ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026

We’re looking forward to the DJ (we’re looking forward to Afrojack, Swedish House Mafia, and Major Lazer) sets, warm weather, and food that will be at this year’s Ultra Music Festival (check out who is performing along with their sets times, days, and stages that hey will be at) which kicks off tomorrow and goes through Mar 29th! If you are attending, make sure that you download the app so that you have this information in real time! If you won’t be there this year, make sure you catch their Ultra Livestream to get in on all the action.

PHOTO CREDIT | Ultra Music Festival/Alive Coverage

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HOT VIBE CHECK | KAAZE

We sat down this month with Mick Kastenho aka KAAZE who is a DJ/Producer who has created music that keeps the good vibes going, as well as working with a lot of our favorites from Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris, Britney Spears, to name a few! We wanted to know more about his upcoming exciting projects; where we will see him play his next sets; how he approaches creating his music; and how he stays fit!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with music?

KAAZE: With music in general? Oh wow, my father is a musician actually. So, it came I think if I remember when I was around between 1 and 2, I grabbed a CD which was a Queen record when I was very young and it was my favorite record. Since then, I was obsessed with music! My mom was also very into disco and groovy music so they fed me a lot of music in the home. So it definitely comes from my parents.

AM: It’s a cool idea to think of you as a 1 year old grabbing that record as we love that band as well.

K: Oh yeah and Queen is still my favorite! Freddie Mercury is still my hero to this day. It’s kind of an odd role model to have in terms of my music choice. But I don’t know, he inspires me so much.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a DJ/Producer?

K: I think I was 15/16, I discovered David Guetta on MTV, and it was definitely when I heard the first records from David Guetta. I was like what is this? I dived right into it and was just like, I think a week later I bought this little CD mixing thing and then it started. So definitely, the answer is David Guetta.

AM: How would you define your sound? You have done the Groovy Electro House, you’ve also done Underground Techno, and you have now pioneered the concept of Hot Teknō. Can you tell us more about what this is and to describe the genre?

K: I mean, Hot Teknō is something that I give credit to my fans. I used that term in a funny way and they caught up on it on my social media. They kind of named it. I would describe Hot Teknō as a more groovier and a little bit more of a touch of mainstream techno, than a traditional techno that we have. It leans more towards the harder side of the techno as opposed to the melodic techno based on higher tempo.

Whatever style I have been doing whether it is Progressive House or Pop, I have always been driven by energy so I love energetic music – something that keeps you going. It was just me a couple of years ago, trying to find something new and at the same time, I was going back to my roots, because I started 18 years ago with a lot of techno. So in finding that balance, between something melodic and fun that’s still way more harder than what I have been doing the last 10 years.

AM: When we think of EDM and what we enjoy listening to regardless of the subgenre, Sweden has had just a number of our favorites in general – Swedish House Mafia, Alesso, Avici, and Galantis! What is the music scene like in Sweden and how do these artists influence your work?

K: I would say that the Swedish artists very much influenced me in the beginning of my career.

I would say that the music scene in Sweden in general – I have not technically performed in Sweden yet.

AM: Oh wow!

K: I’ve had opportunities, but I’m waiting for that perfect moment where I feel that that would suit me.

The export from Sweden is just unbelievable. Everything from obviously, the DJs to even songwriter/producers like Max Martin (Shake it Off/Taylor Swift, Dark Horse/Katy Perry, Problem/Ariana Grande), who is responsible for 90% of the American market. I don’t know what it is but, Swedes are really, really talented at making music, but of course, that inspired me a lot. I’m pretty proud to be Swede because of it without sounding patriotic.

AM: It’s pretty cool. Because in thinking about going to Sweden as we have never been, we have always wondered what it would be like from a music perspective due to how much music comes from there.

K: Especially since it is so small!

AM: Right!

K: It’s such a small country. It’s the size of California, minus all of the people!

AM: What is your creative process like when it comes to working on your music and where do you like to start?

K: Oh, it’s always different. I’m that type of artist that it kind of comes to me. Not all the time, but it comes to me. I hear something on the radio. I love to go over really, really old music on my playlist. I don’t listen to electronic music privately, I only listen to everything else. That’s a lot of times where I find inspiration, whether it is a sample or a melody. It could be a vibe, it doesn’t matter, but I find everything outside of the electronic world. A few times, I do sit down with a clear mind and I don’t know where to start and I will just play around with sounds and sometimes, nothing happens.

The only cool thing I do is sometimes when I start my productions, I have always done this and it works really well for me, I know some other DJs do – such as Fred again.. I put a timer on myself for 35 mins and within those 35 mins, I need to come up with something solid. It can be super rough but as long as it has something to work on, and if after 35 mins I’m still like waa – I delete it and I restart. I reset the alarm and I do it until I find something. It puts a little pressure on really activating every single cell in your brain. I think at least for me. So that’s kind of how I do it, but a lot of times I do have a little idea from some old playlist or some old song and I try to take that idea and put it into 35 mins and see what happens.

AM: In hearing you say that that is your process, you would have so many snippets that if those didn’t go forward, you would have to delete them, but it’s interesting because if you did keep some of them – maybe there would be things that would bud back together again!

K: Yeah you know, obviously, there could be something that is tiny tiny tiny that I’m not sure about so some of them I do save. But if it is too nonsense, then I just let it go. Because if the idea is good and I delete an idea, that idea is most likely going to come back at some point. And that has happened a couple of times where I had an idea, I scratched it and I am sitting down 2 months later, and I was like wait – I have done this melody before and that was a sign that it was better then what I thought.

AM: That’s really cool.

Well you have collaborated with a lot of phenomenal artists from David Guetta to Britney Spears to Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris and more – what do you look for when it comes to doing a collaboration?

K: Not much really! It’s just a song pretty much. The song is the most important. I don’t really mind if it’s David Guetta or a very young up and coming artist. It comes down to the material and the potential of that song. Of course, I am extremely grateful and blessed to have worked, and to have songs coming up, with names like David Guetta and stuff! I would never believe it if I told myself that 18 years ago. So that is really really cool, but in the end, the song is what is most important and it always will be. I just try to always focus on the song and whoever is a part of it, great. It’s about making the best result of the song.

AM: You ended 2025 last year with dropping Head Rush with Steve. Tell us about the project and what was it like working together again with him?

K: We have been working on the project for about a year. We had already planned a year back that we were going to drop an EP together. We were going back and forth between a ton of demos and which ones should we include. Overall, I just love to release music with Steve. Mainly because he is a great, great friend of mine and is the closest friend that I have in the industry in terms of DJs. He is what I call, a proper G. He is such a sweetheart and he cares so much for me and everyone else and it’s very, very rare that someone on his level acts the way that he does. I have never heard anything bad about him. Everyone just loves him and I understand why. So that’s why I love to work with him so much because of the friendship and we have so much fun. He invites me to shows and he really believes in my sound and he believes in my vision with myself. That’s really cool. He’s not trying to take shine, he’s like, I want to KAAZE in this direction and he feels that’s cool and he wants to be part of it. That’s what makes making music with Steve so fun. This is why we have such a great friendship.

AM: This month, you’re dropping Antidote which is also exciting! Tell us about this song!

K: I really, really love Antidote, especially the vocal! The vocal is absolutely phenomenal. It’s 2 guys Mentum. I worked with them before on an album called Mick, so this is our second song together. Amazing songwriters. The cool thing about this song is, I had a demo of a song that I have been playing since 2023 and I have just been playing it on my sets, as a mashup with Travis Scott on a vocal on it or something and then Mentum reached out to me with a ton of new ideas including Antidote. They had the vocal and everything with a rough idea of the track and I heard – this just happens, a few times, but sometimes it happens that I hear that this song could really fit this song and it was very similar in the arrangement, the key, and the overall vibe. So, I literally took parts of that song and I put it on top of my 2023 demo and it was just done so it was like 45 mins and the track was just complete. So that vocal was really just meant for that demo. It was pretty cool that I have just been having it for 3 years laying around and playing it here and there and now we have a full track! So that was really dope and I am looking forward to that track. I think that the coolest thing with that song is that it has that Hot Teknō kind of energy. It’s a techno track and it also has that vocal and melody which is very poppy in a way as well as commercial so it is very hard to pinpoint exactly what type it is if you want to put a genre on it. It’s really really hard. I think that it is really to experiment and you don’t really know what kind of a song that it is. It’s a party and still vocal.

AM: You’re constantly traveling for shows and festivals. Do you have anything scheduled that we should keep an eye out for?

K: Schedule wise, yes a couple of shows. I can’t say just right now. I have some shows that I have dreamed of doing – some festivals which is a dream come true that I am going to do and it will be announced soon. So you should look out for that! I think that people can read between the lines on which ones they are. That’s going to be super dope and I have been waiting for that moment.

I have a lot of cool projects that I have got going on as well. I’m working on my record label SE7EN Records. I have some other really cool side projects as well. I’m working on a big project for KAAZE that’s a bit outside the music world, but still a very strong passion for me which I’m excited to share more info about very soon.1 It’s been a hobby from the beginning.

AM: You just mentioned your record label SE7EN. Tell my why you wanted to do this and what has that process been like?

K: For SE7EN it has been a dream of mine since the beginning to have a record label. Ever since I understood that other DJs had record labels and why, it was always a dream come true. I could have done it earlier, but I wanted to do it the right way at the right time. It takes a lot of effort and things to make it happen. It feels like now is the right time and I have a vision for how I want to go about SE7EN Records. It’s dedicated to my daughter because that is her name. I think it is a really good time to do it. I do it to be free and have fun, to build a community, and to find new talents, especially finding new talents. I would like to finally be that person who helps others because I have been in that position with Tiësto and Hardwell, who have helped me throughout my career. Then I have experience from that and a vision for how I would do it. I really want to give other kids that opportunity as well.

AM: How important is fitness to you? Clearly when we look at your IG, you work out.

K: I’m a gym rat!

AM: It’s quite clear! How important is it to you to incorporate that into your routine?

K: I mean, it’s really important. Of course I love like everyone that you love to look good and you go to the gym. The key reason why I go to the gym is that since I really took it seriously, it really improved my workflow and traveling and DJing in general, it really puts – if I have a hectic work schedule, I go to the gym every day it doesn’t matter if I am in Australia, Tokyo or home in Sweden I go to the gym. I do not drink alcohol. I eat very good and by doing those little things, it really made me look at my career as more of a sport than a party! It’s very easy to fall into the party life of a DJ. Of course, I have responsibilities and I’m a father. I want to be my best for my daughter. So that is kind of the 2 reasons that I work out for my daughter and a stable sporty kind of look at my career.

AM: It’s about longevity!

K: Oh yeah!

AM: Are there 3 workouts that you enjoy doing that you can share with us that our readers and community can consider putting into their routines?

K: Maybe not a workout per se, but what I love to do which I found really, really effective for me is something called a Push-Pull system. This is where on Mon I do all things push. So they are all push movements and then on the next day, I do all pull movements and then on the Wed, I do all legs for example. Then I go back to the days of Push and Pull. So that includes everything that is Push which is chest, shoulders, triceps and so forth. The Pull is back and biceps you know? Then, you split it with a proper leg session and it is up to each individual to think about the break that they want to take. But I love to go jump because I keep the muscles activated and you still let them rest enough where it works. As long as you eat enough, the Push-Pull method has been the best set up for me when working out. I feel like sometimes you have a schedule where you do chest on a Mon but then the next chest is on Fri – for me that is way too long for a rest period between that group!

AM: This is interesting and it makes sense.

K: For me, the Push-Pull Method is a highly recommended for you to try out at least.

AM: When you’re saying it, it totally makes sense, because we’ll do a series of movements that focus on a group on one day, then there are 2 to 3 days before we go back to that group. But in hearing you talk about your workout, the body has just enough time to come up and then goes right back into it which is really smart!

K: It’s also about that the muscles are eventually going to adapt. If people are hearing this and thinking that it is so intense, it’s all about making the body used to a certain weight, a certain time frame, and eventually, your body will adapt to that as well.

AM: Right.

K: Then you can push the envelope even more. The gym is about pushing the envelope. I really recommend this and you should at least try.

AM: Just hearing it makes sense so we’re going to try it. It sounds like a much better flow.

Obviously, you love fragrances and collecting them. What do you love about collecting scents and how did you get into this?

K: It’s actually a very funny story. The reason why I am obsessed and have perfumes and different kinds of them as a little hobby is when I was 16 and I just started making music, my dad helped me get this little studio. I decorated it and I put some IKEA scented candles in there. I was just a guy and I didn’t know a lot about scented candles, but I found a vibe with it. I remember I was smelling cinnamon or something like that, and I was smelling it and it was giving off a great vibe. I was making music and that led me to realize that I loved scents, and then I had a perfume once that I was spraying it on in the studio and I got inspired by it! I was like, “oh shit!”

So I realized that it made total sense because your ear and your nose are connected right? That’s why you can hear something and bring a memory. You can smell something and get a memory. I started an experiment with different scents in terms of what idea or vision that I had. So, if I woke up one day and I wanted to make something super Summery or something that was like Ibiza with all of these ideas in my head like palm trees, I would spray something very citrusy or Summery on my skin or on my hand. I would sit and breathe this in and I would produce and find it. That became really a thing for me and I started to find things to add to my collection, which has everything from citrus to woody. I have the whole shebang just for the sake of finding the right inspiration. So that technically is why I love it, because it really helps me with my music, and then of course, it became an obsession! But in the end, it was for music. I think that it’s pretty cool because some people use pictures or travel, but you can do that with smells as well!

AM: You also enjoy fashion and once again, in looking at your IG, we see that you’re a well put together individual.

