Interview
Hypaton Interview Talks ‘Slide’, Tomorrowland Debut, Avicii’s ‘Levels’
Hypaton interview Talks ‘Slide’, Tomorrowland Debut, Avicii’s ‘Levels’ as he reflects on his musical roots, studio process, and what he’s building for 2026
We spoke with Hypaton following the release of ‘Slide’ with Izzy Bizu, a record that has started to appear in his recent sets while marking his current direction in the studio. His introduction to electronic music came through his cousin Giuseppe Ottaviani, which followed early guitar sessions at home and led him into producing his own material with a focus on melody and structure. That path later gained wider attention while he was still studying dentistry, when his rework of ‘Be My Lover’ by La Bouche was picked up by Juventus FC on Instagram, eventually reaching David Guetta and leading to an official release that has since passed 360 million streams. From there, he learned to DJ in 47 days at Guetta’s request and went on to open a Future Rave show at Hï Ibiza, before playing venues such as Ushuaïa Ibiza, Ministry of Sound, and [UNVRS] Ibiza. That same approach carries into ‘Slide’ with Izzy Bizu, where the track started from a simple groove and piano idea before expanding around the vocal and arrangement. Alongside this, his debut at Tomorrowland places him on a major festival stage for the first time, bringing that same mindset into a live setting where the set develops through how the crowd responds. In conversation, he also pointed to ‘Levels’ by Avicii as a record he returns to during longer sets, while noting how his background in dentistry still influences his workflow through discipline and attention to detail, and how his studio process continues to involve instruments like guitar and piano as he works on new material into 2026.
What inspired you to create music in the first place?
It really started at home. My dad introduced me to music when I was very young, and I began taking guitar lessons. In the evenings we would often play together, and that’s where my connection with music really started.
Later on, my cousin Giuseppe Ottaviani, who is also a DJ, introduced me to electronic music, and that was a big turning point. I remember feeling that mix of energy and emotion, and that’s what made me want to start creating my own tracks.
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You’re a qualified dentist! What factors and mantras from your previous profession did you carry over to your DJ and music career?
Precision, discipline and focus. Those are the main things I carried with me. Dentistry taught me that details matter and that consistency is everything if you want to reach a high level. And of course, the smile. That’s probably the most important one.
What song is a must-have on your USB stick at the moment, one that makes the crowd go wild?
For me, it’s definitely “Levels” by Avicii. When you’re playing long sets, it’s normal to see the energy go up and down at certain moments, but that track is one of those that can instantly bring everything back to life. As soon as it drops, the reaction is always insane. It’s one of those timeless records that just works every single time.
You’ve recently released your single ‘Slide’ with Izzy Bizu. Tell us how the collaboration came about and the production process behind the track.
The track started from a groove that felt very natural and immediate. I didn’t want to overcomplicate it, just something that works from the first listen. The piano hook came in quite early, and that really defined the identity of the track. From there, I built the production around that, keeping a balance between energy and musicality. For the vocal, Izzy was a perfect match. Her voice sits really well on the production. There’s a strong piano hook and quite bright synths in the drop, so her tone brings the right balance and makes everything feel cohesive.
Do you reach for places, things, or people for inspiration when producing, or does it come to you unexpectedly?
It’s a bit of both. Sometimes inspiration just comes naturally, especially when you’re in the right mindset. Other times, it’s about putting yourself in the right environment. Even small things can make a difference, like the space you’re in or the energy around you. Sometimes I even scroll through frames from movies. Looking at certain scenes, with specific colors and landscapes, can really help me unlock ideas. When I feel good and relaxed, that’s when the best music usually happens.
You’ve remixed songs by the likes of RAYE, La Bouche and Bonnie Tyler. What is the next song you would love to remix and why?
I think it would definitely be something that, when brought into today’s sound, can feel fresh again. Not every track is right to remix at every moment. It really depends on the current musical taste and what people are connecting with at that time. For me, it’s always about finding something that already has a strong identity and translating it in a way that feels relevant today.
You’ve just recently built your own studio. Tell us what your dream piece of equipment is and why?
