In the early 2000s, Ampuero, a Cantabria town, hosted a memorable moment when a 16-year-old performer graced a renowned nightclub. The scene captured youth, style, and a forbidden-to-pierce edge, with white sweatpants, wide shirts, and a midriff showing. The atmosphere hinted at a music history in formation.
“Castles in the Sky”, “Let the Light Shine”, “Promise”, “Kiss”, and “Désenchantée” were among the era-defining tracks that moved between bright spotlights and purple hues. Fast forward to 2022, and the music world has a new constant: José Luis Garaña de los Cobos, known globally as Dj Nano, who has kept the decks hot around the world for two decades.
The artist, seated in a boardroom wearing a hat, jeans, and a frock coat, reflects on the impact of electronic music. He remembers discovering at sixteen that the voices on records could move him deeply. This December, at Ifema in Madrid, Oro Viejo—the brand honoring the history of electronic music—will stage a show titled ‘Cuento de Navidad’ to celebrate twenty years of the project. The production promises a grand display with 500 square meters of transparent LED screens and 3D holographic-like visuals enveloping the performer. The event aims to fuse timeless musical moments with a storytelling spectacle inspired by Charles Dickens, a concept that has drawn anticipation across generations.
“I’ve been at this for twenty years, and the show keeps growing into a beast,” the DJ notes. The production is described as a visual feast, combining advanced technology with a high-caliber show that transcends a simple music performance. Ticket demand reflects broad appeal, with two dates nearly sold out at press time. The 45-year-old DJ Nano has toured globally, building a career around sounds that resonate with audiences everywhere. He explains that the passion endures, even as life evolves and audiences crave a sense of celebration after difficult times. The Oro Viejo event remains highly anticipated, a beacon for fans of electronic music across ages.
Some thirty minutes of reflection follow: a space of almost cinematic length where the stage becomes a corridor for memories and future promises. The story extends beyond the stage arc and into a broader cultural conversation about how electronic music sits within society, in films, in advertisements, and in collaborations with artists from a wide spectrum of genres. The narrative is one of movement, not stagnation, with the genre embedding itself in mainstream culture and in the lives of everyday listeners.
“I’ve performed for more than twenty years, and the party has grown into something formidable,” the artist observes. The show is built around a dialogue between music and imagery, inviting spectators to watch history unfold through sound and light, while a cutting-edge production framework showcases never-before-seen technology. Although the recent run has attracted strong interest, the artist remains grounded, noting that the true measure of success is the experience listeners carry home with them. This sense of momentum continues to define the project as it moves through different venues and seasons.
In a broader sense, the narrative acknowledges life beyond the stage. Dj Nano discusses balancing touring with family life, emphasizing that personal priorities can shape professional choices. He recalls touring internationally as a turning point that offered new perspectives on time management and family responsibilities. The perspective informs a philosophy of sustainability in a demanding career, focusing on quality experiences over sheer volume. While he has enjoyed moments of busy schedules, he remains committed to the balance that keeps him inspired and connected to those who share his life off the stage. The conversation underlines how a music career can coexist with family commitments when the right choices are made.
When asked about the relationship between music and politics, the DJ offers a candid view. He notes that melodies cannot be shaped by political agendas, and he expresses frustration with modern political divides. He emphasizes that musical experiences should be a source of unity rather than division, a sentiment that resonates with many fans who seek a sense of community through live events. He also clarifies that he does not perform for political campaigns, preferring to engage with audiences through city-focused projects or neighborhood initiatives rather than political platforms. The emphasis remains on music as a shared experience that can bridge differences.
Unlike myths that paint electronic music as a constant for drugs or excess, the narrative champions a broader view. The dynamic scene draws people of all ages, from early twenties to seniors, to celebrate life with enthusiasm and responsibility. The story points to a history where electronic music sits at the core of cultural expression, appearing in films, advertising, and collaborations with notable artists across genres. The focus remains on the music, the production, and the shared joy of listening and dancing together.
The artist’s voice on drugs and prejudice remains measured. He emphasizes the importance of intuition and discipline in drawing out a melody, while acknowledging the influence of mood on creative output. He describes his process as producing bases and melodies rather than chasing emotional states, and he notes that the mood of a period can seep into the music, influencing the rhythm without dictating it. The pursuit is always balanced by a thoughtful approach to composition.
Do emotions help shape melodies?
Not in a direct way. The work has a distinctive melodic voice. Ideas emerge as bases and tunes take shape. Mood can color a project, especially after challenging times, but the rhythm itself is crafted with intention rather than as a reaction to feeling alone.