K: Thank you!

AM: What is your approach to your style whether you are doing a set or you’re out and about?

K: I don’t think too much about the clothes, I have just loved fashion and clothes since I was a kid. My mom was so good with fashion and she taught me a lot as a kid. So I have always liked to experiment through clothes. If you look at me throughout my career, I have had rock inspired to more sway oversized Balenciaga style to now that I am a little bit older, I’m a father now, I dress a bit more mature which I really love. I just love to experiment with it and I don’t think too much about it. I love that it comes with me along with my personality. I really love it and I always think a little extra about!

For example, my New Years show in Warsaw, I wanted to wear a tuxedo but I wanted it to look a little bit different. So, I customized a tuxedo that was cropped to my belly button and then I had really high waisted pants with a bow tie to make it a bit different, but classy still. Those are the things that I think about. But I really enjoy that, I guess I would say that KAAZE is dressing more like Mick now. It has a little bit more of a touch of being a father and a little bit older as I said. Then I try to bring in some kind of a formal artist touch into it when I’m KAAZE, compared to when I’m out and about. But it’s fun and I hope that one of my goals in the future is to do my own clothing line or work really seriously with a brand to make my own collection of stuff. I hope that is going to happen one day.

IG @iamkaaze

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | KAAZE

Read the JAN ISSUE #121 of Athleisure Mag and see HOT VIBE | KAAZE in mag.

HYPATON | MASTERING THE REMIX

Even though we’re in the thick of the Winter season complete with a snowstorm to close out the end of January, we all dream of warmer days ahead which includes lighter layers, eating outside, long nights, and enjoying our favorite music festivals! We caught up with Giorgio Ortenzi aka HYPATON, an EDM DJ/Producer who has been making music that includes some of our favorite classic songs remixed and giving it club life vibes!

We wanted to find out more about his passion for music, his approach to creating his style of music, working with mentor David Guetta, and upcoming dates as well as music that we should have an eye out for!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’re a little jelly as we’re connecting with you here in NY and you are in Dubai right now! It’s really cold here in NY and we wish that we were in Dubai right now!

HYPATON: The weather is so nice right now! It feels like Summer! It’s going to be a trauma tomorrow when I am back in Italy!

AM: Haha yeah, here in NY it’s 18 degrees at the moment.

H: That is very cold!

AM: When did you first fall in love with music?

H: It was easy because I grew up in a family where music was a little bit of the center of everything! Even my parents, who are not musicians, music was really important to them. At the age of 4, I started taking lessons for the electric guitar.

AM: With music being such a big deal in your family, you were also in the family business of dentistry as well! So how did you transition from that to being an EDM DJ/Producer?

H: It was fun because I was always in the mindset that I would be a musician in my life – an artist, a DJ, and a producer. I literally started making music everyday right after school and then I went to University, and the activity was the same there as well. After I finished the University, I went back on to the music. I always tried to do 50 and 50 – music wasn’t taking over, University was not taking over.

AM: You had a nice balance!

H: Exactly! I’m here thanks to social media of course – Tiktok and IG. Everything started with social media and everything went so fast. I’m lucky because I had the chance to go from 0 to 100% right after University.

AM: That is insane and we know that your cousin, Giuseppe Ottaviani is a renowned trance DJ and producer as well. How did that influence you?

H: It was and it still is really important. He’s part of the family and I always listen to him a lot. As I say, I started with the electric guitar, and then the more that you see your friends going to the club, you see the cool pictures and you say to yourself, “woah, I have Giuseppe in my family let me talk with him about the electronic music scene!” He started giving me a master class, helping me to choose the right plug-ins, the right sound, and then we go!

AM: What can you tell us about what Future Rave Rework means?

H: Future Rave Rework is, of course, at the core of the rework is taking a big track – it doesn’t matter if it is from the past –

AM: Like the really past!

H: Yes, the really, really past. But the core is having one of those really big hits where people can sing the hook, lyrics and then turning them into a club work with all of the big energy without losing the soul of the original track – this is really important!

AM: When you’re doing these, because you’re known for working on 90’s classics, where do you start when it comes to doing these kinds of projects.

H: First of all, I always start by looking really precisely at the vocals. I like big tracks that have meaning – always filled with happiness and love – this is the secret sauce. So vocals comes first and then around vocals, most of the time, I start pitching them up and down and kind of exploring. Sometimes I start chopping the track and I reverse it and make a bit of a mess with it, and then I develop the full picture with a lot of energy and club elements.

AM: With all of this, you caught the attention of David Guetta which is amazing! How did that happen and what do you enjoy about having him as a mentor?

H: That was probably one of the best days of my life! The amount of happiness I had on that, I can’t even scale it! I wish that everyone could experience that happiness once in their life because it’s really amazing and it happened on IG actually.

AM: Of course!

H: I woke up one day and I saw that he sent me a DM and at that point –

AM: It was off to the races!

H: Oh yeah!

AM: What was it like for you to make your DJ debut with him at Hï Ibiza? Once again that is such a phenomenal moment!

H: Yeah it was really amazing and it was kind of a test for me, because I had never DJ’d before, and it was my first show ever to play in front of a crowd. So he was telling me that I could do that. I was like, “I know David, but you know –“ He kept saying that I could do this and that he trusted me. If you trust me, then you’re my mentor and I’m going to make you proud of my work, and I trained so hard every day, I don’t know how many hours, but I did it every day, every week. Then we smashed the night!

AM: You did the remix of the iconic, Be My Lover, which we are fans of this song and we love your version. What was it like working on such a major song, having it blow up in so many ways, including Juventus playing it on their social platforms which is crazy!

H: Yeah! It’s an amazing feeling even the chance to work on those big records – big hits from the past! You get really nerdy about it. Having the chance to listen to the original master and the original stamp of the track is just so special. Juventus of course is my humble team so it was a mix of wow and crazy stuff!

AM: When we saw it, we knew it was a big deal! We had the pleasure of having Paul Pogba (il Polpo Paul - PogBoom) as a cover for our AUG ISSUE #80 in 2022 when he was with Juventus – so we know how massive this soccer club is.

What lessons have you learned from working with David Guetta, as it’s such an experience and relationship to have with him.

H: This is really good and I always love this question, because he’s teaching me the way of the hard work. It’s all about working, working, and working. Once you get your dream, you’re on a mission. The mission is to keep working on the dream, you can’t disappoint the dream, so you’re always working on the dream. It’s all about perseverance and discipline.

AM: All of those which David Guetta has in spades and he is always working!

So your remix of RAYE’s Where is My Husband with David Guetta, which is yet another one that we loved – it was added to our playlist the minute that we heard it. It’s so great to listen to when you’re out and about, working out or just hanging at home. What did you love about working on this track? It’s such a crazy song and you hear it everywhere!

H: First of all, thank you for listening, loving, and adding it to your playlist. It was fun because I was actually scrolling through my good friend’s IG and the track was everywhere – everywhere! It came up to my mind where I said, let’s try to do something with it. I did a short snippet of it like just 30 seconds and it went crazy on social, and then I sent it to David because I was feeling that it was really powerful and really cool. When he heard it, he was like, wow! So RAYE is his friend and so thanks to David, we have the remix accepted due to his friendship with her and we were able to release it super fast! I was really happy about that because normally when it is a remix or a rework, or a cover –

AM: It takes time!

H: Exactly and this one was like woop.

AM: It was fast! We downloaded the original and yours came pretty quickly after it! Although both are so good, yours is the one that is on constant rotation.

When you’re not DJ/producing, we hear that you’re an avid gamer which is amazing. Where did this passion come from, what are you playing, and how does gaming influence when you are DJing?

H: This is really fun because I’m not the guy that was going out every night. I was more the chill guy at home and of course, after doing my music, the way of relaxing was gaming with my own friends. That’s how it started actually and it has kept going for life and I’m not sure if I am going to stop gaming.

AM: Of course.

H: I can say that gaming when I am speaking about music, it is inspiring, but most of the time it helps me to disconnect from the world because I am so focused on what I am doing because I am not focused on music or anything. In this way, my brain and my ears can relax and can reset.

AM: In talking about gaming and music, we’re reminded of Father Guilherme Peixoto who is a priest and is known as DJ Padre. We first found out about him when he did the techno remix of the Super Mario Bros. theme song which was phenomenal! As someone who is a gamer, would you ever do a remix to a game?

H: I would love it!

AM: Right?

We can’t say how many times we have replayed it or looked at other places that he has played it as it’s crazy good!

So what is going on with you in terms of your schedule for upcoming dates? Will you be coming here to NY, in the States, etc?

H: We are working a lot on that and we’re still in the planning stages to make sure that everything is happening. This year, we are doing more than last year!

AM: Are there any festivals globally?

H: Yes, I can announce that my debut at Tomorrowland is happening!

AM: That’s amazing and of course, we can continue to watch your IG to see other places you’ll be at as well!

Obviously, you’re on the road quite a bit. What are 3 items that you like to bring with you in order to feel like you’re at home?

H: My sweatpants that is my pajama! My gaming controller so I can play from my laptop and my flip flops!

AM: You have to be comfortable.

H: Exactly, I feel like I’m in my home outfit and I’m more relaxed.

IG @hypaton

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | HYPATON

Read the JAN ISSUE #121 of Athleisure Mag and see HYPATON | Mastering the Remix in mag.

9PLAYLIST | MATT STEFFANINA

Read the NOV ISSUE #119 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | Matt Steffanina in mag.

THAT IT VIBE | SOMMER RAY

This Summer we have enjoyed a number of our favorite songs, ticked off things on our bucket lists and with a few weeks left, we continue to add to our playlists. We need to make room for Sommer Ray - DJ, fitness influencer, and entrepreneur who has been dropping singles and touring here in NY, Las Vegas, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas to name a few must visit destinations as she finishes phase 2 of her Summer tour.

We wanted to find out more about her background, her passions, and the importance of fitness in her life. Of course, we explore who she has worked with as a DJ, music she has dropped and what we can keep an eye out for. We also wanted to lear more about projects that she is working on from beverages to Imaraïs Beauty.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into your recent tour and DJing, we’d like to get to know more about you. When did you fall in love with fitness?

SOMMER RAY: Fitness has been part of my life since I was a kid. My mom was a competitive bodybuilder, so I grew up in the gym and around that lifestyle. I loved the way training made me feel, both physically and mentally, and that connection never left.

AM: As someone who is constantly on the go, what are 3 workouts that you enjoy doing as we are always looking to add to our routines?

SR: I love weight training, Pilates, and yoga. Weight training keeps me strong, Pilates works my core and improves posture, and yoga helps me stay flexible while giving me a mental reset.

AM: What led to the launch of your fashion brand of fitness apparel and what do you enjoy about designing it?

SR: I wanted to create pieces that I would actually wear myself, things that feel good, move with you, and look great both in and out of the gym.

AM: Tell us about Imaraïs Beauty.

SR: Imaraïs Beauty is a plant-based beauty brand that focuses on gummies for skin, hair, and overall wellness. Everything is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with ingredients that really work. It’s about beauty from the inside out!

AM: We grew up as kids drinking Shirley Temples and have loved the trend of Dirty Shirley. You have Tempted. Why did you want to create this brand?

SR: I can’t share too much yet, but I’ve been teasing something in that space and there are some big things coming. It’s fun, it’s fresh, and I think people are going to be really excited when they see the full picture.

AM: What do you love about EDM music?

SR: I love the energy and the way it can instantly change your mood. EDM brings people together without needing words, it’s all about the vibe and the shared experience.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a DJ?

SR: I used to host club nights, and after a while I realized I’d rather be the one curating the vibe than just sitting in the club. Once I started learning to mix, it clicked for me that this was how I wanted to be part of the energy.

AM: What is your creative process like when you are creating music?

SR: It usually starts with a feeling or a vibe I want to capture. I’ll think about the energy I want people to feel, then start building around that, whether it’s a beat, a hook, or a bass line that sets the tone.

AM: You dropped No Sleep last fall with Martin Jensen and earlier this year LaLaLa (Everybody’s Up) with a remix by HEDEGAARD. What was it like to release these songs?

SR: Both were amazing experiences. No Sleep had a fun, uplifting energy, while LaLaLa was heavier and more club-focused. Seeing people connect with them live has been the most exciting part.

AM: You recently dropped She’s A DJ. Why did you want to create this song and what was the process like for you?

SR: I wanted to make a song that was cheeky and empowering, especially as a female in a space that’s still very male-dominated. The process was fun, I leaned into personality and made sure it captured that “own the room” vibe.

AM: As you continue to navigate your music career, what artists would you like to work with?

SR: Calvin Harris and Martin Garrix are both at the top of my list. They’re legends in dance music who know how to make tracks that hit globally while still feeling fresh. Collaborating with either of them would be a dream, and I think we could create something high-energy that really connects with people.

AM: You have been touring for the past few weeks. What do you love about sharing your music with those in the cities that you are stopping in?

SR: Every city has a different energy. I love seeing how crowds react to certain tracks and how the vibe shifts depending on where you are. It keeps every show fresh.

AM: Since you’re traveling so much, how do you make your hotel and the city you’re in feel like home?

SR: I make time to hit the gym, explore local food spots with my team, and meet people at the shows. Those little routines and experiences make each city feel personal and keep the travel from feeling too repetitive.

AM: What upcoming projects do you have that you would like to share with us?

SR: I have more singles coming this year and a few exciting collaborations in the works. I’m also building out my live shows to make them even more of an experience.

AM: How do you take time for yourself as you have a lot going on as an entrepreneur, DJ, etc.?

