Intervalo: “When You Trust Your Gut, the Music Finds Its Way”
The long-time DJ and producer reflects on three decades of sonic evolution, emotional depth, and the discipline behind his atmospheric techno sound.
After nearly three decades of shaping underground dancefloors, Intervalo stands as a producer who thrives on instinct, emotion, and evolution. With his latest release High Noir, he continues to refine a sound that bridges hypnotic techno drive with cinematic depth. In this conversation, Intervalo opens up about his artistic journey, from early inspirations and late-night studio rituals to mastering the balance of tension, restraint, and authenticity that defines his sonic universe.
Q: You’ve spent years behind the decks and in the studio. How would you describe your artistic evolution up to this point?
A: To be honest, it’s been a long journey. I’ve been behind the decks since 1996, so my evolution has been a very organic and gradual process over the decades. I consider myself a profound music lover first and foremost, and I listen to a wide variety of genres. However, my heart has always belonged to the darker, more raw side of electronic music. Over the years, I feel like I’ve matured alongside the scene itself. My current sound is the result of all those years absorbing different influences and distilling them into the driving, atmospheric style I champion today.
Q: Your sound feels refined and deeply rooted in techno, yet it carries strong emotional and indie dance elements. How did that balance develop over time?
A: I always strive for that balance in my productions. I want my tracks to be driving and heavy, but they need an emotional core that genuinely moves you. When you strike the right chord between club energy and deep emotion, it creates an explosive combination on the dancefloor. That being said, I don’t overthink it in the studio, I just channel whatever I’m feeling in the moment. Letting intuition take over is the most honest way to express yourself artistically.
Q: What first drew you to electronic music, and when did you realize this was more than just a passion?
A: It goes back to the early 90s, specifically around the release of Depeche Mode Violator. That sound completely captivated me. I started digging and researching as best as I could back then which was a challenge without the internet (Laughs). That curiosity led me to discover pioneers like Kraftwerk, and soon after, the raw energy of acts like The Prodigy, Orbital, and Underworld. It quickly stopped being just a hobby and became a lifelong obsession. I haven't stopped since.
Q: When you’re starting a new track, do you usually think as a DJ or as a producer? Which mindset comes first?
A: The DJ mindset definitely comes first, though it happens almost unconsciously. It’s ingrained in me after so many years behind the decks. I naturally think about the groove, the energy, and how the track will actually work on a dancefloor. But once that core idea is down and I start working on the arrangement, my brain switches to producer mode. That's when I focus on the micro details and making sure every texture and frequency is exactly where it needs to be.
Q: Your music often carries a “mental” and immersive quality. What does creating atmosphere mean to you?
A: For me, building that atmosphere is about making the listener feel the track, not just hear it. I like to work with layers using evolving pads and wide reverbs to create a sense of space. I also rely on hypnotic, repetitive melodies to keep people locked in. My approach is usually to set a solid groove and use a loop that builds tension almost without the crowd noticing. Once that energy is high enough, I just let the main elements of the song take over with full force.
Q: How do late-night sets influence your studio work? Do certain hours of the night inspire your sound more than others?
A: For a long time, I was definitely a night owl in the studio. I loved the silence and the atmosphere of the early morning hours, it used to be my main source of inspiration. However, over the past few years, my routine has shifted. Now, I actually prefer working in the mornings. I find that my mind is much sharper and more open to new ideas. That being said, inspiration doesn’t run on a schedule. If a melody or a groove hits me, I’ll sit down at the computer no matter what time it is.
Q: Do you see tension and release as central themes in your music? How consciously do you build that dynamic?
A: Absolutely. Tension and release are essentially the engine of my music. While the initial idea might come from intuition, building that dynamic is a very conscious process. I see it as a psychological game with the dancefloor. I love stretching those moments filtering out the low end or using a sudden second of silence right before the drop. You have to make the crowd crave that release. When you hold the energy back for just the right amount of time, the impact when the kick returns is much stronger.
Q: “High Noir” presents two distinct yet connected moods. Do you naturally work in contrasts, or was that a deliberate artistic decision?
A: I enjoy exploring those contrasts, but my focus is always to weave them into the same sonic universe so the EP feels like a cohesive journey. I didn't have a rigid plan to make one track deep and the other more driving, it’s just a reflection of what was flowing naturally in the studio. The contrast happened organically, but the textures and the overall atmosphere tie both moods together into one solid release.
Q: How do you know when a track is finished? Is it a technical decision or a feeling?
A: That is probably the hardest part of being a producer! (Laughs). Since I’m a perfectionist, I tend to overthink things and tweak details endlessly. But after being in this industry for so long, it ultimately comes down to a gut feeling. Your instinct just tells you, Okay, this is ready, let it go. However, the final test always happens at the club. I need to play it on a proper sound system to make sure it works on the floor and captures the exact vibe I wanted.
Q: What role does restraint play in your production style?
A: I firmly believe that 'less is more' in electronic music. Restraint is everything. For me, it's not about how many elements you can fit into a project, but how well you treat the ones you actually need. Every sound needs to have its own defined space in the mix. When you focus on quality sound design and select elements that fit together naturally, the groove breathes much better. You reach a point where the track feels full, and any extra layer would just muddy the message.
Q: In a scene that constantly shifts trends, how do you maintain a timeless identity?
A: It's a balance. You try to stay updated with current sounds, but it has to make sense within your own context. I've never liked boxing myself into a strict category, I enjoy experimenting. However, that happens under the umbrella of the underground whatever label people prefer to use. My philosophy is simple when a track is genuinely good, it transcends genres and trends. That’s what makes music timeless.
Q: What have you learned about yourself creatively in the past few years?
A: I’ve learned that patience, hard work, and self belief are fundamental. In this industry, with enough effort, things eventually fall into place. But more importantly, I've realized how crucial it is to trust your own instincts. If you don't, doubt starts creeping in and the creative process becomes difficult. When you believe in your vision, you don't find yourself forcing ideas or trying to fit into a sound that doesn't feel like you. Trusting my gut has been my biggest breakthrough.
Q: Outside of music, what influences your artistic perspective the most?
A: To be honest, I don't tie my inspiration to specific places. For me, it's a state of mind. That creative spark can hit you at any moment, regardless of where you are. But I also believe that you can't just wait for inspiration to arrive. Often, you have to provoke it by putting in the hours. You sit down in the studio and work even on the days you don't feel like it. More often than not, discipline is what actually triggers the creative process.
Q: Looking ahead, what do you feel is the next chapter for Intervalo?
A: My plan is simply to keep working hard. After many years in the scene, I’ve learned that there’s no point in trying to force what comes tomorrow I prefer to focus on the day today. If you stay disciplined and true to your process, the future takes shape on its own. My next chapter is exactly that to keep making honest music, refining my sound every day, and letting the tracks dictate where the journey goes.
