David Puentez shares winning formula, new music, perspective on DJing and more | Interview

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David Puentez has made serious waves on the release front throughout 2020, and his latest offering comes in the form of "Banana". The recent Warner Music signing has enjoyed a great start to life with his new label, dropping "LaLaLife" on the imprint and amassing over 7 million streams on Spotify alone in the process, and most recently released "I’m Gone". His early successes with Warner follow previous hits such as "Superstar" alongside Albert Neve, which has clocked up an impressive 25 million streams since its release back in April. 
 
The reverb-laden vocal is present from the start of "Banana", pulling itself to the fore as the hats do the same, building the tension in anticipation of the beat dropping. The ensuing kick and round, slap house bassline combine to provide an unmistakably danceable groove, as the vocal and rhythm strike a perfect balance between club and crossover appeal.
 
Having provided his signature sound to remixes for artists such as Post Malone, Tiësto, Rita Ora and Jonas Blue, combined with his steady output of exciting original material David Puentez is an artist on the rise – as his base of 2 million+ monthly listeners demonstrates. Now, with his new single "Banana" the Cologne-based artist puts a marker in the sand with what is set to be one of his biggest releases to date as he continues to refine his craft and his vision of future house.
 
As for why the song is called "Banana", well David Puentez says: ’Banana’ is allegorical for an escape into a world where you can be however you want to be. Free and happy. The Cologne-based DJ/producer adds, I think we’re all caught up in a daily grind and now more than ever, it’s important to unwind sometimes and not take yourself too seriously. Straight Banana!

Read our exclusive interview with David Puentez below!


Hi, David and a very warm welcome to DJ's Arena! Despite everything that’s going on in the world right now, how has 2020 been for you so far? What have you been doing during the COVID-19 lockdown?

Hey, thank you for the welcome!  2020 has been, music and career wise, one of my best years so far. I always try to stay positive and make the best out of this situation, meaning lot of new music and fun times on my Instagram channel.

I know you started DJing at age 15, for your friends, after a holiday in Ibiza. What was the moment that made you decide that you wanted to be involved in music professionally?

After my first real DJ gig back in the day, I had so much fun playing for people in a small club. They all have a really good time and for me it was pure pleasure and so much fun. This really sparked everything for me.

What were some of the main challenges and goals when starting out as a producer/DJ and how have they changed over time?

I would say to step the game up and to be recognized by the big names in the business. When you start off, you don’t have a huge fan base or a crowd that follows you and if you don’t have a record that 'goes off' it can take really long, but in the end it's worth investing the time and take steps slowly to grow organically.

Some of your inspirations include Daft Punk, Mark Knight, Swedish House Mafia, Tiësto, Tom Novy, classic and jazz music. What was it that drew you to your sound and what makes a David Puentez track unique in your own eyes?

Energetic drops, with a cool groove and fancy percussions! :D

Congrats on your new release “Banana” on Warner Music - what in particular did you want to share through this track?

Simply to 'go banana' for 2 minutes and just have a good time in these hard times. I hope It brings some escape for everyone!




You have worked on official remixes on many acts including Axwell Λ Ingrosso, Tiësto, Rita Ora, Jonas Blue, Post Malone, Galantis, Showtek, Daddy's Groove, HUGEL and Tujamo. What intrigues you enough to want to touch and work on a song?

Most of the names you mentioned were first bootlegs and turned out a few weeks later as official remixes. In general, I picked them, because I loved the original version and wanted to get my own signature on those remixes and play them out in my DJ sets which are than more clubby and less radio.


Throughout your career, you had releases on Axtone, Heldeep, Spinnin Records, Musical Freedom, and recently on Warner Music. What would you say was the tipping point that allowed you to start getting signed to big labels?

10000% my VIP Edits, like for example Kölsch – ‘Grey’ or Drake – ‘God's Plan’. These two brought me into the playlists of the biggest DJs around the globe and then opened many doors.


What was your first studio like? How has your setup evolved over the years? 

My first one was super shitty and simple with an old MacBook Pro, Logic Pro and a Beyerdynamik headphones. Right now: Nexus 3, Serum, dope speakers and Splice - a great tool to get fresh ideas.


What's different in your process of producing music when it's a remix versus your own track?

Remixes go a bit quicker for me, as you pick stems from a ready track and bring it into your own sound world. Originals take sometimes months, until I have a ready product to put out.


Let's say you have a gig tonight - what does your approach look like – from selecting the material and preparing for, opening and then building a set?

It stars always with a catchy Intro to set the vibe for the next 90 minutes and from there is goes off like a tiny journey, packed with some fancy mashups, edits, bootlegs until the end of my set with a classic tune, like ‘Sky & Sand’ from Paul Kalkbrenner. I always try to keep the set very surprising.


Before the pandemic, what was the last show that you performed at? If you could take the stage at any location around the world, where would it be?

I played a whole weekend in Poland before it all got cancelled. Ushuaia Ibiza and the Tomorrowland Mainstage would be my choices!


Producing or DJing - if you had to pick one, what would you choose and why? 

DJing, because there is no better feeling than being connected and united with the crowd for 90 minutes. #goosebumpsfeel


Favourite BPM:
126


Dream collaboration/b2b: Tiesto


Who do you think is an upcoming producer/DJ to watch out for? - Joel Corry

Musical guilty pleasure: 'Don't Stop Believin' - Journey


How would you end the sentence: In school I was...  pretty bad. :D


If you had a magic hand, what would you change about the industry?

Less hate, more love for the passion.


Are there any pieces of advice, or things that you wish you had known that you would like future generations to be aware of?

You attract the energy you put out.


Thank you for your time, David! We are coming towards the end of the year now, what you are you most looking forward to in 2021?

Thank you for the interview. I am looking forward that hopefully things get a bit more normal again!



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