SR: I carve out small daily routines that keep me balanced, morning workouts, staying active, and making time to unplug from my phone. Even when life is busy, those little moments to reset are important.

IG @sommerray

PHOTOS COURTESY | Sommer Ray

Read the AUG ISSUE #116 of Athleisure Mag and see THAT IT VIBE | Sommer Ray in mag.

ON THE DANCE FLOOR | MATT STEFFANINA

There is something about dance music that brings people together through the beats, lyrics, and that feeling of being together. We took some time to chat with Matt Steffanina who is a noted choreographer that has worked with Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Jason Derulo and more. In addition to his love of music as a dancer, he is also a DJ who loves EDM and how these passions combined together! We talk with him about his career, founding DNCR Academy, his focus as an EDM DJ, upcoming music, and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into your DJing, you were a competitive snowboarder early on in your career. What led you from doing that to becoming interested in hip-hop dance and ultimately being a choreographer?

MATT STEFFANINA: Snowboarding was my first creative outlet, it gave me this rush of freedom and self- expression. I would train at the gymnastics spot every summer working on new flips and tricks on the trampolines. But when I saw dance for the first time in music videos, it hit different. I started using what I’d learned in snowboarding to pick up breakdancing, teaching myself by watching my favorite dancers in movies and eventually that led me to hip hop and choreography.

AM: You have danced with a number of notable people from Taylor Swift, Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor and more. What has it meant to you that you have been able to work with so many people throughout your career?

MS: It’s surreal sometimes. Coming from a small town in Virginia, I never imagined I’d share the stage or studio with artists I grew up watching. What means the most to me isn’t just the star power, it’s the fact that these collaborations validate all the hours I put in dancing in my basement. It’s also taught me that no matter how big someone is, the best artists stay grounded and collaborative.

AM: As a choreographer, what is the creative process like when it comes to working with an artist and executing a vision whether it's for a performance on the stage for a show, a music video, or even for a tour? What is it that you are looking for and how does it come together?

MS: It always starts with the vibe, the message behind the song and how the artist wants to express it. From there, I focus on musicality and how movement can elevate the emotion of the track. I like to blend precision with personality making sure the choreography is clean but still allows the artist to shine as themselves. Collaboration is key, so I always leave space for spontaneity and input from the team.

AM: When did you found the DNCR Academy and tell us what takes place there?

MS: I launched DNCR Academy in 2020 at the start of COVID to give dancers everywhere access to the kind of training I never had growing up. It’s a global online dance platform where you can learn styles like hip-hop, shuffling, animation, and choreography for TikTok. What makes it special is the community, it’s not just about steps, it’s about confidence, growth, and connecting with dancers from around the world.

AM: In the midst of a successful career as a choreographer, you also have DJ'd as well. When did you realize that you enjoyed doing this as well?

MS: Music has always been at the core of everything I do. I started DJing in high school to save up money to move to LA. I played everything from birthday parties and corporate gigs to weddings and clubs. I loved the idea of being able to bring people together through playing a set and curating a vibe. When I realized I could combine my love for music, performance, and dance all in one, I was hooked.

AM: What do you enjoy about EDM music?

MS: EDM is emotional, and it brings people together in a way few genres do. I love the build-ups, the drops, the melodies, it’s like choreographing with sound. Plus, the festival scene is such an amazing, accepting, and creative space. It feels like home.

AM: What led you to debuting a sub-label from Spinnin' & One Hundred: Night Drive?

MS: I wanted a home for music that captures that late-night, windows-down, emotional kind of vibe, something that blends dance, electronic, and melodic storytelling. Partnering with Spinnin’ and One Hundred made sense because they get that vision.

AM: What is your creative process when it comes to creating music? Where do you start?

MS: It always starts with a feeling. Sometimes it’s a vocal sample, sometimes a chord progression or even a moment from my life I want to capture. I’m visual, so I often imagine the music video or the live performance while building the track. Collaboration with vocalists and other producers helps bring it to life and take it to the next level.

AM: Love Where We Are is a fun track and the video definitely is a vibe - tell us about this song!

MS: Love Where We Are was born out of that post-pandemic realization that happiness isn’t always somewhere else — it can be right here, right now. I wanted it to feel joyful and freeing. The video captures that energy, dancing, letting go, and being fully present with the people around you.

AM: We have enjoyed Amazing Race since the first season and you won S28 - what made you want to be on this show and what did it mean to you to be able to travel the world in this way?

MS: I’ve always been up for an adventure, and The Amazing Race was the ultimate challenge. It pushed me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Winning Season 28 was a dream come true, but the real prize was the growth and the perspective I gained from seeing the world through so many different cultures.

AM: What do you have coming up that we should keep an eye out for whether as a choreographer or a DJ?

MS: I’ve got some new music dropping soon under Night Drive, more melodic EDM tracks that blend dance with deeper storytelling. Also working on expanding DNCR with more teachers and dance fitness programs. And with my clothing brand Mad Chill, we’re building out a couple different mental health-driven campaigns that I think are going to make a big impact.

IG @mattsteffanina

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Matt Steffanina

Read the JUL ISSUE #115 of Athleisure Mag and see ON THE DANCE FLOOR | Matt Steffanina in mag.

EVOLUTION OF SANDSTORM | DARUDE

There are certain songs that you remember where you were when you first heard them and then there are others that are linked to numerous moments and they become a major part of the soundtrack of our lives!

Sandstorm is that song for us. We remember hearing it when it first came out when we were in college, we have heard it at fashion, sports, and tech trade shows, many a night at Limelight (back when it was a club here in NY), we heard this song and even other top DJ's play and have remixed this song. When you think of songs in EDM, Toni-Ville Henrik Virtanen aka as Darude is pivotal in anthems that get us moving. With this iconic song being out for 25 years with over half a billion Spotify streams, we wanted to talk with Darude about the impact of this song, how it was created, and what it means to him.

Currently, Darude is on the STORM 25 Tour where he plays this song along with other tracks that we can vibe to. We also talk with him about how he got into this industry, his creative process, and upcoming projects.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the song that you heard that made you fall in love with dance music?

DARUDE: So around 1982, I was maybe seven or eight years old, my cousin played me Oxygène the album by French composer Jean-Michel Jarre. I think it was the piece Oxygène Pt.4 especially which really got me hooked onto electronic sounds. It’s maybe not what we’d consider straight-up “dance music” like you hear today but it was almost certainly a precursor for genres like Trance with the beautiful melodies and careful use of synths and phasers to create that ambient, uplifting sound.

Faithless and Scooter were also early loves of mine, but really growing up I listened to a whole melting pot of sounds from Punk to 80s Hair Metal, which still influences my music today.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a DJ?

D: I never set out to be a DJ as such, I was a producer and live artist and I still consider myself a producer first. Then, when Sandstorm blew up, I started to get these incredible booking requests and had to pick up the art of DJing pretty quickly as although the live sets are great, travelling with all of the gear needed is not as practical.

AM: How do you define the Darude sound?

D: I’m not one for strict genre labels, I’d say my sound is energetic, emotive, electronic dance music created with the dancefloor in mind. Ask me again in a few years, even months, it might differ slightly, but that’s the beauty of being an artist, you’re always honing and evolving your craft.

AM: What is your creative process when you're making music and where do you start?

D: Inspiration for a full track or even just the melody can strike anywhere really. My approach hasn’t really changed too much over the years, I still love tinkering. Sometimes I start from the drums, I start from drum-works that are energetic and make me want to move, but really, I just love just playing with different sounds, adding a delay, adding a reverb and if I hear something in it, I just see where I can take it next.

My purpose-built studio at home in Finland is aptly called Serendipity Studio because it’s where happy accidents often happen. Ideas just crash into one another and it’s in my skillset to recognise those ideas that I see potential in developing into, hopefully, a hit record or a solid dancefloor number.

AM: I was in college when I first heard Sandstorm. How did this song come about and what do you think it is about it that it continues to be a song that draws people in?

D: It’s the million-dollar question! What’s so interesting about Sandstorm is not only does it resonate with so many people, but it goes way beyond just dance music fans.

A lot of sports teams, from college football to ice hockey, listen to Sandstorm to get hyped for a big match. It’s huge in the gaming world too, and then it’s got this whole other life as an online meme.

When it came to actually producing Sandstorm, the first thing people often think about is the lead sound, the “dududu” if you will, and that I’d already started working on in around 1997.

So, the Sandstorm riff stayed on my hard drive for a couple years, then in summer of ’99 I just happened to open the file again. I liked the melody, and at the time I was using Cubase VST 24 which had a plugin called Quadrafuzz and once I distorted the sound with it, it became what now is known as the Sandstorm lead.

After that, it only took a day or so for me to build the chords around the main melody, then a few sessions maybe over a week to develop it into a full track. It got played by a few local DJs in Finnish clubs, then JS16, Jaakko Salovaara, now a close friend, took me under his wing and that time had just launched his own record company, 16 Inch Records. He asked if I wanted to be his first artist, we refined Sandstorm in his studio with his better gear and knowledge into the final version you hear now.

It was then time to put it out into the world, and the rest as they say is history.

AM: Did you think that Sandstorm would have the staying power that it has had for 25 years, with over half a billion Spotify streams and a number of DJs from Martin Garrix, Tiësto, Hardwell, David Guetta, and more who enjoy playing this song?

D: I never could have predicted the insane global phenomenon that Sandstorm would become. To be honest, if someone told me at the time “hey this track is going to reach millions of people, launch your music career, feature in the USB of the world’s biggest DJs, and still be huge in twenty-five years” I think the pressure would have been too much and it never would have made it out of my head, let alone the studio.

That’s the beauty of that track I suppose it came about so organically. Another thing to remember is at the time of Sandstorm being released, the internet was still relatively new and social media didn’t exist so the concept of something going “viral” on that scale wasn’t even a passing thought in my mind. I was just hyped if my buddies down my local club were into it.

AM: Why did you want to launch a record label?

D: I launched my record label Vibing Out for a few reasons. One, I wanted a platform to release my own music where I had full creative freedom and could keep full rights and control as much as I can.

Secondly, and my biggest motivator behind the label, is to help platform other producers and artists who I see great potential in. We all remember that first foot-up into the industry and if this label can provide that to others, then it’s a success in my eyes.

The name Vibing Out actually stems from my weekly live-stream show on Twitch which I’ve been hosting for a few years now. It’s the buzzword of the moment but we really have created a nice little community on there and I wanted that same togetherness spirit to carry on into the label.

Plus, I’m not here for following trends. Good music is good music. So, as long as your track is something we can all “vibe out” to on the dancefloor then I’m all ears.

AM: You have toured all over the world and have played at phenomenal festivals and currently you are on the STORM 25 World Tour! What was the vision behind doing this tour?

D: The tour was originally planned for the twentieth anniversary, however, as with most tours scheduled around 2020, this didn’t happen for obvious reasons.

So, for the twenty-fifth anniversary we had to go big. The tour itself it really is about bringing people together, it’s my thanks to everyone who has partied with me and listened to my music over the last two and a half decades.

It’s about not just celebrating Sandstorm, but the whole Before The Storm album and years of Darude which have followed. I’ve released five studio albums in total now, so it’s been really fun digging through my catalogue and reworking some tracks into exclusive brand new STORM 25 remixes you’ll only hear on this tour.

I’m also going back to my roots in a way as for select shows I’m performing live sets, reimagining my tracks in real time. A lot of work has gone into these with additional synths, controllers and extra visual production too. Custom visuals, lasers, it’s a full spectacle and hopefully a great night for everyone who comes along.

AM: One of your dates will be here in NYC at Webster Hall! What can we expect from this show?

D: I am so excited to return to New York and Webster Hall specifically. In the early 00’s I played the exact venue a couple of times, and it always was a really unforgettable show that just captured the hype around Sandstorm and the first album at that time, so it’s a personal full circle moment to come back and perform almost twenty-five years later. I know I'll have some long-time friends and industry associates coming as well, it’ll be a night to remember!

AM: On Aug 31st, you will be on the Finnish leg of this tour and there will be a Sandstorm Run - tell us about this 6K event!

D: Yes! I’m super stoked for the Sandstorm run. The music video for Sandstorm is loved by fans almost as much as the track itself so we wanted to do something fun to honour this.

With the Finnish STORM 25 show coming up too, we had the idea to create a route around the city which passes by iconic landmarks from the video. The cathedral steps are probably the most famous of them all.

It’s all about having fun though, so if you’re not a hardcore runner don’t be put off, you can walk the route too. There are going to be photo stops along the way, I’ll be waving you all across the finish line to the tune of Sandstorm and I want to see everyone in their best Y2K outfits! Which is all the trend now I hear!

So far, the reception has been amazing. We’ve had people signing up from as far away as the US and Mexico which is crazy to me. Who knows, maybe this will be the first of many Sandstorm runs to come…

AM: We read that last month, on multiple Finnish radio stations Sandstorm was played at the same time! What does it mean to you about the impact that this song has had?

D: I mean, it’s a feeling that is just impossible to put into words. It still blows my mind to this day how far and wide that track resonates. It’s so cool seeing the younger generations dig it too.

Especially, when I see amazing moments like the Finnish radio stations, schools and public stations dropping Sandstorm in unison, I’m in awe of the real superpower Sandstorm has in bringing people together. That humbles me every time.

AM: Since you're in the thick of touring, how do you take care of yourself on the road? Are there any activities/sports you follow to keep up your physical and mental health?

D: I’ve been touring for twenty-five years now so I am used to it in a way, and how I tour today definitely looks a lot different to the early days. I’ve done the heavy partying (plenty of it!) so these days it’s important to me to get a good night’s sleep to keep up the stamina and maybe an energy bar or soda if needed.

