, Grenoble. Eventually, I started playing in local clubs.
Not long after, I realized that to really grow as an artist, I needed to produce my own music. That’s when I began shaping my artistic identity and expanding my network. I started going to ADE every year to learn, connect, and move forward.
I had to figure everything out on my own – producing, branding, marketing, building real relationships with labels and promoters. There were definitely setbacks: rejections, slow progress, lots of doubts. But I stayed focused, kept evolving my sound, and little by little, I started getting noticed.
When Roger Sanchez supported me for the first time through his label and radio show, that was a real turning point. Since then, it’s all been about taking things step by step. Staying consistent and enjoying the process, that’s what made the difference.
With releases on some huge labels including Hottrax, Nervous Records and Moon Harbour, it’s safe to say you’ve set the bar high for releasing music. What’s your dream label to release on and why?
Thank you! I’ve been really lucky to work with some incredible labels I once dreamed of being part of. Each of them has played a big role in shaping and pushing my sound forward.
If I had to name a dream label, I’d probably say Defected, or keep building within Jamie Jones’ universe, like Hot Creations or Paradise. Defected stands out for its legacy and global reach, while Jamie’s labels have defined a signature underground sound that I really connect with. Releasing more with them would definitely be a huge milestone.
How do you balance staying true to your sound whilst experimenting with new elements?
For me, it’s all about staying connected to the core energy of my sound. That groove, that vibe that makes people move, while allowing myself to explore new elements around it. I always start a track with a strong loop that feels right, and from there I can experiment with different textures, synths, vocals, or even emotional layers depending on the mood I’m in.
I think as long as the foundation feels like “me,” I’m free to push boundaries without losing my identity. That’s what keeps things fresh and exciting, both for the dancefloor and for myself as a producer.
Many producers struggle with creative blocks in the studio along their musical journeys, how do you overcome these situations?
Yeah, creative blocks definitely happen, and I’ve learned not to fight them too hard. When I feel stuck, I try to change my environment or routine, go for a walk, dig for new music, or even just hang out with friends. Sometimes inspiration comes when you’re not looking for it. In the studio, I also remind myself to just have fun.
Stepping away from music for a second, what’s your favourite cuisine and go-to food order?
Haha, great question! I’m definitely a big fan of Mexican and Italian food, give me some tacos al pastor, spicy salsas, or a proper pizza with spianata and I’m in heaven.
In general, anything with a spicy kick grabs my attention. I love bold flavours. They wake you up, just like good music does.
You’ve played in many venues across the world throughout your career, but what city or venue truly blew your mind?
That’s a tough one. I’ve been lucky to play in so many amazing places, but one that really blew my mind was Viña del Mar in Chile. I played at a festival there in front of a few thousand people, and the energy was just insane. It wasn’t just the size of the crowd, it was the connection, the emotion, the way everyone was fully in it with me.
I also have a special relationship with the people of Chile. They’ve supported me from the very beginning of my tours there, and every time I come back, it feels like family.
And of course, Barcelona will always have a special place in my heart. It’s where I live now, and playing here feels like home. The vibe, the people, the culture, it all aligns perfectly with who I am as an artist.
Do you have any pre-set rituals or routines before you play to a crowd?
I’m not really into strict rituals, but I do like to arrive at the venue about an hour or an hour and a half before my set. It gives me time to connect with people, feel the energy of the crowd, and really soak in the vibe of the place.
I think it’s super important to understand the atmosphere before jumping on, every venue, every crowd is different. Being there a bit earlier helps me get into the right mindset and play something that truly fits the moment.
Who are your favourite up and coming artists right now that people need to know about?
The Brazilian scene is absolutely on fire right now! There’s so much creativity and fresh energy coming from there. Just to name a couple, Freenzy and Buogo are doing amazing work. Their recent releases have been super solid, and I genuinely support almost everything they send me.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs looking to make it in the industry based off your own experiences?
I’d say the most important thing is to be patient and consistent. This industry takes time, you won’t blow up overnight, and that’s okay. Focus on building your sound, learning your craft, and creating real connections.
Finally, what’s your favourite track by another artist that you wish you’d made?
Honestly, I’d say “Domino” by Oxia. It’s such an iconic track. The melody, the progression, the emotion it carries… it’s simple but so powerful. Every time I hear it, I’m like, “I wish I made that one!”
What makes it even more special is that Oxia is from Grenoble, my hometown. It gives the track a bit of extra meaning for me, it’s a reminder of where I come from and the legacy that’s been built there.
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