For me, more than a specific piece of equipment, the real “dream” is the environment itself. I think having a space that makes you feel relaxed and inspired is way more important than any single gear. The studio should feel like a place where you enjoy being, where ideas come naturally. At the same time, I have a strong connection with instruments like guitars and piano. I often start in a more analog way, I need to physically feel the notes under my hands. That connection gives me a different kind of emotion when I create. If I had to choose one thing, I’d still say natural light. Having windows in the studio makes a huge difference, it completely changes the way I feel and create.
It’s your Tomorrowland debut this year. What can we expect from your set, and what DJs are you looking forward to seeing?
Tomorrowland is something I’ve always looked up to, so playing there for the first time is a very special moment for me. You can expect a set with a lot of energy, but also a strong musical identity. I always try to create a journey, not just play tracks, so there will be moments of tension, release, and connection with the crowd. I’ll also spend some time going around and listening to as many DJs as possible. I think it’s very important to stay updated and understand what’s happening in the scene.
Believe in yourself, always. Surround yourself with positive energy, and forget about ego completely. Just put it aside and work hard, really hard. More than anything, stay calm. There are always ups and downs, and they happen often, so what really matters is staying relaxed and keeping a positive mindset.
Finally, what can we expect from Hypaton in 2026?
My sound will evolve naturally, but it will always stay connected to my roots, especially the focus on melody. I’m really focused on bringing more emotion into my music, while still keeping the energy needed for the dancefloor. It’s about finding that balance and pushing it forward. I also want to introduce more analog elements into my productions, working more with real instruments and bringing that human feeling into the tracks. At the same time, I just want to keep growing, improving, and taking everything to the next level step by step.
With ‘Slide’ out now alongside Izzy Bizu and his first set at Tomorrowland on the horizon, the direction he is taking becomes clearer when you look at how everything connects back to the same starting point. The focus on melody that came from those early guitar sessions still runs through his work, but now it sits alongside a stronger intention to keep more of that physical, hands-on element in the process, whether that comes through piano ideas or how he builds a track from the ground up. That same thinking carries into how he approaches sets, especially across longer hours, where timing, restraint, and understanding when to bring certain records in plays a role, with tracks like ‘Levels’ by Avicii still holding a place because of how they land with a crowd in real time. What stands out is how consistent that approach has remained across different parts of his career so far, from early influences like Giuseppe Ottaviani through to recent releases and upcoming shows, where each step does not feel separate but connected through the same way of working. As he continues developing new material, adding more live elements, and stepping onto bigger stages, that link between what happens in the studio and what plays out in front of people stays at the center of how he moves forward into 2026.
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Danny Eviza’s latest release “Good, Bad, Ok” arrived almost by accident, built entirely around a chance discovery of Sam Welch’s voice.
Danny Eviza‘s latest release “Good, Bad, Ok” arrived almost by accident. What began as a chance discovery of Sam Welch’s voice turned into a full collaboration, with Eviza building the entire instrumental around Welch’s melodic demo rather than the other way round. The result is a deep, UK Garage-tinged production that leans further into the more melodic, emotionally driven sound he’s been developing across his recent work, out now via More Than A Feeling and Lilyera. We caught up with Danny Eviza to talk through the making of the track, his first-time collaboration with Sam Welch, and where his sound is headed next.
“Good, Bad, Ok” is a very sentimental track. Was there a specific moment or emotion that inspired the production behind the song?
The track actually started in a very spontaneous way. There wasn’t a specific moment or story behind the production at first. I was looking for a particular emotional atmosphere, and the whole idea developed naturally from Sam’s vocal. Once I heard his voice, I immediately felt there was something special there, and I wanted to build a production around that emotion.
Is this the first time you’ve worked with Sam Welch?
Yes, it is. The collaboration actually happened almost by chance. I came across some of Sam’s music and immediately really liked his voice. I decided to contact him, and he sent me a melodic demo. I connected with it straight away and started building the entire instrumental around his vocal. That’s how “Good, Bad, Ok” was born.
How do you feel Sam’s vocals complete the production?
Sam’s voice was actually the starting point of the production, so in a way the instrumental was built around him rather than the other way around. His vocal already had a strong emotional character, and my goal was to create a production that supported it without taking away from that feeling. I think that’s what gives the track its atmosphere.