As for my downtime, I’m super into skateboarding. It’s a hobby I started as a kid, and I picked it up again later in life. So, whenever I’m on tour I always pack my board and check out the local skateparks in whatever city I’m in if I’ve got a couple of hours to myself.

Physically, skating helps to loosen up any stiff backs from a long-haul flight that’s for sure! It’s invigorating for the brain too, I love the drive of working at a new skill, a new trick or move, and seeing my progression. Of course, there are a few bumps and bruises along the way but that’s part of the thrill.

AM: Beyond this tour, are there any upcoming tracks that we should keep an eye out for?

D: Definitely! Between shows, I’m straight into the studio. Right now, I can’t give too much away. Not to be that guy, but what I can say, is that big things are coming for sure!

AM: What do you want your legacy to be known as you have won multiple awards, participated in great partnerships, and more!

D: As nice as they are, for me, it’s never been about the whole awards and accolades thing.

What makes me feel most proud is when I get a DM from a follower saying how one of my songs made them feel a certain way, or soundtracked a particular moment in their life.

Similarly, when people come to my shows and leave with life-long memories. It’s always awesome to bump into fans and they still recall parties from maybe ten, fifteen, even twenty years ago, how they felt, the music they heard, and new friends they made on the dancefloor. That’s what it’s all about.

IG @darude

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Front/Back Cover Nana Simelius | PG 16 - 27 + PG 30 for 9PLAYLIST Rachel Gold | PG 28 + 29 Tomas Fotoo |

Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see EVOLUTION OF SANDSTORM | Darude in mag.

9PLAYLIST | KAAZE

Read the MAR ISSUE #111 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | KAAZE in mag.

DOUBLING DOWN ON THE TRACK | TAI WOFFINDEN

We love when worlds collide and this month's cover does just that. Tai Woffinden is a 5x Speedway World Champion and an open format DJ/Producer. We wanted to know more about Speedway racing and how he got into the sport, how he stays in shape for it, his passion for music, and why he became a DJ.

Since signing onto Armada Music, he released Body, a collaboration with Grammy nominated Gabry Ponte and vocalist Yasmin Jane. This was followed up by Feeling Super Naughty with CERES which just dropped recently. With all of this movement, we took some time find out more and to see what we should keep an eye out for.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We're excited to be able to talk with you as your background as an athlete as well as a DJ and a producer is such a great mix! When did you fall in love with being a Speedway Rider?

TAI WOFFINDEN: I first got into Speedway way way back in 2002. I went to my Dad’s mate’s house to ride on their private track and there was a speedway bike tucked away in the corner. I said to my dad at 12 years old, “I wanna try that” so we sold my MX gear and went all in from that day on.

AM: You are a 3X World Champion in this sport. What do you love about racing?

TW: It’s hard to explain but there is a feeling when you’re railing the fence on a nice little dirt line as fast as the bike will go and you’re on the complete limit of what you’re able to do on these bikes and you either make it around the corner or bury it into the wall. There is no better feeling in the world (not that I have found yet anyway) and I chase that feeling every time I race.

AM: Can you tell us about Speedway racing from what the bike is like and what races are like?

TW: They’re a one-of-a-kind motorcycle, built to only go left, 500cc, methanol-burning bulls with no breaks!

The races are super short and fast averaging about 1min per heat (4 laps). In a Grand Prix, we do 5 heats and the top eight go to the semi-finals and the 1st and 2nd place from each semi qualify for the final. It’s a wild sport! In Poland it’s huge in Warsaw we race in front of 55,000 inside the national stadium.

AM: To optimize yourself as a racer, what kinds of workouts do you do to stay in shape and meet the goals you need to be a champion rider?

TW: I won’t bore you with this too much but 5 days a week strength work, 6 days a week running or cycling, and a good nutritional plan to get through the workload and recovery.

AM: Your season is over this year. Are there any races that you are preparing for in 2025?

TW: Yes, it’s all done now so full focus on 2025 prep. Next year I will race most weekends in Poland, most Mondays and Thursdays in the UK, and some in races in Sweden on Tuesdays. Plus, four qualification rounds for the Grand Prix and possibly the European championship.

AM: What was the first song that you heard that made you fall in love with music?

TW: I can’t remember exactly, but it would have been something my mum had on in the car when I was a kid. My first hook on EDM specifically would have to be the Old EDM. Specifically it would have to be the Old Skitz Mix CDs back in the day.

AM: What led to you becoming a DJ and a producer?

TW: I went to watch Fisher headline his own show in Perth, Western Australia, and as Fisher was a surfer before he became a DJ, I was just watching him thinking well if he can do that, so can I. So, the week after I started my DJ course with Lab Six.

AM: How would you describe the Tai Woffinden sound?

TW: It’s been varied as I navigate and find my sound, I started out with some Tech House, but I’m a Techno guy so I want to focus on that Mainstage vibe after my first release on Armada Music with Gabry Ponte. But, my current track with CERES and my next single are still slightly different in sound so I’ll continue to play around with it all and see where it takes me.

AM: What would you say are the similarities between racing in front of large crowds and being able to DJ in front of them?

TW: For now, the biggest crowd I’ve played to as a DJ has been 12,000 people at Forestland Festival. It’s hard to say if it’s the same level of intensity as when I race, but from my history, the bigger the crowd, and the more pressure, is exactly where I thrive.

AM: How do you get inspiration for your music?

TW: Same as most people I would guess. Hearing a track I like that sparks an idea, or an individual sound. In the world that we live in today with everything at our fingertips it shouldn’t take too long to be inspired by something.

AM: Tell us about Body and what it was like to collaborate with Gabry Ponte and vocalist Yasmin Jane?

TW: So my A&R at Armada sent over the vocals, I then made a little demo and we sent it to Gabry’s team to shoot our shot. Four days later he said he loved it and wanted to work on it and a week later got it back, we were all stoked with his influence on the production! From my side, one, it was huge to have my first release secured with Armada, and for that track to then be a collaborative with Gabry Ponte was just amazing!

AM: Feeling Super Naughty is your latest with CERES - what is the meaning behind this song?

TW: Again, I heard the vocals and just immediately thought there was something about it. The track was a bit more Techno originally, but I was listening to some track at that time from Indira Paganotto and starting to play with that sound myself so that’s how it came to the final song you hear now. I’m super happy with it. I guess the track is just about having a great time!

AM: You were at ADE this month - what was that like?

TW: ADE was wild…it was my first one and I really made the most of it. I met some great people, made lots of new connections, and did a lot of partying. I already can’t wait until next year and hopefully I can get a few DJ sets locked in as well.

AM: You will be at You&Me Fest, a multi-day NYE fest in Australia. How excited are you to be performing there?

TW: Yes, I am! I’m super grateful that Bailey and Isaac called me up! I’m in Australia all summer and I’m ready to build my presence in this part of the world so why not kick things off there with the local boys. They’re killing it over here in West Australia, I mean you only have to look at this year’s huge line-up to see!

AM: Who are 3 people that are on your bucket list that you would like to work with?

TW: Timmy Trumpet would be one. We have chatted about a track and getting him on one of my race bikes which would be wild!

Also Maddix for sure. I love his sound. Finally, Will Sparks, I'm just a fan of Will. I met him in Newcastle UK this year and we chatted for ages backstage. He is a great guy and a beast at what he does. I also love his DJ performances. Anyway, enough fanboying haha!

AM: Do you have any upcoming festivals or tours that we should know about?

TW: Not right now. I’m in the studio and You&Me is my next big one. However, I have an important meeting coming up which I hope brings big opportunities and parties into 2025.

AM: You do a lot of traveling. What are 3 things that you like to have with you when you're on the road?

TW: I'm a simple man! As long as I have my passport, phone and USB, I can do everything I want…

AM: Whether you're racing or hitting the stage, are there routines you do?

TW: Maybe this comes as a surprise, but I have no routines, pre or post events. I literally just live in the moment and enjoy whatever is surrounding me, be it the stage or the racetrack, I soak it all up and enjoy the process.

AM: Are there any upcoming projects that you would like to share?

TW: I have one track that’s just come back from clearance, and I think could be my biggest yet but can’t say much right now. I plan to host my own event again in the UK next year. I threw a one-off this summer and we sold 12,000 tickets in just 11 days and it was fully sold-out which was insane.

My full focus now is on getting ready for the 2025 season ahead.

IG @twoffinden

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Front/Back Cover + PG 16 - 21 Tai Woffiden| PG 22 Tai Woffiden Press |

Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see DOUBLING DOWN ON THE TRACK | Tai Woffinden in mag.

63MIX ROUTIN3S | TAI WOFFINDEN

Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see 63MIX ROUTIN3S | Tai Woffinden in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

BOWLARAMA THE ARCHITECTURE OF MID-CENTURY BOWLING

Angel City Press

Chris Nichols with Adriene Biondo

In the post-war nation of World War II, bowling swept the US! For some, it's a hobby and for others it's a sport - but for many it was part of an ultimate modern lifestyle that many could participate in! This and more is explored in Bowlarama: The Architecture of Mid-Century Bowling where you can enjoy the art, architecture, and style that comes from these spaces. Bowling alleys were seen as modern palaces and firms were constantly interested in outdoing one another to have the most luxurious lanes, stunning bowling balls, and refreshment areas that were fantastic. In this book, you'l see vintage imagery from another era, hand-drawn architectural renderings and more that give you insight into what this meant for the nation!

DISCO: MUSIC, MOVIES, AND MANIA UNDER THE MIRROR BALL

Rizzoli

Frank Decaro

We love the disco era from the music, clothes, clubs, celebs, and more. It was a confluence of a number of amazing elements brought together in the '70s and in many respects, we can still see its impact on fashion, music, pop culture, and more. In Disco: Music, Movies, and Mania Under the Mirror Ball, this coffee table book tells you everything that you want to know and is available via pre-order right now.

This era was known for drug-fueled, DJ-driven, glam that came forward in a NYC loft party! It's also important to remember that Black and Latin queer culture which emerged in their clubs also infused this era and there are a number of historical struggles that the LGBTQ+ community were involved in at this time as well. This movement became a mainstream phenomenon which changed the overall culture in general.

Through vivid imagery, interviews and more, this book explores how this era has impacted the last 50 years and how it has been seen in film, TV, fashion, and interior design.

AUTUMN SPLENDOUR: A VISUAL SYMPHONY OF FALL

Independently Published

Felicity Publishing

We love this time of year, we say goodbye to the Summer and we embrace everything there is to love about the Fall! In Autumn Splendour: A Visual Symphony of Fall, this coffee table book brings this season to life through stunning photography of landscapes that define this time of year!

Regardless of where you live and how fall looks in your locale, you will be able to see and enjoy the rich tapestry of colors, textures, and moods that only fall can offer.

Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.

9PLAYLIST | CALVIN HARRIS

Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | Calvin Harris in mag.

MAKING THE WORLD HAPPY WITH MUSIC MARTIN GARRIX

We're always thinking about the upcoming festival season and we have a number of people that we hope to see on stages we're heading to! Martin Garrix is a legendary international EDM DJ/Producer with residencies around the world, that we love rocking to. His passion for bringing people together with his music and those that he has collaborated with is undeniable! Just in the last few days alone, he has dropped tracks, revealed his full sets for performances at Amsterdam Dance Events - ADE last fall, and has announced his summer residency in Ibiza which he is currently in the midst of his South American tour. This artist is constantly on the move and we took a moment to find out about how when he fell in love with music, how he approaches creating his music, collaborations, recent releases, his residencies, and how he truly loves when people are able to enjoy his music and the vibe he presents!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with music?

MARTIN GARRIX: I have always loved music. I grew up in a musical household and started playing guitar by the age of 8. However, the moment I fell in love with electronic music was while seeing Tïesto perform at the 2004 Summer Olympics, for the Opening Ceremonies. They were airing this on tv, and I remember my mom calling me over to come and watch it. The energy that I felt from the music was amazing. After that, I started experimenting with electronic music myself.

AM: How would you define the Martin Garrix sound?

MG: I would say it’s energetic, uplifting and melodic. The most important thing for me is to make people feel something with my music.

AM: What's your creative process when it comes to making your music - where do you start and how do you get inspired?

MG: I can get inspired by basically anything, and inspiration can come at the most random moments. That’s why the voice notes app on my phone is filled with me most random moments. That's why the voice notes app on my phone is filled with me humming new song ideas while I’m on the road. Then when I get into the studio I usually start with melody lines either on guitar or piano. Especially the songs with lyrics they always start with a guitar and vocal or piano and vocal and then afterwards I produce it out. I much rather start with stripped-down versions so the song is strong on its own and not relying on the production. I really enjoy the songwriting process and have a soft spot for beautiful chord progressions and melodies. If the song sounds good with just a vocal and guitar, you can produce an electronic version, rock version, anything. Every song starts and ends differently. I do need to be in my own home studio to finish a song, that’s the place where I work the most comfortable and know the sound system the best.

AM: You have collaborated with a number of artists from Bebe Rexha, David Guetta, Dua Lipa, Khalid, Usher, Tïesto, to name a few. What do you look for when it comes to creating with other artists?

MG: I really need a certain connection with an artist, otherwise I can’t be in the studio with them making music together.

AM: We’ve been fans of your music since Animals and have enjoyed In the Name of Love with Bebe Rexha, Scared to be Lonely with Dua Lipa, Summer Days featuring Macklemore and Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, and Carry You with Third Party, Oaks, and Declan J Donovan. What are 3 of your favorite songs?

MG: It's impossible for me to choose. All my songs have different memories attached to them which make them special to me. Of course Animals will always be special because that song really kickstarted everything for me. At the moment I’m really loving playing the new songs live and seeing the crowd’s response to it.

