Ezequiel Arias on Crafting “Dream Controller” for Anjunadeep

"Dream Controller" is a statement of intent from Durante and Ezequiel Arias – two innovative artists carving out their reputations in the progressive house world, with a shared passion for the sound and an ambition to drive it forward.

Having first met at Explorations 2024, the pair bonded over their excitement of seeing Guy J perform at the festival that year, and soon began sharing ideas once they returned home, to LA and Córdoba respectively.

A chance meeting in Miami followed, when they were both playing in different clubs on the same night. They got together in the studio, sparks flew, and "Dream Controller" was born.

The track has become a fixture at Anjunadeep events all year, and was a highlight of Explorations 2025, as well as their own sets around the world in recent months.

Hey Ezequiel, thanks for joining us! How are things, and how was your summer of 2025?

"Hey guys, thanks for the invite! The last few months have been crazy, with lots of great shows around the world. I'm also really happy with the amazing support for the music I've been releasing."

“Dream Controller” has already become a staple in your sets and gained support from some huge names in the scene. Can you tell us about the creative spark that first led you and Durante to this collaboration?

"We've been fans of each other's work for a while. After we started talking about our music and inspirations, we met at Explorations last year and talked about the idea of making music together. We began a remote collaboration, and then luckily we both had shows in Miami the same night. We booked a studio for the day, and that's when Dream Controller was born."

The track feels both powerful on the dance floor and deeply emotional in its atmosphere. What was the vision behind “Dream Controller,” and how do you feel it represents where your sound is right now?

"It's easy to work with Kevin because we have similar ways of making music. We just entered the studio and started having fun with the synths, recording everything on the fly, so it wasn't really a planned session.

I feel this style really represents me and what I love to do. Since the beginning of my career, my sound has always been the same (or at least that's what I think): a blend of Melodic and Dance Floor/ Hypnotic moments."

In addition to this massively anticipated track, your “ReAnimation” tune also topped Beatport’s Progressive House charts this summer. Tell us a bit more about how that made you feel and your process behind your last Anjunadeep EP.

"I don't take anything for granted in life, so seeing all the support for the EP was amazing. It's a release that truly represents my sound 100%. I'm still playing the tracks years after they were made, and that's one of the best things we can have as music producers: to see our work stand the test of time."

Your discography spans some of the most influential labels in progressive music. How has working with these different imprints shaped your identity as an artist?

"These labels have been a source of inspiration and admiration for me since the beginning of my career. The artists releasing on them, as well as their founders & teams, have been a huge influence. So, having the opportunity to work and release music with them is something I still can't believe, and I'm truly thankful."

Hernán Cattáneo has been a long-time supporter and mentor figure in your journey. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from him, both musically and personally?

"I think Hernan is a role model for a new generation of artists, and also the already established ones could learn a lot from him. He has been helping me a lot since the beginning of my career, playing my music and giving me advice on lots of things.

But I think I've learned a lot from him not just for a specific piece of advice he gave me, but also for how he developed his career and how he is as a person.

'Music goes first, don't follow trends and stay true to your passion, work hard, don't forget where you came from, be kind to everyone.'"

You’ve become a key figure in Argentina’s progressive house movement. How does your hometown Córdoba, and Argentina’s thriving scene more broadly, inspire your creative process?

"I'm very grateful to have grown up and learned from the beautiful club culture we have here in Argentina. Despite the economic and political challenges we face as a country, the way we live and feel music is truly unique, and that has really shaped me as an artist.

There's a large audience that truly knows the music and immerses themselves in it, which also pushes you to constantly evolve and create new things in order to deliver a better show every time.

Our country is also a hotbed of talent, and that's very enriching and creates a constant flow of music and creativity, which is amazing."

As we rapidly move towards the end of the year, what else do we have to look forward to from Ezequiel Arias?

"In October, I'll be heading back to Europe for my fourth and final tour of the year, visiting Malta, Barcelona, London, Mallorca, and Glasgow. In November, I'll return to Argentina for shows in Córdoba, Buenos Aires, and Rosario, and in December, I'll close out the year with a six-show tour in Australia and New Zealand.

On the music front, there are two new remixes that will be released, plus my first vinyl record, which I'm very excited about."