Wade, is one of the most in form men in the underground right now. He heads up his own label Criterio Music where he serves up a fresh take on energetic tech house. It all comes infused with Spanish sounds and blended with his love of hip-hop, techno and groove and makes his sets immersive, storytelling journeys.
He has collaborated with Solardo and David Guetta before, topped many charts, picked up millions of streams and worked with labels like Universal Music, Atlantic Records, and Black Book Records. Amongst Wade’s busy touring schedule he’s set to feature at FIVE Palm Jumeriah’s famous Bohemia Beach Club on Saturday 18th January.
We catch up with him ahead of the show to find out what to expect, what he’s been up to recently and more.
Q&A
How was 2024? Now you look back on the year, what stood out the most?
- 2024 was a year of incredible growth and unforgettable moments. I had the privilege of performing at some of the most iconic festivals and venues around the world, connecting with fans in ways I hadn’t imagined before. It was also a big year for my music. I released tracks like ‘Dame De Eso’ and ‘Never Sleep’, which received amazing support.
Have you set any new goals or made any resolutions for 2025, if so, can you share any of those with us?
- For 2025, my focus is on pushing creative boundaries. I want to explore new sounds and collaborate with artists from genres outside electronic music to bring something fresh to my audience. Another goal is to expand Criterio Music even further by discovering and mentoring new talents who align with the label’s vision. I also plan to take my live performances to the next level, adding more immersive elements to make each show unforgettable.
How does A&R work for your label, do you like to have relationships with artists or is it simply about the music itself?
- For me, it’s about both. The music always comes first—it has to feel authentic and align with the sound we’re building at Criterio Music. But I also value relationships with artists. It’s important to understand their vision and what drives them creatively. I believe that working closely with an artist leads to better music and a more impactful release. It’s about creating a space where both the artist and the label grow together.
You play at Bohemia Beach Club at FIVE Palm Jumeirah on Saturday, what can attendees expect from your performance?
- Attendees can expect a high-energy set filled with groove, basslines, and surprises that will keep everyone dancing from start to finish. I always like to bring a mix of my signature sound along with unreleased tracks and edits tailored to the vibe of the venue. Playing at a stunning location like Bohemia Beach Club inspires me to deliver something unique, so it’s going to be special.
When writing music, what is your approach? Do you always start productions in the same way or can it vary?
- It varies depending on the mood and inspiration. Sometimes, I’ll start with a bassline that sets the tone for the track, and other times, it’s a vocal sample or a percussion groove that sparks the idea. I try to stay flexible and let the music guide me. I think that’s what keeps my productions fresh and exciting—not just for the listeners, but for me as well.
Tell us about the influence Spanish music has had on your sound and how you incorporate that into your sets and productions?
- Spanish music is deeply rooted in my identity. The rhythms, the energy, and the passion in genres like flamenco and rumba inspire me a lot. I often incorporate these elements subtly, whether it’s through percussive patterns, vocal samples, or the overall vibe of a track. When I perform, I like to bring that essence of Spanish music to the dance floor—it’s about creating a connection that feels authentic and personal.
You have huge numbers of streams across your releases and have plenty of chart success – does this matter to you, does it impact how you approach your next production?
- While it’s amazing to see the numbers and chart success, what matters most is the connection the music creates with people. My goal is always to make tracks that resonate emotionally or physically on the dance floor. Of course, success can be motivating, but I try not to let it dictate my creative process. Staying true to my sound and vision is what’s most important to me.
When touring around the world, do you like to switch up your set depending on the crowd, or is it generally a similar set as other shows?
- I always adapt my sets depending on the crowd and the vibe of the venue. Every audience is different, and part of the thrill of DJing is reading the room and creating a unique journey for that moment. I like to experiment and introduce new tracks or edits to see how the crowd reacts—it keeps things exciting for both me and the audience.
Is there anything else you’d like to let us know about in terms of music or any other news you may have?
- I’m thrilled about what’s coming in 2025. There are some exciting collaborations and projects lined up that I can’t wait to share. I’m also working on expanding my live performances with more immersive elements. Plus, we’ve got some big plans for Criterio Music to bring even more fresh talent to the spotlight. Stay tuned—this is going to be a year full of surprises!