AM: I’ve had Carry You on a loop since it came out! What's the backstory of the song and how did it come together?

MG: The song was in the making for quite some time before we released it. Third Party and myself created the lead melody a year ago and I premiered it during Ultra Music Festival. After that it become a staple in my sets and I even used it as intro to my sets every now and then. The response from the crowd has been amazing every time I played it, so we just had to finish it. The vocals from Oaks and Declan really pushed the song to another level and I’m super proud of the end result and the responses we have been getting so far.

AM: Last fall you dropped Real Love with South African singer/songwriter Lloyiso. You guys teamed up here in New York and created this song. How did this song come about and why were you so excited to work with him?

MG: I found an Adele cover from Lloyiso online and was immediately blown away by his amazing voice. I reached out to him, but due to travel schedules and visas we weren’t able to meet in person for two years. We finally hit the studio together when we were both in New York and recorded Real Love there. He has one of the most amazing voices I’ve ever heard.

AM: You just dropped Breakaway with Mesto and WILHELM. How did this song come about?

MG: Mesto has been a really good friend of mine for years and we have worked together before. We had an early version of the song which I also premiered at Ultra and we both played it in our sets throughout the summer. A few weeks ago we decided to finish the song and added in vocals from Wilhelm.

AM: A few days ago you dropped your 3 hour set, IDEM for ADE from last fall and we thoroughly enjoyed it! What's it like to perform at that event, especially being in your hometown?

MG: ADE is always a special one for me as it is in my hometown. It had been 4 years since we last did my ADE solo shows at the RAI and it was so special to bring them back. We always have a show for all ages as well which is so amazing. The young kids have the craziest energy! It’s also very special to be able to invite all my family and friends to the show and celebrate together after, that doesn’t happen often.

AM: How do you approach putting your setlists together and what's that process like?

MG: I don’t have a fixed setlist for my shows as I like to feel the energy and responses from the crowd and play whatever song feels like the best fit for that moment. As a starting point I have my intro and last song. Of course there are certain songs that can’t be left out of my set, and I usually have some new music lined up that I would like to test.

AM: Ushuaïa Ibiza just announced that you are back for a residency that will run Jun - Sep! What are you looking forward to for 15 Thursdays this season?

MG: Performing at Ushuaïa feels like coming home. It’s been the same team we have been working with for years and no matter how many shows I’ve done there, it will never not be special. It’s the perfect opportunity for me to test out new music and I’m really looking forward to the shows.

AM: You travel a lot! Just looking at 2024, you rang in the New Year in Bali. You hold residencies in Ushuaïa Ibiza and Omnia and Wet Republic in Vegas. You also have festival dates for Creamfields in Hong Kong and Ultra Miami along with your personal show schedule and special events like Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to name a few!

Where are some of your favorite places to perform?

MG: I am currently in the middle of my South American tour and the love I am getting there is overwhelming. People really know how to party and bring energy which is amazing. I also did an India tour last year which was absolutely crazy. A big part of my most loyal fanbase is over there so that always makes it special. But to be honest, I'm super grateful to be able to play in all these amazing countries. I'm still nervous for the shows because I want every show to be the best and for everyone to have a good time.

AM: What are 3 things that you must have when you're traveling to feel like you have a bit of home with you?

MG: I don’t really have those items to be honest. For me my headphones, laptop and phone are the most important items to have with me on the road.

AM: Do you have any pre-show routines that you do prior to hitting the stage?

MG: I usually like to wind down a little before the show, go through some of the songs I have lined up and then I’m all good to go. I don’t have any superstitious things I do before I get on stage or something.

AM: Do you have any post-show routines that you do after coming off the stage?

MG: I’m usually on a high and like to debrief some things with the team in the dressing room.

AM: When you're on stage, if we could bottle the feelings that you have, what would it be?

MG: I honestly wish I could share it with you because it is the most amazing feeling ever. It’s a burst of adrenaline and happiness mixed together.

AM: You founded STMPD RCRDS back in 2016. Why did you want to launch your label and what should we keep an eye out for as we head into the Spring and the Summer?

MG: I wanted full creative freedom over my music which was the main reason we started STMPD RCRDS. We quickly also started signing other artists and the label grew into this creative hub for all kinds of artists. I’m so proud of the label and all the amazing artists that are releasing on there weekly. We have signed really talented artists like Eleganto, Mesto, DubVision, Julian Jordan but are also releasing S.Salter which is neo-classical music for example.

AM: How do you stay in shape as we're always looking to add to our fitness routines?

MG: This can be a challenge for me, but the last couple of months I have found a routine that really works for me. I try to eat healthy and be in the gym almost every day for a workout. I also really enjoy sports such as padel and wind surfing whenever I have the time.

AM: How do you take time for yourself?

MG: It’s difficult but I do try to take time for myself to do sports or spend time with family and friends. As weird as it may sound, making music is also something I really like to do in my time off. It’s my biggest hobby so making music really doesn’t feel like work to me.

AM: Are there any projects that you can share that we should keep an eye out for that you're working on?

MG: We released Carry You and Breakaway as surprises the past two weeks, but there are two more releases coming up the next two weeks because we are releasing an EP called IDEM. The EP has the same name as the live show because it represents the period leading up to the show where I premiered and played all the songs that will be on the EP. The next release will be Biochemical together with Seth Hills.

AM: What do you want the Martin Garrix legacy to be?

MG: All I want is to make people happy with my music.

IG @martingarrix

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Louis Van Baar

Read the FEB ISSUE #98 of Athleisure Mag and see MAKING THE WORLD HAPPY WITH MUSIC Martin Garrix in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | BOHEMIEN BAR

This month, The Art of the Snack takes us down to Brooklyn where we plan on spending the holiday season enjoying savory seasoned bites as well as cocktails that will transport us! In addition, we're loving that the attention to detail for the audio experience is next level as well! We took some time to chat with the owener of Bohemein Bar, Tarek Debira to talk about this spot, what we should enjoy on our next visit, why it was created, and why the audio is so key!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did Bohemien Bar open?

TAREK DEBIRA: February 2020.

AM: We like the concept of an upscale cocktail bar and listening room. Tell me the vision behind this concept and why you wanted to create a space that incorporated these elements together?

TD: Being a melophile, I was so excited to create a space that would have creative cocktails, nice design but also a great sound system.

Bars with good sound system have been around in Japan for while now but there’s only a hand full in NYC, so having the opportunity to open Bohemien Bar in my neighborhood was such fun and fulfilling experience. The vision was to give as much attention to details to all aspects of a cocktail bar, with a focus on sound experience.

AM: What is the ambiance of the space like?

TD: The ambiance is light and comfortable, transporting you away from the environment you’ll find at many other bars in Brooklyn. We wanted to create a sophisticated, yet easy-going vibe, and a go-to destination for an array of events, whether it be for celebration, a first-date, or just a drink after work.

AM: Who is the owner of Bohemien Bar and tell us about their background and why they wanted to create this space?

TD: Bohemien Bar is the most recent passion project from Husband-and-Wife team, Tarek Debira, (formerly at Hotel Costes in Paris and Nobu Los Angeles) and Patricia Ageheim, (formerly at Standard Grill and Indochine), who have an extensive resumé in the fine dining and the hospitality world. The pair also own one of Brooklyn Heights' most celebrated speakeasies Le Boudoir and beloved French bistro Chez Moi. Their passion and attention to detail come to life at Bohemien Bar, where they combine a high-fidelity listening experience with meticulously crafted cocktails and a chef-curated menu.

AM: Tell us about Perry Brandston and other projects, his background and how he came to Bohemien Bar?

TD: For the last few years, Pete has been hosting DIY audio meetups in Brooklyn for folks who like to build their own audio gear, and that's where Pete met Perry. Perry was describing a pair of line arrays he designed and built, and a few months later Pete hosted one of his meetups at Perry's space to give them a listen. Later on, a friend connected Pete and Tarek, Pete suggested a version of Perry's arrays for the bar, and the rest is history.

Perry has been in live sound and more creative sound implementations for the last 40+ years. He worked very closely back in the day with some of the pioneers of club sound. His designs come from a place of trying to recreate an authentic ecstatic experience - it has to sound great, but he's not chasing after the same audiophile nonsense others chase after. His last project was Oda - a small pair of compact flat-panel speakers that recreate the sound and feel of a live performance.)

AM: Pete Raho is the owner of Gowanus Audio. Can you tell us about his background and how he came to Bohemien Bar?

TD: Pete started Gowanus Audio to focus on classes for folks to build their own audio gear and build custom audio and speaker projects - pieces that sound incredible, made by hand, and look as good as they sound. When Pete and Tarek connected thru a friend, it was a natural fit to partner with Perry on this. We wanted to create something that sounded incredible, but that looked the part too - surprise and delight everyone who walks in, visually and aurally.

AM: What is the sound experience that one will have when here and can you tell us about the speakers that are here?

TD: We wanted to create a system that would sound great anywhere in the space - consistent throughout, not too loud or boomy anywhere - and that's easier said than done. We wanted folks to enjoy it, hear the details, and still be able to have a conversation. The opposite of typical "bar sound" where you put speakers in all four corners and call it a day.

To accomplish this, we placed two large Altec Model 17s in the rear - a speaker from the '70s the size of a small refrigerator with a lineage going back to the '40s that still sounds incredible - and then placed a pair of rather visually arresting floor-to-ceiling line arrays at the front. Small custom speaker "pendants" hanging from the ceiling throughout the bar fill in the rest.

The arrays look stunning - entirely custom for Bohemien - and project sound into the room a bit differently than more traditional speakers - all speakers together in the array are acting as one - each quiet on its own, but together they fill the room. Standing next to it, you can still have a conversation - it doesn't sound loud - and hear the music from the other array across the room. It's a really cool effect.

Overall, it "sounds like" the music is coming mainly from the Altecs or line arrays (depending on where seated), but the pendants have a deceptively large role filling in the sound since they're delayed by a few milliseconds (but don't tell anyone!) - your brain doesn't register their output. Nowhere is it too loud, or too is boomy - it just sounds "right" throughout the space.

To find out more about the sound system at Bohemien Bar, you can read more about it at Gowanus Audio.

AM: What is the meaning behind the name, Bohemien Bar?

TD: Bohemianism is the practice of an unconventional lifestyle, often in the company of like-minded people and with few permanent ties. It involves musical, artistic, literary, or spiritual pursuits.

We loved the name and the meaning behind it. Bohemien bar’s concept, décor, food and cocktail list is inspired by free thinkers, artists, musicians, wanderers and adventurers. Each decision in its creation and daily operation is made through that lens.

AM: What kind of music can guests expect when they're at the lounge?

TD: We play all kind of genre depending on the time of the day or day of the week, but some of our favorite for the early part are Psychedelic rock, surf rock bands like Kruangbin, Arc de Soleil, Latin western band like Hermanos Gutiérrez, chillout downtempo and even some of our server Amy Vachal’s songs.

Later in the evening when the bar fills up, we change it up to genres like funk, afro house, Brazilian disco, reggae. We also have DJ’s Fridays and Saturdays.

AM: Tell us about Executive Chef Steven Barrantes background and how he came to the Bar?

TD: Executive Chef Steven Barrantes (formerly Executive Sous Chef at Times Square Edition Hotel and Restaurant Daniel), who has created a menu that matches the sophistication and artistry of the cocktails has worked at Chez Moi back in 2012 with Patricia & Tarek where they became friends and stayed in touch. Steven has always had an amazing palate and is talented that we had to ask him to be involved with Bohemien.

AM: What is the thought behind offering small plates?

TD: We wanted to offer a wide selection of options in a small plate style as that’s our favorite way to eat.

We love trying many things every time we go out and thought it be a great way to go with the cocktails.

AM: What are 3 vegetables that we should order?

TD: The crudités, the crispy zucchini with smoked paprika aioli, and the beet dip with labneh and walnuts. All three selections provide a refreshing flavor, perfect to pair with your cocktails.

AM: Cheese as well as Small Bites are two categories that you offer. What are 3 dishes that you suggest that we should have from this portion of the menu?

TD: Baked Brie with herbs de Provence, Crispy Waffle Fries, and Mac & Cheese Bites with bacon jam.

AM: What are 3 dishes from Land and Sea that you suggest?

TD: Tuna on crisp is a must, Lamb chops with mint yogurt, and Duck flatbread with leeks and smoked gouda.

AM: What are 3 desserts you suggest?

TD: Warm chocolate cake, Crème Brulee cheesecake, and a bowl of candies to snack on.

AM: The cocktail menu which is so playful between the glassware and a number of the names incorporating songs for the cocktails. Tell us 3 drinks that we should consider for our next visit!

TD: Espresso Martini: Vodka, Mr. Black, espresso, bitters, coconut water, coffee smoke

Birdbirdy Num Num: Gin, sugar snap pea, jasmine tea, peach, topped with cava

Depende: White wine, green apple brandy, cardamom, spiced apple cider, pear

AM: In terms of beer and wine, what are 3 that you suggest?

TD: Terra Roza | Muscat of Alexandria Muscat ----- amazing skin contact wine from Greece

La Patience | Vin Blanc Grenache Blanc, Rhone ----- cool organic wine from France

Kölsch | Reissdorf German beer

AM: What are 3 mocktails that we should have on our radar?

TD: Roselle: Ritual Tequila Alternative, bitter orange cordial, lime & hibiscus Ice

Chrysalis: Butterfly pea flower, tea, fresh ginger, lime, seltzer

Piano: Clarified green apple juice, celery, lemon, chamomile, mirin, aquafaba

AM: Are there any special events that we should know about?

