We sit down with trance DJ and producer Blastoyz to celebrate his new collaboration with Moby ‘Lift Me Up’. We talk musical heritage, inspiration, his WELRAVE label and more…
Buy link – https://www.beatport.com/release/lift-me-up/484583
Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us. How are you? How has your 2024 been? What have been the highlights? Any resolutions or goals for the New Year?
I’m doing great, thank you! Always busy, always energized, and always looking forward to what’s next.
2024 has been amazing so far. Highlights for me include playing massive shows all around the world, such as EDC Vegas, EDC Mexico, Electric Forest, Transmission Australia, Tomorrowland Brazil, and many incredible venues in the United States and Europe. I’ve also loved connecting with fans through music. Between touring, I’ve been experimenting in the studio, producing and collaborating on tracks with Moby and other exciting projects that I’ll release soon.
My goal for the New Year is to keep performing globally, push boundaries with my sound, and bring fresh, powerful experiences to my fans through cross-genre productions.
Tell us about your musical heritage. What drove you toward electronic music, specifically your end of the dance music spectrum?
I grew up with a deep love for psytrance and trance music. I first discovered psytrance at around age 8, thanks to my older brother, who was a producer and DJ at the time. Something clicked instantly. I loved the energy, the storytelling, and the way it could transport people to another dimension. From that moment, I knew this was what I wanted to create and share with the world.
Who were your biggest influences and inspirations growing up and even now?
Growing up, artists like Infected Mushroom, Yahel, and Tiësto were huge inspirations for me. They showed me what was possible in electronic music. Today, I draw inspiration from all over—pioneers like Moby and innovative new-generation producers who are pushing limits in creative ways.
You head up your own WELVRAVE label. What is the story behind it, and what are you trying to portray through the label? What’s the ethos?
WELVRAVE is all about freedom of expression. The idea came from wanting a platform to represent both my vision and the incredible talent within the psytrance and electronic music community. It’s about pushing boundaries, blending styles, and uniting rave culture in a way that feels authentic and fresh.
How did the collaboration with Moby come about? What impact has he had on your career?
Collaborating with Moby was a dream come true. He’s such a legend, and his work has shaped electronic music for decades. I had the honor, together with Berg, of reimagining one of his classics, Lift Me Up. It’s a track we’ve both loved for years, and this collaboration sparked a creative synergy between us.
We aimed to bring a fresh touch with melodic and progressive elements while maintaining the high-intensity energy that psytrance is known for. Striking a balance between staying true to Moby’s emotive essence and injecting our sound design was key.
What advice would you give to a young, up-and-coming producer wanting to start their own label?
Start with a clear vision. Know what your label stands for and the kind of talent you want to represent. Building a strong network and understanding the business side of music is crucial. Above all, stay consistent and passionate—it will shine through in your work.
What are your three favorite trance tracks?
That’s tough! If I had to choose:
- Infected Mushroom – Deeply Disturbed
- Yahel – Voyage
- Faithless – Insomnia (still gives me goosebumps every time).
What has been your favorite gig to play so far in your career?
There are so many memorable ones, but Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, with Seven Lions, stands out. The venue is breathtaking—a natural amphitheater carved into towering red sandstone cliffs. The acoustics and atmosphere are unmatched. The stage is nestled between massive rock formations, and the audience is seated on tiers following the natural slope of the landscape. It was an unforgettable mix of nature, energy, and sound.
What would be your dream gig?
After touring for over 10 years, I’ve been lucky to play at some of the world’s most incredible venues, in every size and format imaginable. For me, the ultimate goal isn’t one specific gig—it’s about sharing psytrance music with wider, more diverse audiences and spreading positive energy wherever I go. As long as I’m doing what I love, every gig feels like a dream.
What do you do to relax outside of DJing and producing?
I love spending time with family and friends. I’m lucky to live just five minutes from the ocean, where I often go to unwind. I also enjoy hiking, exploring nature, and discovering new cuisines—I’m definitely a bit of a foodie!
What music do you listen to outside of the dance music spectrum?
I enjoy music from the past, especially alternative rock classics from my childhood, like Linkin Park and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I also love old-school hip-hop and R&B. Beyond that, I explore world music and chillout ambient sounds—they’re perfect for resetting my mind and finding balance.
What was the last record that blew you away?
John Summit & Sub Focus – Go Back (ft. Julia Church). The blend of genres in one track is mind-blowing. It reminds me why I love electronic music so much. This approach, blending styles, is something I’ve believed in and done for years, especially in collaboration with Seven Lions and the Ophelia Records artists.