The track has been released on More Than A Feeling / Lilyera. What makes the label the right home for “Good, Bad, Ok”?
I’m really happy to be releasing “Good, Bad, Ok” with More Than A Feeling and Lilyera. I feel that the track fits very naturally with the sound and direction of the label. It’s always important to me that a song finds the right home, and I think this release is a great match.
Talk us through the creative process behind “Good, Bad, Ok”. Did the track evolve significantly from the initial idea to the final version?
The creative process was quite different from how I usually work. Instead of starting with an instrumental idea, I started with Sam’s melodic demo. I listened to it and immediately heard the potential, so I began building the instrumental around his melody and vocal. From there, the track evolved through the production, arrangement and sound design until we reached the final version. The original vocal idea was always the heart of the track.
Throughout your career, you’ve explored a variety of dance music subgenres. However, your three most recent releases share a similar deep house sound to “Good, Bad, Ok”. How does this track fit into where you want to take your sound next?
With this track, I moved a little closer to a UK Garage-inspired deep sound, mainly because I felt it suited Sam’s vocal better and helped me create the right groove around it. However, I still see myself staying within a chill and deep house style. In the future, I could also see myself releasing tracks with a darker sound, perhaps moving more towards Tech House. But for now, Deep House remains the style that inspires me the most and feels the most natural to me.
Do you see this more melodic sound as a potential part of your sonic identity going forward, or do you still want to keep experimenting with different styles?
I definitely want to keep experimenting. I don’t think having a recognizable sound means limiting yourself to one genre. For me, it’s more about developing an emotional identity while still being able to explore different sounds, tempos and styles. The melodic side is definitely something I want to continue developing, while keeping that chill and deep feeling that represents me.
Is there a specific message that you’d like listeners to take away from “Good, Bad, Ok”?
I think the main message is that it’s okay to simply be okay. We don’t always have to be extremely happy or completely sad. Sometimes we’re somewhere in the middle, and that’s perfectly normal. I hope listeners can connect with that feeling and find their own meaning in the song.
Is there a particular element of the production that you’re especially proud of?
I’m particularly proud of the way the instrumental was built around Sam’s vocal. Because the vocal was the starting point, I wanted every element of the production to support it and enhance its emotion. I think the balance between the melody, groove and vocal is one of the strongest aspects of the track.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Danny Eviza following “Good, Bad, Ok”?
There is definitely more music coming. I’m continuing to work on new productions and collaborations, and I’m exploring this deeper and more melodic side of my sound even further. At the same time, I don’t want to limit myself, so in the future there could also be some darker and more Tech House-oriented releases. For now, though, Deep House remains my strongest source of inspiration.
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Ahead of his new single with DJ MEETCH, ‘Body On Me’, Ørjan Nilsen sits down with EDM House Network to talk collaboration and staying fresh.
Hi Ørjan, welcome to EDM House Network! Where are you in the world right now and what are you doing?
Ø: Hi guys and thank you! Right now I’m at home, just came back from Street Parade in Zürich and getting ready for Park Beats Festival in Poland this coming weekend.
Congrats on the new single with MEETCH, Body On Me. What was it like working together on the track?
Ø: Thank you! Oh it was so much fun, it’s always good stepping out of your comfort zone and working with new talented people, and Meetch is such a nice guy it just flowed.
You’ve said that MEETCH “reminds you why you fell in love with music in the first place.” How did he do that, and why had you forgotten?
Ø: Just the joy he has for it and the pure happiness it creates starting up. I’ve been doing this for 20+ years and even tho I haven’t forgotten, travelling for so long and working so much sometimes mean that you kinda forget how lucky you are in the end, being able to do this. The love for music and playing it tho? Will never be forgotten or go away.
You’ve had a long career, and you don’t seem like you’re going to stop any time soon. How do you stay fresh and relevant?
Ø: Not a chance!! I love this too much. Learning new techniques and dabbling with other genres creates a lot of inspiration and creativity. I think if you stop and refuse to embrace other genres or even changes in your own you’re doomed to stagnate. So far, I just love the journey of finding out new things.
It looks like you have a lot of fun making videos for your socials – are you as friendly and crazy in real life?? Is there an Ørjan Nilsen the performer, and a private Ørjan Nilsen, or is what we see what we get?