TD: Yes, we are having a Christmas pop up during the month of December where we decorate the whole bar with Christmas decoration and offer special cocktails in santa mugs, ginger bread mugs etc…

IG @bohemienbar

PHOTOS COURTESY | Bohemien Bar

Read the NOV ISSUE #95 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Bohemien Bar in mag.

IN THE PRESENT | MIA MORETTI

We're excited that this month's issue is covered by DJ/Producer, songwriter, and poet, Mia Moretti. She sits at the intersectionality of music, nightlife, art, design, and fashion. She began her career spinning vinyl in LA before moving here to NYC in the LES. She has amassed a curated record collection that serves as the driving force behind her production. We have spent many nights listening to her play at our favorite clubs and events. Her approach to what she plays is due to her discerning taste, and is a foundation in performing at exclusive events in the halls of the Louvre, residences in Las Vegas, and composing runway shows for fashion designers. As an It Artist, we're always interested in seeing where she will pop up next, and what sounds she'll spin and produce.

Her ability to sample iconic house sounds from the US, while embracing strong women who are known to have something to say from all over the world, can be found in her debut single, You & Me; reworking the infectious South African disco bop Sweet Juju by Letta Mbulu; and collaborating with Colombia’s legendary Totó La Momposina on her highly anticipated debut dance EP, TAMBOR. We wanted to know more about how she fell in love with DJing, how she approaches her work, creating her tracks, and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We last saw you at Bungalow 8 and have enjoyed seeing you at a number of editor and special events. When did you first fall in love with music?

MIA MORETTI: When I was a kid my dad would play the guitar at the dinner table every night – they became my two greatest joys in life, food and music. It must be my way to keep him with me always.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a DJ and how did you get your start initially?

MM: I remember the exact moment. I was at a club in Los Angeles called AD and DJ AM was playing. He wasn't on the dance floor like I had always seen DJs before, he was up in a booth that looked like it was floating over the crowd. He was in complete control of the room. He looked like a composer orchestrating the perfect journey for everyone under him. I wanted to do that.

AM: How do you approach your set list when you're doing an event?

MM: I don’t prepare a set list for an event unless it’s something very specific like a fashion show that I am curating the music for. For most of the shows I do have an idea of what I think I might play, but when I arrive I try to let that go and use my feelings a bit more. I like to see who is there and try to understand what sort of mood they are in. I like to see if they are coming from work, or coming from another party, or if they look like they are ready to stay all night, or just passing through - all these things make my job so different every night. Like life, you can't go around planning it, most of the time you just have to be present in it. That’s when it gets fun.

AM: Do you have any routines that you do prior to playing a set to get in the right frame of mind?

MM: Mmm that's an interesting question I always think I want all my friends with me or a big group around, but the truth is I really just like a few moments of silence so I can pull myself together and do that thing you know “get in the zone” - for me that means I give myself a mental check in. "I'm good, I got this, let's go to work now." It's really important for me to shake whatever day is left over on me and go into the booth clean and clear headed.

AM: Do you have any routines that you do after playing your set to come down?

MM: I love to go out and hear other DJs. I can't go to bed because my ears are ringing, so I may as well go out and absorb some creativity while all the portals are open. Also, pizza.

“For most of the shows I do I have an idea of what I think I might play, but when I arrive I try to let that go and use my feelings a bit more. I like to see who is there and try to understand what sort of mood they are in... Like life, you can’t go around planning it, most of the time you just have to be present in it. That’s when it gets fun.”

— Mia Moretti

AM: Who are your musical inspirations?

MM: Strong females with strong voices. Artists with words they aren't afraid to use. All the women I sample, women that sing and pass down the traditional songs of their communities. Women that share those with us. Totó La Momposina, Petrona Martinez, Letta Mbulu, Crystal Waters. Those are the artists I sampled in the first 4 songs I produced. There are also many female voices in house music that were never credited, I am working on locating some of these lost voices, to make sure they get their credit, if it’s 30 years late.

AM: Where do you get inspiration to create your music as a DJ, producer, and songwriter?

MM: I've been a DJ for 20 years (!!!) I get all my inspiration in music. From collecting records, going to shows, traveling, meeting new people in every city I go, digging, trading, befriending local DJs, it's all there - the songs are already there, my job is 99% to find the right ones - the rest, anyone could do.

AM: We've been enjoying SWEET JUJU. We love the vibes of this song. Can you tell us about it and the vocal samples that were used?

MM: For my second release SWEET JUJU, I wanted to take it back to the origins of house: disco. In South Africa in the mid-80s musicians like Letta Mbulu were putting their own swing on the genre that had swept the globe. Mbulu’s music is funky, jazzy and brings everyone together. As a DJ, I have played Mbulu's record in many sets and always saw the crowd light up, so when I began this producing chapter of my career, I knew Sweet Juju was gonna be something I sampled. I hope this new single is as much an anthem of rhythm, love, joy, and "gettin' your man!" as it was in 1983.

AM: In addition to being a DJ, you're also a poet. Why do you want to share your creativity in this way and can you tell us about your collection of poems, Low Touch Economy?

MM: During the pandemic I found it very difficult to DJ at home. It was probably something I was going through personally, but djing to no audience felt soulless, not feeling and bouncing off of energy in the room made it nearly impossible for me to be creative and have fun with records. I stopped djing entirely for almost a year. I still craved connection to people, so I started writing poetry and sharing it online. I decided to gather all the little notes and pieces of scrap paper that I had random poems on from over the years and compile them into a book. I was listening to a business podcast that must have just shuffled into my rotation and the person speaking used the term

“Low Touch Economy” to describe the future of businesses. At this point, it being mid lockdown, I was pretty fragile like most of us, and I just sat there with that thought in my head horrified. I knew that would be the title of my poetry book because I wanted my poems to be that touch we all need. I ended up writing four volumes of poetry in the end. All four volumes of Low Touch Economy were letter pressed on 100% cotton paper and made here in Los Angeles.

AM: How would you describe your personal style?

MM: I don't take fashion very seriously even though it might seem that way. I don't overthink it, if it feels good when you put it on - go for it. That’s all that matters.

“[As to musical inspirations] Strong females with strong voices. Artists with words they aren’t afraid to use. All the women I sample, women that sing and pass down the traditional songs of their communities. Women that share those with us... There are also many female voices in house music that were never credited, I am working on locating some of these lost voices, to make sure they get their credit, if it’s 30 years late.”

— Mia Moretti

AM: As someone that travels all over the globe, how do you find ways to make your environment feel like you're at home?

MM: Oh that isn't hard, every corner of the world has a bottle of wine. That’s just about all I need to feel at home.

AM: When you're not traveling or working on a project, how do you take time for yourself?

MM: Whenever I get home from a trip I go to the Korean Spa. I steam, sauna and cold plunge - I also love the himalayan sea salt room, it has the same relaxation properties as spending a day at the beach. The jade floor is also so nice. I'm pretty good at pampering myself, I have no qualms about going for a massage two or three days in a row.

AM: In terms of working out, meditation, etc how do you stay in shape?

MM: I have no self discipline and will only work out if I go to a personal trainer, so I go to my trainer Armando in Glendale. He stretches me out and massages me for the first half of the session, which is the only way he can get me to do anything. In general I prefer to exercise in my day to day life, I walk whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator, carry shit all the time and just try to move around a bit. Dancing counts, too.

AM: If we were at your home for a dinner party, what music would you have to set the mood and what would you serve as we know you enjoy cooking?

MM: I have a beautiful Thorens turntable that I rarely get to enjoy, mostly because I'm too lazy or tired to get up and flip a record when I'm home alone, so when I have guests over, I always put something from my vinyl collection on, or I'll have a guest choose. I did quite a dig when I was recording in Colombia, so there is a beautiful Bullerengue selection that sets a perfect tone for a dinner party. I love to go to the Armenian market in Valley Village and get homemade lavash and spreads, if I'm having friends over it's usually 2 or 3, then 5 or 6, then 10 to 12, so I'll roast a big pan of vegetables, maybe grill some fish and put out loads of bowls with all the side dishes.

AM: What do you want your legacy to be?

MM: I want someone to dance to my music, feel the earth under their feet and remember where they came from.

IG @miamoretti

PHOTO CREDITS | Andrew Arthur

Read the SEP ISSUE #43 of Athleisure Mag and see IN THE PRESENT | Mia Moretti in mag.

TAKING THE STAGE | TIMMY TRUMPET

We've had the pleasure of hearing EDM DJ/Producer Timmy Trumpet play and love how he brings his passion for EDM and the trumpet together for an electrifying show! Since he recently performed here in NY at Electric Zoo over Labor Day Weekend, we wanted to find out more about his passion for music, how he connected with his unique style, his creative process, and his busy schedule this summer which includes his residencies as well as the festivals he's appeared at this season.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with music?

TIMMY TRUMPET: I can’t remember not ever being in love with it. My father taught me to play the trumpet when I was old enough to hold it. His father taught him. I’ve been blessed to have music be the soundtrack of my entire life and I owe it all to them.

AM: We enjoy jazz and love listening to Chet Baker, Thelonious Monk, and Gerry Mulligan to name a few. Our co-founder's great uncle was the late tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson which we listen to as well.

You began your career in jazz and are classically trained. You're known for blending jazz elements into dance music. Where did you get the idea to incorporate the trumpet into EDM as well as being a DJ?

TT: I was practicing in my room one afternoon as a teenager and Daft Punk came on the radio. I started jamming along to it and thought this sounds pretty cool. I started experimenting with electronic music from that day and learning about the genre by starting to listen to other artists. The rest as they say is history.

AM: How do you define the Timmy Trumpet sound?

TT: To me it’s such a powerful, unpredictable, and energetic instrument that cuts through, and I think that’s why it works so well with electronic music. It’s an undeniably live element that is raw and imperfectly perfect, like all good Jazz.

AM: When you're creating new music, how do you approach the creation process as you're integrating a number of elements together.

TT: I start from a place of what not to expect and then pull it back into a place where it makes sense and pleases the senses. I feel like that’s the goal for every great producer. To create something that no one has heard before. It’s much harder than it sounds, the constant struggle to push a sound forward in a new direction. We are all borrowing ideas, influences embedded into our subconscious.

AM: How do you get inspired when creating new music?

TT: I think we’re all inspired by everything that’s around us. Everywhere I’m looking, everywhere I’m walking, everything I’m feeling, everything around us is constantly inspiring me. I’m inspired by the artists I get to work with. I’m inspired by the artists making the best music today. I’m also inspired by artists that made music 100s of years ago. We’re all just borrowing ideas to make our own and move in a new direction. To me it’s all music. Life is music and life is beautiful. I just hope that I’m making music that people love and can share with the ones they love as well.

AM: You have worked with a number of our favorite artists from Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, KSHMR, Steve Aoki, Dr. Phunk, Armin van Buuren, INNA, and Afrojack to name a few. What do you look for when you're collaborating with other artists?

TT: I love collaborating with other artists. It’s my favorite thing to do. You’ve both got ideas walking into the studio or bouncing stems and sending them back and forth from the other side of the world. Sometimes we just discuss ideas backstage at a show. You never know what’s going to come out of it. Some of my best friends are heroes of mine that I’ve always wanted to work with and I’m very blessed for the opportunity to work with them.

AM: Who are 3 artists that you have yet to work with that are on your bucket list?

TT: Ooooh that’s too hard to nail down to just 3 artists. Honestly, there are a million people that I’d love to work with, and I feel like I’m just getting started. I’ve got 3 artists I’d like to work with this year, I’ve got 3 I’d love to work with if I could wish for anything on this Earth and there is a hell of a lot of people between them. But I couldn’t name names.

AM: You've had a busy year with a number of singles that you dropped along with some of our favorite artists! Do you have any songs that are coming out that we should be adding to our playlists?

TT: I’m really excited about a record I’ve got coming out soon with Tinie Tempah and an amazing New York native by the name of Enisa. She’s an incredible vocalist who I only recently got introduced to. I absolutely love her voice. The 3 of us got to perform it together for the first time on the Tomorrowland Main Stage this year and I can’t wait for that one to drop. You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for that.

AM: You've had a busy summer with your Ibiza residency, Ultra Europe, Tomorrowland and a number of performances globally. This summer you played Lollapalooza which has been on your bucket list for awhile! How was it to hit that stage?

TT: Lollapalooza was absolutely MENTAL! It has been on my bucket list for over a decade. Literally over a decade. I’ve been coming to America to play shows for about 10 or 12 years now. I started at the bottom, but Lollapalooza has always been up on the wall as the target. To be up on that stage was unreal. It was honestly one of the best shows this year. I’ll never forget looking out at that crowd and it looked like an endless sea of people. I’ve never seen a crowd go so crazy from the front to the back all jumping in sync like that before. It was a real thrill and one of the most nervous moments I’ve had before a show this year. It was amazing to feel those butterflies eating away at my stomach and playing a stage like that is not something I take for granted.

AM: Labor Day Weekend is always a busy time, why did you want to have Electric Zoo on your touring schedule?

TT: In the last 12 months New York has become my second home. The love I have for this city and the love it has shown me has been such a rewarding experience. Ever since NY Mets' Edwin Diaz chose to play my track Narco and New York welcomed me and my music and that song in particular into their arms, it’s become a really special place for me. I love everything about New York. So many people from so many walks of life - everyone’s exciting, everyone’s different. I love how it’s got a bit of everything. I love how it’s a city that never sleeps. Every time I come to New York I stay in Times Square because I love seeing all the craziness. Electric Zoo is just part of all of that. So, to bring it home and play a set there after the crazy year I’ve shared with that city is just unreal.

