Madrid based, talented DJ/Producer Drival has had a magnificent year. He has never been as busy and as excited about the future as right now, and with good reason! This year has seen him gain support from the legend that is Armin Van Buuren for his track ‘I Got You’ and start his own events. We caught up with Drival to discuss the last year.
1. What goals did you set last year for 2018?
I actually set lots! Improving my productions, releasing on big labels, setting up my own events brand and getting an international gig to name a few.
2. Have you achieved them?
Fortunately, I think so.
3. Have you had a favourite release this year?
Tough one. It might sound cliché but there’s something special in every single release. Two of my tracks in 2018 were a cut slightly above the rest, but if I have to pick one, I’m casting my vote on ‘I Got You’ with Jennifer Rene.
4. What’s been a highlight for you in 2018? Musically or personally?
‘I Got You’ was played by Armin van Buuren on ASOT so that was definitely a brilliant moment for me. I guess that all of us who love trance music and have grown up with his music throughout these years have dreamt of seeing our names on his show some day. On the personal side, I would say that this year I have found the best balance in everything I do or love, so I’m happy as hell!
5. Best gig you’ve played so far?
Another tough one! I can’t boil it down to just one so it has to be the Trance On Air 01 event with Dim3nsion, Forces and Michael Kaelios, and the Symbols Goes To Spain, playing with A&Z, Madwave, Omar Sherif, Philippe El Sisi and Toyax. Two amazing nights indeed!
6. Has anyone really impressed you this year?
Nikolauss, Kiyoi & Eki and Xijaro & Pitch. They all have done excellent jobs and to me they stood out not only in terms of quality but also versatility.
7. What’s been your funniest memory?
At the Trance On Air 01 event, we all used my own gear set up. Forces was playing a track that I didn’t know and suddenly it started to sound like when a needle of a turntable got stuck in a loop. I immediately jumped to the stage to see if I could help somehow since I thought that there was something wrong with my CDJs, but when he told me not to worry because the track was meant that way I could help feeling embarrassed. There will be revenge, Diego! 😉
8. Will you be Djing anywhere NYE?
I won’t be out DJing live as I will be spending NYE with my loved ones, but my special set for EOYC on Afterhours FM will be playing out loud so make sure you tune in to that!
9. Have you got any goals set for 2019? If so what are they?
Sure, I think that setting new goals is important in order to set a path to follow and grow. In 2019 I would like to become bigger in all aspects of my career: my productions, gigs and my own Trance On Air events. I’m not only a music artist, so my personal goals will be focusing on developing my daytime job and strengthen my love/family/friends bonds.
10. What’s in store for you already next year?
My early highlights in 2019 will be a couple of beautiful vocal releases on my comeback to Amsterdam Trance Records and debut on Universal Nation. I’m also working with Roxanne Emery on a track together and… stay tuned for more and exciting news! Thank you for having me and a big shout-out thanks to the trance family and everyone’s support!
Drival Online
www.soundcloud.com/drival-351946304
