Exclusive Interview: Eats Everything - The Journey of ‘Upside Down’: From Bootleg to Global Anthem

Eats Everything has always been a master of the unexpected, blending eclectic styles with a unique flair that keeps dancefloors across the globe on their toes. His latest release, ‘Upside Down,’ is no exception—a reimagined take on a Diana Ross classic that began as a bootleg edit on a plane and has since become a favorite of DJs like Dom Dolla, Chris Lake, and Danny Howard. With praise from none other than Nile Rodgers and club-goers worldwide, the track is a testament to Eats Everything’s knack for creating music that bridges the gap between timeless disco and today’s pulsating dance beats. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about the journey behind ‘Upside Down,’ his creative process, and what’s next for the genre-defying producer.

‘Upside Down’ began its life as a bootleg created during a plane ride. Eats Everything explains, “Yeah, I heard the song on the radio and remembered I had a white label bootleg edit from years ago. I couldn’t find the track online anywhere but found it in my record collection and played it again, and it wasn’t something I’d play anymore. So, I thought I’d make my own for my own sets.” The track’s journey from that simple edit to a global release is nothing short of extraordinary.

After crafting it mid-flight, Eats Everything debuted the track at Defected’s Warehouse Project a few years back, where it immediately resonated with the crowd. "It booted off," he recalls. The feedback from friends and fellow DJs was overwhelmingly positive, and soon, the likes of Dom Dolla and Chris Lake were championing the track in their sets. This summer, the news came that Sony had officially cleared it for release—a surprise even to Eats Everything himself. "I didn’t even realize that was an ongoing conversation," he admits. "But the fact it was still getting club play and it had been approved, I thought, why not put it out?"

Having a music icon like Nile Rodgers praise the track and call it "BIG" was a surreal moment for Eats Everything. "Well yeah, it’s great," he says modestly. Reflecting on their previous collaboration for the IMS Anthem in 2018, he notes, "To hear he’d approved this version out of the many versions I’m sure he’d been sent over the years is crazy. To have any kind of recognition from a legend like him really means something!"

Despite the track’s underground hype and support from major DJs, Eats Everything keeps a humble perspective. "I just made it and played it. When I saw it working in my sets, I started to hand it out to others," he explains. "But everything I make, I never expect it to do well. It will always come as a surprise."

The enduring appeal of disco house lies in its roots, which Eats Everything describes as “generally sampling old disco records that are timeless records in their own right.” He adds, “Disco has always had a way of uniting people on the dancefloor, so it’s just about those familiar sounds and hooks and making them work for today’s dancefloors.”

When asked how he balanced preserving Diana Ross’s original magic with adding his signature energy to the track, Eats Everything keeps it refreshingly honest: “F*** knows, I just do what I do. I make so many edits, just taking the records I love and making them work for my sets. I don’t think beyond that.” This unpretentious approach has clearly paid off, resonating with fans and DJs alike.

If given the chance to collaborate live with Nile Rodgers and Diana Ross, Eats Everything has his dream lineup already in mind. "Easy! Me on the decks pretending to DJ, Pharrell on the drums, Stevie Wonder on the piano, Diana on vocals, and Nile Rodgers on bass. And if we have to have a guitarist, then stick Brian May in there." It’s a lineup that reflects his love for musical legends and his playful approach to creativity.

Eats Everything recently celebrated the release of ‘Upside Down’ at two legendary venues: Warehouse Project and DRUMSHEDS. Speaking about their unique atmospheres, he says, "What makes the Warehouse Project special is its heritage at this point. It's been going so many years and still manages to cultivate such an atmosphere. My Warehouse Project shows are always a highlight of my year." As for DRUMSHEDS, he marvels at how the massive venue still manages to maintain an unparalleled vibe, saying, "That atmosphere in a room that size is unrivaled."

When it comes to performing for U.S. audiences, Eats Everything adapts on the fly. "It really depends on what party I’m playing. It’s the same no matter what country I’m in—every show I play I play differently and adapt to the occasion." And while he doesn’t have any elaborate pre-show rituals, he emphasizes the importance of preparation: "I literally don’t have any rituals other than being in the DJ booth 30 minutes before my set so I know what the DJ has played before and what has or hasn’t worked. I wouldn’t even call that a ritual though, I would call that common sense."

From house and techno to garage and jungle, Eats Everything’s career is marked by his constant experimentation. Reflecting on his ability to explore multiple genres, he explains, "I like all kinds of music. I don’t like the idea there’s rules on who can make what. I'm a fan at the end of the day, and I like trying my hand at different styles, which then builds out my skillset as a producer." This willingness to evolve, he believes, has been crucial to his longevity in the industry.

As for curating his DJ sets, Eats Everything keeps it spontaneous. "F*** knows. I just turn up and play. I just turn up and play what I think the people in front of me want at the time," he says candidly. "If one of my records works with what I’m currently playing, then I play it, but I never force it."

With ‘Upside Down’ poised to dominate dancefloors worldwide, Eats Everything is already gearing up for his next big project. "Got a big project coming out next year, which is pretty much finished now," he reveals. While he’s keeping details under wraps, his excitement is palpable: "It’s taken a long time for all kinds of reasons, but I’m very excited by all the music and can’t wait to get it out."

As he continues to champion disco house while dabbling in a myriad of other genres, Eats Everything stays true to his roots while keeping his sound fresh. "I listen to a lot of music—a lot of old stuff, a lot of new—so I’m constantly taking inspiration from both. Trying to be authentic to the old with a foot in current sounds is what I've always tried to do."

As ‘Upside Down’ dominates playlists and dancefloors alike, Eats Everything proves once again that his ability to reinvent and surprise is unmatched. Whether it’s paying homage to disco legends or pushing boundaries with genre-hopping productions, his career continues to evolve in ways that excite fans and challenge expectations. With a major project on the horizon and a commitment to keeping dance music fresh, Eats Everything is showing no signs of slowing down. As he puts it, “I just turn up and play”—but his impact goes far beyond the decks, shaping the soundtracks of dancefloors for years to come

Get "Upside Down" On Beatport Now