Kaÿ Wagner: music, mindset, and the pursuit of happiness

Touring the globe, redefining techno, and pushing creative boundaries—KAŸ WAGNER is a name that continues to make waves in the electronic music scene. With a journey spanning North and South America, Europe, and Egypt, Wagner has immersed himself in diverse cultural landscapes, using them as a source of inspiration to shape his sound. In an exclusive interview, he shared his insights on how these experiences have influenced his artistic growth and vision for the future.

For Wagner, every performance is an opportunity to connect with different cultures and audiences. The distinct musical energies across continents shape his approach, allowing him to seamlessly blend elements while staying true to his identity.

"Seeing people dance to my music and feeling that connection fuels my passion.Seeing people dance to my music, connecting with them through my art, fills me with joy and fuels my motivation to keep going. The musical direction in North America differs from that in South America, and part of my journey is understanding these unique elements."

Wagner's ability to adapt while preserving his core artistic essence is a testament to his deep understanding of music’s emotional power. Beyond just rhythm and beats, he sees music as a universal language that transcends borders.

Experiencing the vibrancy of Latin American crowds, the industrial grit of Berlin, and the spiritual energy of Egypt has given him an unparalleled musical versatility. This adaptability is what sets him apart in an industry often rigid in its expectations.

“My challenge—and passion—is to fuse my art with each culture while staying true to my identity. It’s a beautiful, ever-evolving process, and one that I deeply embrace.”

While his sets are always high-energy and melody-driven, Wagner emphasizes the importance of reading the audience.

"Every crowd is different. Some need time to breathe, while others crave relentless energy. It’s my job to find that balance."

This understanding reflects a deeper artistic philosophy: DJing isn’t just about playing music—it’s about storytelling. Wagner sees his sets as fluid conversations between himself and the audience, an exchange of energy that constantly evolves. He thrives in unpredictability, making every performance a unique moment in time rather than a routine show.

“I always take the time to explore the culture and local traditions of each country to better understand its people. In that sense, my experience as a traveler comes in handy.”

Beyond the decks, Wagner prepares himself mentally for each performance. Drawing from his past as a professional football player, he practices performance visualization—a technique where he imagines himself playing certain tracks before stepping on stage.

"It’s a powerful skill that keeps me focused."

Additionally, he finds solace in classical music, particularly piano and violin, to calm his nerves before performances. This contrast—balancing the intensity of techno with the serenity of classical music—demonstrates his multidimensional approach to artistry. It’s not just about sound but about cultivating a state of mind that enhances the experience both for himself and his audience.

Wagner’s musical evolution has been driven by exploration and experimentation.

"Music is too beautiful to be confined to one lane."

While his sound is deeply rooted in techno, he embraces genre fusion, blending melodic and acid elements with intricate basslines and haunting vocals. Looking ahead, he envisions a continued evolution—pushing sonic boundaries while staying connected to his core identity. His openness to change is a refreshing contrast to the rigidity often found in electronic music. For Wagner, progression isn’t optional; it’s necessary.

“I’m very proud of my music evolution that I had gone through exploring multiple cultures & sounds throughout the world. I don’t see myself stopping to evolve, however the Melodic, Acidic peak time Techno mixed with interesting Basslines & vocals has been such a journey.”

Reflecting on his journey, Kaÿ shared with us a key moment or that truly reshaped his career and his vision as an artist,

“There was a moment in South America that profoundly shaped my journey. I was told, “We’re sorry, this performance wasn’t up to our expectations.” Those words hit hard, flipping a switch in me. It was a humbling experience—an ego death, in a way. I truly believed I had delivered, but in reality, I hadn’t.At first, I felt like a failure. But that moment pushed me to dig deeper into my musical soul, to refine my craft, and to evolve as an artist. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for those moments of failure. They weren’t setbacks; they were lessons—ones that fueled my growth and strengthened my artistry.”

This humbling experience became a catalyst for growth, shaping the artist he is today. Many would have let a moment like this shake their confidence, but Wagner used it as fuel, proving that true artistry is about resilience. He sees setbacks not as failures but as lessons, each one pushing him closer to his ultimate vision.

When it comes to dream performances, Wagner envisions himself on some of the world’s most iconic stages.

"I’d love to play at Resistance Stage at Ultra, Neon Garden at EDC, Exit Festival, and Tomorrowland."

Having drawn inspiration from cities like Berlin and Buenos Aires, these destinations represent milestones in his artistic journey. These festivals are not just events; they are cultural landmarks in electronic music, places where legends are made. Wagner’s hunger to reach these stages speaks to his relentless ambition, a drive that ensures he’s never complacent.

As the head of Berlin Records, Wagner juggles multiple roles—artist, producer, and label curator. Through this venture, he has built a platform to nurture emerging talent while expanding his own artistic scope.

“Balancing my roles as a DJ, producer, and record label head has been both a challenge and a journey of growth. Through this experience, I’ve learned to expand my vision, drawing inspiration from artists whose creativity and passion push boundaries.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for my partner, Ariovistus, and my dedicated team at Berlin Records—spanning Germany, the USA, Argentina, and Canada. Together, we’ve built more than just a label; we’ve created a platform to nurture and showcase talent that deserves to be seen and heard worldwide.”

“Our mission is to support artists, foster creativity, and maintain a strong artistic identity while constantly evolving in an ever-changing industry. The hard work, dedication, and passion of our team fuel this journey, and I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.”

Berlin Records isn’t just about releases; it’s about creating an ecosystem where creativity flourishes. Wagner’s leadership in this space cements his role not just as an artist, but as an architect of the future techno landscape.

"I was battling depression, and creating that track became a form of healing. It reminded me of my resilience and why I make music."

This emotional depth is a driving force behind his work, proving that music is more than just entertainment—it’s an expression of life’s highs and lows. It’s a reminder that the most powerful art often emerges from struggle, and that true authenticity comes from vulnerability.

An example of this is his track “Der Mond”

“Der Mond was more than just a track for me—it was a deeply emotional release. Creating the melody and bassline brought me to tears because it captured a raw, shattering side of myself. At the time, I was battling depression, and the process of making this track became a turning point.Through it, I gained clarity on what I needed to do to heal. It was a reminder of my own resilience, showing me that even in my darkest moments, music could be my guide. Looking back, I will always be grateful for that period in my life—it shaped me, strengthened me, and reminded me why I create.”

Despite the financial challenges of the music industry, Wagner remains committed to his art.

“The financial struggles of being an artist have certainly impacted my journey. That’s why I’m working with my team to build something that can support all of us—allowing us to focus on our passion without compromise.

I’ve always believed in creating music for the love of it, not for money or fame. It’s about the energy, the connection, and the smiles we bring to people when we perform.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be where I am today, and I know I wouldn’t be here without every person who has listened to and supported my music. That’s a responsibility I take to heart, and no matter how difficult the road gets, my commitment to this journey remains unwavering.”

His dedication is fueled by the support of his listeners, and he sees every track, every set, and every challenge as part of an ever-evolving journey. In an industry that often prioritizes commercial success over artistic integrity, Wagner’s philosophy is a rare and refreshing stance. He is not chasing trends—he is creating them.

As KAŸ WAGNER continues to break boundaries and explore new sonic landscapes, one thing is certain—his passion, vision, and dedication will keep him at the forefront of the electronic music world for years to come.