AM: Do you have any routines that you do prior to your performances that help you get ready?

TT: A few pushups, a couple shots of tequila and a quick speech with the team. I owe everything to those guys. They get me up on stage every single weekend. Once we roll out of that tunnel and get to the stage, it’s time to go.

AM: When you've finished performing how do you come down from all of the energy that was on stage?
TT: I’ve no idea how many calories I must burn up on the stage, but I always make sure I leave it all up there. Coming off that stage, most of the time I’m just catching my breath. It usually takes me about five minutes to get my heart rate back down. Then I usually spend about 10 minutes rehydrating. I probably drink 4 or 5 bottles of water as soon as I get of the stage. Once I’ve got over that, the team and I look back over the set and what went right or what we can improve on. We squeeze in a celebratory drink, but if it’s an early flight the next day, then it’s straight back to the hotel.

AM: As someone who is busy and on the go, what are 3 fitness routines that you do to stay in shape?!

TT: My trainer back home in Australia is right into calisthenics so it’s something that I’ve started getting into. The bodyweight exercises are awesome and something I can implement from wherever I am on the road. Especially if the gym in the hotel isn’t great. So, I’m enjoying that and being on stage in the summertime is a workout in itself. Sometimes I play four or five shows in a weekend and it is crazy up there, so it helps running around like a lunatic.

AM: As a musician, DJ, producer, and songwriter, what do you want your legacy to be in dance music?

TT: I want to know that I gave it my best. That I did everything I could to make sure people had the best experience possible at my shows. For one hour at a time I just want people to leave the world behind and rage with me, and the people that are most important to them…their friends. Their memories are more important than mine and if I can be a tiny part of that, then what an honor.

IG @timmytrumpet

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 36 - PG 41 Andrew Rauner | PG 42 + PG 46 Timmy Trumpet | PG 45 + PG 47 Tomorrowland |

Read the SEP ISSUE #93 of Athleisure Mag and see TAKING THE STAGE | Timmy Trumpet in mag.

SOUNDS HIT YOUR SOUL | HONEYLUV

We caught up with EDM DJ, HoneyLuv who has been on the go for the past few months playing around the world! She has played alongside major artists including Chris Lake, Idris Elba, and Nicole Moudaber to name a few, and has been at a number of clubs and festivals sharing her sound and passion! We wanted to find out more about how she got into the industry, what she enjoys playing, her inspiration and what she has coming up!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with music?

HONEYLUV: From the earliest moment in my life from what I can remember; the day I was riding in my dad's purple mustang while he was playing Tony! Toni! Tone! It Never Rains I’m not sure why that exact moment stays in my mind, but I like to think it was because of that song.

AM: What do you love about dance music and why do you gravitate towards it?

H: I love dance music because it’s an open book. The music comes in so many colors, shapes and sizes, there is no ceiling when it comes to the music. I also love the fact that people come together on the dance floor to appreciate the art, whether it’s a happy story or a sad one, it’s all embraced and accepted. I believe I gravitated towards it because of my love for the music but also because it felt like home for me.

AM: Before you focused on music full time, you served in the navy. What are things you learned from your service that you have carried into your career as an artist?

H: Well I have always been a person that made a plan and executed what I had set out to accomplish and I feel being in the service just made me more disciplined and organized.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a DJ?

H: I didn’t want to, my friends had forced me because they saw something in me that I didn’t and I’m happy they did. Once I saw how much I enjoyed it, i think that’s when it clicked that DJing was for me.

AM: What's your creative process like when you're creating music and what do you start with?

H: I have to have the inspiration for me to get into the studio and create. Which sometimes takes awhile to find that but when I do it’s game time. I usually start with a kick some drums and go from there.

AM: As a house DJ, where do you get your inspiration from?

H: Lately, I’ve been getting my inspiration from traveling, seeing the world and hearing all the different types of variations of house music that are out there; it has really sparked the fire inside me.

AM: When you're in the midst of crate-digging, what are you looking for?

H: I’m not looking for anything in particular, with digging you don’t know what you want. I know for myself, I am just exploring to see what sounds hit my soul in that process.

AM: You have performed at a number of clubs and festivals over the last few months from Coachella, EDC Vegas, Ushuaïa, Hï, Space Miami and more. What is it about getting in front of the crowd and being able to share your passion with them that you love?

H: I love that for those few hours I get to share a piece of my life with them. Music to me is life. I know a lot of people do it for that big check but I really appreciate the music, I appreciate the history, that people seem to forget and I’m more than happy to always remind them on that dance floor where this music comes from and feed their souls in the process. People love it and they just want to have a good time.

AM: You've played alongside Idris Elba, Chris Lake, Nicole Moudaber, and The Martinez Brothers to name a few. What does it mean to you to be able to perform with these artists?

H: It’s an honor to say the least. Truly blessed to be in the shoes that I’m in.

AM: What shows do you have on your schedule for this year that you're excited about?

H: I’m excited about all my shows especially the ones in Europe.

AM: What's your routine like when you're about to perform? Are there things that you do leading up to the show?

H: No routine really. Just chill vibes. Do some last minute crate digging and come into the show with an open mind.

AM: What do you do once you've finished your set as I'm sure there's still a lot energy there!

H: I will go say Hi and thank the people who came out to see me, take a few pictures, chat about life and after that go to my bed lol!

AM: Are there any projects or new music that we should keep an eye out for that you can share?

H: Yes, tons of new music is brewing; I have my own party 4 Tha Luv making its debut soon. Just have to keep your ears to the streets so you don’t miss anything.

IG @honeyluv

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 134 HoneyLuv | PG 136 - 137 Tomorrowland |

Read the SEP ISSUE #93 of Athleisure Mag and see SOUNDS HIT YOUR SOUL | HoneyLuv in mag.

DROPPING BANGERS | JOEL CORRY

We're always looking for the right vibes for music that will let us navigate our day from commuting, workflow, and nights out! This month, our cover is 5X platinum UK records, 5X BRIT Awards nominee, Joel Corry who has residencies at Ibiza Rocks, TAO Group Hospitality (Hakkasan, Marquee) and who has performed in an array of festivals from Creamfields, Ultra, Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, and Lollapalooza to name a few. His remixes have been part of our playlists and have included collaborations with Saweetie, Charlie XCX, David Guetta, and Bryson Tiller as just a few of the highlights. His remixes have transformed tracks by Megan Thee Stallion, Ed Sheeran, Elton John, and Nina Simone. When it's about good vibes with beats that make you want to stay on the dance floor banger after banger, Joel always has something up his sleeve!

We caught up with him hours before the release of his latest single, Drinkin' with MK and Rita Ora which already has been on repeat for the past few days! This single as well as yet to be released and some of his epic records will be on the upcoming album, Another Friday Night which drips on Oct 6th. We wanted to know more about Joel from his passion for music, how raving in London grew to him collaborarting with artists and creating his music, and what he has coming up as he continues to make his mark.

We also wanted to know more about his approach to creating his music, working with his favorite artists, and more. We also wanted to find out about his time as a professional body builder, winning a number of competitions, and how he navigates his life while he's constantly on the go going from one city to the next.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with music?

JOEL CORRY: When I was a young boy that was 12 or 13, that’s when I got my first pair of turntables. My older brother was a DJ actually, he’s 3 years older than me so when I was growing up, the music that everyone was playing was garage music back in London. It was all part of the DJing and MCing scene so my brother, he was like an MC and his mates would come over and do DJing and I was like, I just wanted to be cool like my older brother basically. So I said, “mom, get me some decks, I want to do some garage music. I want to be a DJ as well!”

That’s how I started and then I got my decks and I would go into the record shop every weekend and find vinyls. It just became a hobby growing up and then eventually, I started DJing people’s parties and it developed from there!

AM: So, when did you realize that you wanted to do it professionally?

JC: So it was kind of like a slow progress over the years. So I was DJing in my bedroom, and then I started DJing at people’s birthday parties, weddings, and like even DJing at my mom’s friend’s, birthday parties – just wherever! I was sort of the DJ at school and then when I was 17/18, I started playing the nightclubs. You know, at one point in my early 20’s, I was doing 5 residencies a week around London so I was really busy around the circuit and then it was like, “right, I’m doing that thing that I love to do, I’m making money from it, how can I take it to the next level?” That’s what I started to focus on music production and started to release my own music and that’s how eventually – I mean it took awhile so fast forward another 10 years when I got my first hit record, that’s when it really took off to another level.

AM: How do you define your sound?

JC: My sound has changed over the years to be honest with you. It’s kind of been like a progression as I have been through the journey of my love of dance music. But I would say that the sound that people know me from for my productions from my first hit records would be commercial piano house, feel good vibes – you know, my records, I think that they have really defined my career so far, tracks like Head & Heart, BED, Lonely, Sorry – they’re all kind of piano house. Just really uplifting, feel good vibe records that have sort of connected with people, tracks that you want to hear on the dance floor and also tracks that sort of hit you in the feels as well. It’s that nice balance that are records that you want to dance to and also those that you want to put in your car when you’re driving alone and to have an emotional connection with.

AM: I love listening to it when I’m spinning.

JC: A lot of people actually use my records and my tracks for gym playlists. I get that all the time, but I love that, because I’m really into my gym stuff as well! So I’m glad that my tunes are helping people like get those extra reps or cycle those extra miles.

AM: What is your process in terms of when you’re creating music? Are there certain things that you focus on first?

JC: I’d say that there are 2 different ways that the creative process works. The 1st way would be that I’m in my studio and we have a songwriter or an artist come in for the day, we’ll just start with some basic chords going, some loops going, and I’ll just be vibing with the artists or the songwriter and a kind of an idea will come out of nothing. You’re kind of really starting from scratch and I love working that way, it’s so much fun!

Another way things happen is that I get sent a lot of music, so I get sent acappellas or song ideas or demos and if there is something that I hear in it that I really like, then I will take that and develop it myself. So then, I already have a starting point there. So there are 2 different ways really – and I love being in the studio though and sort of being there from the birth of an idea which is always great!

AM: Where do you get your inspiration from?

JC: I feel like I get my inspiration from the dance floor because I’m DJing so much. I’m always on tour and I’m always playing in front of crowds and I guess, taking crowds from a journey, trying to create those moments on a dance floor. So when it comes to my own music, I’m trying to make those records that people are going to dance to and have a great time to, you know? Being a DJ, it’s kind of staying ahead of the game of the trends that are going to work on the dance floor and kind of being on the pulse of those sort of things.

AM: Well, your remixes have included a number of amazing people from Tïesto, Charlie XCX, Elton John, Saweetie – how do you work on that when you’re working with material that already exists that you have the opportunity to present it in another way?

JC: As a DJ, I guess I have been remixing things since I was a teenager. I just use to make edits and mash ups and stuff like that. Crazy mad edits for my sets and remixing and creating my own versions of records is just an important part of DJing and it’s something that I have always done. It’s a way of me putting my own spin on something. So when I play it in my own sets, it’s right for my sound and how I envision that record and I love remixing! So, when I get asked to do a big remix with a big artist like Ed Sheeran, Tïesto – you know it’s such a pleasure to do those things. I’ll listen to the original record and I’ll just think, “what can I add to this to make it different and also to make it fit in with my sound?” Yeah, it just kind of naturally happens when I just hear something, I just kind of get that vision for it straight away and I go from there!

AM: Do you have artists on your bucket list that you would like to work with or do their remixes that you have yet to do?

JC: Well I just mentioned 2 and every time I get asked this question, I always say Ed Sheeran would be my dream collaboration because I am a huge fan of his. He did Bad Habits last year, which is kind of a dance record which I remixed, but I still don’t think that Ed has done a full on dance banger yet. I would love to do that with him! Ed Sheeran would definitely be someone that I would love to work with in the future as a dream! He’s the biggest pop star in the world! You just mentioned Tïesto, I have remixed with Tïesto, but I haven’t collaborated with him yet. But we’re really good friends and I actually played with him in Ibiza last week and I supported him in Ushuaïa and we have already talked about doing a record together so it’s just the timing that needs to be right and the record needs to be right. But I'm sure that that will happen in the future. He's a great guy and a great inspiration to me!

AM: I love his music and remember the first time I saw him was back in 2007 here in NY at the Limelight – he was amazing!

JC: Of yeah, he’s a G man!

AM: Absolutely!

You have your debut album coming out Another Friday Night, dropping Oct 6th. I love OUT OUT, 0800 Heaven, Head & Heart. Tell us about this album and what are you excited about it?

JC: The album is literally what I have been building towards for the last 4 or 5 years of my life. The album is going to have all of the records that you just mentioned on there, all of the hits from over the years, plus my new music like 0800 Heaven that you mentioned and my new single that comes out in a few hours (Aug 25th), Drinkin’ with Rita Ora and MK. It’s also got another 3 new tracks that are on there as well that will come out when the album comes out. So yeah, it’s going to have all the hits that people love, plus my new music, and I’m just really proud of this body of work that’s kind of been my life for the last 5 years. Coming together in one playlist of bangers!

AM: It’s amazing. Like you said, Drinkin’ is out in a few hours with you, Rita Ora and also MK, how did this come about? You performed it live last week in Ibiza at Ibiza Rocks. It’s such a fun song, I’ve played it at least 20 times today!

“I feel like I get my inspiration from the dance floor because I’m DJing so much. I’m always on tour and I’m always playing in front of crowds and I guess taking crowds from a journey, trying to create those moments on a dance floor. So when it comes to my own music, I’m trying to make those records that people are going to dance to and have a great time to, you know? Being a DJ, it’s king of staying ahead of the game of the trends that are going to work on the dance floor and kind of being on the pulse of those sort of things.”