Ø: sometimes when I look at the videoes I reeeaally really wish it was a made up persona (cause God that guy can be a bit embarrassing haha) but unfortunately, I can’t even blame that… So I guess what you see, is what you get.
How was it remixing Darude’s Feel The Beat? Is it true that he performed at your school when you were a kid?
Ø: It was like a full circle kind of moment, and that track was actually my favorite of his. Yes not Sandstorm! Haha he did perform at an elementary school up here in Kirkenes, not mine tho! Was already out of elementary school at that time. Was so surreal!
Do you think trance music will ever be as dominant as it was back in the 2000s? Would you like to see it come back or do you think there are new genres of music that are more interesting these days?
Ø: I think the borders between genres are getting more and more blurred, for better or for worse. And yes, the share melodic aspect of trance means it’ll never lose potency within music, there will always be trance. Whether it’s gonna be as big as that era I have no idea, but I do think it’ll still be a major part of festivals and the clubscene for maaany years to come, in some shape or form.
We heard there’s more new music coming up from you and MEETCH, can you tell us more about that?
Ø: That is true!!! Can’t disclose too much yet, except it’ll be released on my label «In My Opinion» and cannot WAIT for it to be released!!
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Ahead of Nibirii Festival’s sixth edition, co-founder Björn Grimm discusses the festival’s origins, its growth, and this year’s lineup.
Recently we got to chat with Björn Grimm, co-founder of Nibirii Festival, in the lead up to the festival’s 6th edition. We discussed the story behind Nibirii, how it’s grown, and what everyone can expect from it this year.
First off take us back to the beginning. Where did the idea for Nibirii Festival come from and how did it all come together?
I was listening to a Vini Vici track by coincidence at the time and it had me thinking of a concept for bringing sounds together at Bootshaus Cologne, which were underrepresented at that time. It became a successful event series pretty quickly and someone offered us a nice place (Dürener Badesee) so we thought about bringing this to the next level – and so we did!
Since that first edition Nibirii has come a long way. How has it been for you to watch it grow from a single day event to a multistage, full weekend festival?
To be honest, it is really hard for me to see it growing because it was huge for me right from the beginning and I am not the person counting and comparing numbers. I think you can compare it with being a parent and you see your child growing and so time is passing and someday you say “wow when did you become a grown adult.” I think it is similar because I was raising this event and was so close to it.
– This year you’ve pulled together an incredible lineup with the likes of Dimension, Hannah Laing, I Hate Models, and Vini Vici to just name a few. What’s the process like in pulling together such a lineup and deciding who you want on those stages?
I think booking is a really difficult task nowadays. Music is changing fast, artists are getting a lot of attention within a few days. Trying to look into the future is nearly impossible. I think the good thing is that we have a great relationship to the artists and we know what we want, and our booker is maybe one of the best in Germany. Shoutout to Paul.
– Nibirii has grown rapidly year on year. What can festivalgoers expect this year that’s maybe developed since 2025?
If we look back at last year, the Unreal stage might have been the biggest thing, and it will be for the Techno genre in 2026. But the other stages have also had a new facelift.
– Planning a festival is a huge challenge to take on. You’ve already had 5 very successful editions, but what are the emotions like for you in the buildup? Do you get nervous or is it all just excitement?
I think this is part of the deal. You will not do this with your heart if you are not getting nervous and excited, sad and happy, frustrated and the full emotional rollercoaster ride.
– How important is it to you to have each stage feel unique in both style and sound?
Stages should be great, 100%. The experience is not only created by the artists playing. It is the surrounding, the friends and people around you, the sound… everything is important. You can have the best stage in front of you but if you can’t share this with someone this stage is worthless.
– What would you say makes Nibirii different to other festivals and has kept on bringing more and more people back?
It is the vibe, the location, the local hosts we bring to the festival.
– What is your favourite thing about Nibirii?
It is the people I am seeing there. Seeing them smiling makes me happy and reminds me why I’m doing this.
– If you had to describe Nibirii in 3 words to someone who hasn’t been before what words you choose?
MUSIC, BEACH, FRIENDS
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