— Joel Corry

JC: Aww thank you, thank you! Drinkin’ actually samples a Chance the Rapper record called All Night which is a banger! I started on this record about a year ago. When I flipped the sample and put that chorus over a house beat, it just sounded so sick for the pianos behind it and I was like, “oh my God, this just really works!”

At that point, it was very much a demo and we wrote like the verses and the pre chorus for it and kind of made this really cool sounding demo.

Me and MK had been chatting about doing a record together for ages and I’m a big fan of MK of course you know, he’s a legend in the game. I was like, “this tune sounds like an MK track.” So I sent it to him and I was like, "bro, what do you think of this?" He hit me back he said he loved it! He loved the sample, he loved the vibe of it, and I sent him my parts that I had done so far and then he did his work on it and then sent it back to me. What he added to it was sick and I was like, “yeah, this is kind of what I envisioned!” Then I was like, “right, now I need to get a vocalist on it.”

When I listened to the track, it just felt like a Rita Ora banger and me and Rita have been chatting for years actually. We had been mates and had worked together on other bits that didn’t quite materialize, but we both really wanted to do a track together. So I texted her and I said, “Rita, I think that I’ve got the one!” I sent it to her and straight away she said, “that’s me, I love it – let’s do it!” At the time, I remember when I texted her, I think that she was in India and then she had to fly to NY and she was like, “I’m going to fit in a day to get this recorded.” Then she ended up flying to London and she got into the studio Sun day afternoon and got the whole thing done. You know what? Fair play to Rita - I respect her so much. Her when you mentioned that we performed in Ibiza Rocks last week, she was on holiday and she took the whole day out of her holiday to do that with me. I love her for that and I’m so excited to be doing this record with her and MK. It’s a great feeling!

AM: That’s amazing!

Clearly, you’ve had a busy summer! All of your performances – you were just here in NY headlining at the Brooklyn Mirage which is awesome. What are some of your favorite cities to do your performances in?

JC: NY is definitely up there! I love NY, NY has always been a great spot for me over the last 3 years. I remember that my first headline show in Webster Hall sold out, then I did the Great Hall last year, I did Brooklyn Mirage this year. So every year, I have sort of stepped it up. The NY crowd always comes out for me. I absolutely love it.

I love Miami, Miami is such a good vibe. I feel that if I lived in America, that’s where I would choose to live. It’s just a bit of me. I love the outdoors, the sort of gym lifestyle as well, the good weather, and the clubs and the vibe. Dance music is just thriving in Miami.

Of course, I have to shout out Ibiza, where I am right now! This is like my second home, it’s a magical island and this place is just different man. It’s just something is special in the air here and I pray that I have a residency here in Ibiza when I’m past 80 years old!

So yeah, Ibiza, Miami, and NY. I love Australia – Australia is always a good time when I go out there on tour in Sydney and Melbourne. Last year, I did Japan for NYE in Tokyo which was a really good experience. So there’s a few good spots that I love.

AM: Next month you’re headlining at London’s iconic Ministry of Sound. How excited are you for this show?

JC: Yeah I’m so excited! I mean, obviously, I’m from London – that’s my home city. I haven’t had a headline show in London in over 2 years. The last one was Printworks back in 2021. It’s a big deal for me! Headlining a show in my own city and then in an iconic club like Ministry of Sound – this is a legendary club. I used to go there as a raver when I was 18 and I remember going to the Defected Records Raves there. So going back there and headlining my own show is so special. It’s also the week before my album comes out so a lot of friends are going to come, family, a lot of people from my label, and people from my label, and people that have worked on my projects over the last few years. I have invited everybody so it’s not just a headline show, I feel like it’s a celebration as well so I’m really excited!

AM: Do you have a set of routines that you do before you perform? Things that you just have to do to get into that mindset?

JC: What I like to do is like, in the hours building up to the show, I always like to have a bit of peace with my laptop, look over my set, listen to music that I am going to be playing in the set and to have a think about what the crowd might be like, how I think that the set is going to go and to just get into that mindset of mental preparation for the set. To get that clarity in my head, I need to be on my own for that and just with my music. When I feel like I’m prepared and I have my USBs loaded up, I get fresh – have a shower, do my hair, put on a twin set -

AM: King Twin Set!

JC: Haha you know that already! They call me the Twin Set King! I get to the show and maybe have a little bit of tequila and then I’m ready to go!

AM: Once the show is over, do you do anything to come down from all of that energy?

JC: I always like having a bubble bath watching some YouTube and maybe a bit of Gordon Ramsay or something – ha! It’s a bit weird I know! But I just feel like, after a show when you need to be able to go to bed, it’s kind of hard to switch off sometimes so you have to do just really normal things. Whether that's having a bath or putting something on on YouTube to just try to separate your mind from all of the madness that just happened and to get back to a normal level again!

AM: Absolutely!

Once again, you have so much going on that is so amazing to see. From the residencies in Ibiza, Tao Hospitality, what are some big upcoming projects besides the album coming out and obviously the Ministry of Sound that we should keep an eye out for?

JC: I guess aside from that, it would just be my touring. I’m back in America quite a lot between now and the end of the year. I’m also about to announce a big tour in Australia. I haven’t been to Australia since the start of 2021. So it’s going to be great to go back down under and also I have some more Asia dates coming up. I mean, I played in Tokyo for NYE, but that’s the only day that I have ever done in Asia so I’m going back to Tokyo and adding a few more in there as well. So between now and the end of the year, it’s like non-stop touring, we have the album coming out, it’s just going to be go go go go go and then I think in Jan, I might have a little week off – ha!

AM: Obviously at Athleisure Mag, we love fitness and you’re like a fitness king as well as you were a body builder before. How did you get into that and why did you want to do that?

JC: So going back to when I was a teenager, I was telling you about when I got my decks and I was DJing in my bedroom, I was also going to the gym a lot. They were my 2 hobbies. If I wasn’t on my decks tearing the house down with my mom screaming to turn the music off, I was down at the gym on the bench press lifting weights trying to get a 6-pack.

I just think that the gym became a hobby and I used to play football a lot. But then I started going to the gym and that became how my sort of love for fitness grew! It just slowly became more and more and more, when I started to see the results from training and I was becoming 18/19 years old, I really started seeing the results coming through, I just got hooked on it. I kind of I guess got obsessed with it as well. But I took it to another level. I wondered how I could take this thing that I loved and go a step further and it was like, I want to go on stage and compete. It was just something inside me saying that this was a box that I wanted to be able to tick off. I wanted to see how far I could push this thing that I loved doing. So in my early 20’s I was competing in male physique competitions. I did that for about 3 years and I did really well in them. I won quite a few of them. I won the Miami Pro, I won the Pure Elite Competition, I got a Pro Card in WBFF so I was really doing it seriously and getting into crazy condition for those shows. It got to a point where I was like, the music is going to be my career so I kind of had to put that competing on the back burner to really focus on the music. Because the thing with the body building and the competitions is that you have to be 100% all in and it’s so much commitment, dedication, and focus to do those competitions, that I didn’t have the capacity to then focus as much on the music. I had to make a decision where I said, “the music is my future, that’s my dream, that’s what I really want to do. I love to do the fitness thing, but I need to reign it in a bit,” and to enjoy it as a hobby and to focus on the music. I also felt like that I had completed what I wanted to do in fitness. I had won the competitions, I had done the cover of Muscle & Fitness Magazine, and I just thought that this is it now. I had done that and now let's focus back on music. But, it still remains a big part of my life. I still go to the gym everyday and it's more so the mental benefit now and the physical just helps me keep on point and keeps me feeling good while I’m touring.

“[After a show] “I always like having a bubble bath watching some YouTube and maybe a bit of Gordon Ramsay or something - ha! It’s a bit weird I know! But I just feel like, after a show when you need to be able to go to bed, it’s kind of hard to switch off...”

— Joel Corry

AM: What are 3 workouts for your abs that we should think about putting into our routines?

JC: So my favorite ab exercise is the hanging leg raise where you kind of hang up on a bar and you just lift your legs up and down. It’s the hardest one, but it’s definitely the best one. You can also kind of add a variation there by twisting your legs and really sort of hitting the obliques. So that has always been my favorite ab exercise. Also doing – you know when you have a bench and you lie down flat on it and then you put the dumbbell between your legs and you raise your legs up and down? I find that that one really hits your sort of lower abs because that’s always the hardest bit to get that bottom bit! That definitely targets that! What else do I do for my abs that I think is really good? Obviously, you’ve got your sit-ups and sort of decline crunches that you can mix that up by using a ball so you can come up further and then to be able to come down. So those are probably my top 3 ab workouts.

But you know what I would say is that definitely, to sort of get your abs to really start popping, it’s true what they say about abs being made in the kitchen – because they are! You can do all of the exercises that you want, but you have to get the diet on lock if you want to get the 6-pack.

AM: We mentioned before that you’re the Twin Set King, where does that come from that you love twin sets?

JC: I know, it’s an addiction – a twin set addiction! I love them! It’s easy! I mean, for boys, we sometimes don’t know what to wear! So if you get a twin set, you’ve got the bottom bit and the top bit! It matches and then it’s job done and you put a pair of trainers on and you know, when I’m touring around in the summer, it’s so hot a lot of the places that I go to. You can’t really wear trousers because it’s so hot so you need to wear a pair of shorts and if you have the top that matches, it's easy! It's become my thing as well isn't it?

AM: Oh yeah, when I was scrolling through your IG, I thought, “this man loves some twin sets.”

You do travel so much, what are 3 things that you always travel with?

JC: My Dyson hair dryer, so good!

AM: Love it!

JC: Obviously my headphones and my USB sticks – very, very important as a DJ and one other thing that I travel around with is a neck pillow! It’s an essential for the flights! Especially the sort of short flights where you’re sitting kind of like this for 3 hours – this is needed!

AM: How do you take time for yourself? Being so busy, how do you make sure that you get the reset that you need?

JC: Do you know what? That’s probably something that I need to work more on. There’s not really a lot of time to myself, but I think that with what I do, I’m kind of 100% all in on it. It’s my hobby, it’s my passion, and there’s not any work separation where it’s like, ok work is over for the day, I’m going to over and chill out. It never stops, it's around the clock, there's always something to do and I just feel like that in this industry, with what I want to do and where I want to get to, I really believe that what I put into it is what I am going to get out of it. I’ve learned that over the years. I’m always scared of taking my foot up off of the gas. I just feel like everyday that I need to be as productive as possible and keep going. I actually feel guilty inside if I have time off. I always feel like I should be working to try to get to that next step. So that’s probably something that I need to work on. My mom is always like, “Joel, you need to take holiday, you need to take a day off.” But I find that hard. I think that when you find something that you love to do, it’s not work, it’s just life! I enjoy it!

“I know, it’s an addiction - a twin set addiction! I love them! It’s easy! I mean, for boys, we sometimes don’t know what to wear! So if you get a twin set, you’ve got the bottom bit and the top bit! It matches and then it’s job done and you put a pair of trainers on ... It’s become my thing as well isn’t it?”

— Joel Corry

AM: What do you want your legacy to be in this industry?

JC: Oh, that’s a big question man! I guess I want to be able to look back and to be honest, I have already been able to achieve my dreams of having hit records, touring the world, and I just want to be able to keep it going and to take it as far as I can and I guess when I look back over the years, I want to be able to have these big moments with these big records records that really connected with people and made a difference in people’s lives.

There are certain records that I have released over the years and I get messages still to this day, like, this record meant so much to me, it came out at a time when I needed it, and I connected with it. When I read these messages, forget about chart positions or like statistics, to know that like the music that I worked on is connected to people and brought happiness to them means so much to me. I want to keep doing that for years and years and years! Then I can look back on all of these records that had special moments. I want to tour the world and I already am, but there are certain places that I have never been. I’ve never been to South America before, there’s so many places as well just starting to really being able to go into Asia, there’s still places in America that I haven’t been able to be in and states that I haven’t played in. I guess I want to be able to look back and be like, I toured the world, played at some of the biggest festivals, had these huge moments in front of massive crowds, played all of these records that I put my heart and soul into working on – I guess that kind of is the legacy isn’t it? It’s having that big career! When I think of some of my idols like Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and Tïesto – like we mentioned, when you look at their careers, it’s just years and years and years of doing it and big records and big moments and that’s just what I want!

“Oh that’s a big question man! I guess I want to be able to look back and to be honest, I have already been able to achieve my dreams of having hit records, touring the world, and I just want to be able to keep it going and to take it as far as I can ... have these big moments with these big records that really connected with people and make a difference in people’s lives.

I want to be able to look back and be like, I toured the world, played at some of the biggest festivals, had these huge moments in front of massive crowds, played all of these records that I put my heart and soul into working on ... it’s just years and years and years of doing it and big records and big moments and that’s just what I want!”

— Joel Corry

IG @joelcorry

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Front Cover, Back Cover, PG 36, 39 + PG 42 63MIX ROUTIN3S Courtesy of Joel Corry | PG 16, 20 - 35, 40, 63MIX ROUTIN3S PG42 + 9PLAYLIST PG 122 Ibiza Rocks/Gabriel Vazquez | PG 19 USHUAÏA IBIZA |

Read the AUG ISSUE #92 of Athleisure Mag and see DROPPING BANGERS | Joel Corry in mag.

63MIX ROUTIN3S | FERRY CORSTEN

Read the AUG ISSUE #92 of Athleisure Mag and see 63MIX ROUTIN3S | Ferry Corsten in mag.

9PLAYLIST | JOEL CORRY

Read the AUG ISSUE #92 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | Joel Corry in mag.