Get to know: Kay Wagner

In the heart of Frankfurt, where the pulsating beats of electronic music reverberate through the streets, Kay Wagner's journey began. Growing up in a city synonymous with techno, Kay's understanding and appreciation of the genre were shaped by the vibrant local scene. "From a very young age, I was exposed to the electronic music scene through my grandmother listening to music on the radio," he recalls. "It became an obsession for me to learn how to make these sounds and understand them."

Immersed in the throbbing nightlife of Frankfurt, Kay's connection to the local scene became crucial for his artistic development as a DJ and producer. "Going to clubs, I would really focus on each bassline and try to do research," he shares. "It was amazing looking back now, seeing how those early experiences laid the foundation for my musical journey."

Kay's sound is a testament to his eclectic influences and relentless experimentation. Seamlessly blending elements of driving progressive acid techno and melodic peak-time beats, his tracks are a reflection of his dynamic approach to music. "I found myself caught into hard techno at first, but as I dove deeper into the realm, the driving peak time and high-energy techno started to sound more interesting by the day," he explains.

Among his repertoire, "Wanted" stands as a shining example of Kay's creative prowess. The track, which unexpectedly soared to the top of Beatport's techno chart, is a raw reflection of his personal struggles and triumphs. "This track reflects a dark period in my life coming out of illness and trying to find my identity again," Kay shares. "It was a frustrating process, but the result was beyond my wildest expectations."

A Cancer survivor, Kay understands that life is too short to not live it to the fullest. About this he reflects:

Being the toughest challenge I have faced in my life, I learnt to reflect on the positive things I learnt from it, life is just too short to be stuck in a place where you are not happy and not chasing your dreams, When I’m in the studio or on the stage. I’m reflecting on how can I put a smile on someone's face, impact their day with positivity because you just never know what people are going through but you can always choose your impact on them through music and connection, having almost 6 years of such a deadly battle, I used the time to study, reflect, learn more about music and production (You can say music got me through this). I’m hoping that one day I can have my music impact someone with such depth.

As Kay prepares for his upcoming international tour across South America, meticulous preparation is key. "Preparation is key for everything I do," he asserts. "From meditation and physical exercise to researching new sounds, each set is a unique journey, tailored to the energy of the crowd."

Reflecting on his career, Kay recounts a particularly memorable moment that shaped him as an artist. "My most memorable moment had to be when my brother brought my grandmother to watch my third-ever performance back in Frankfurt," he recalls. "Seeing her happy and dancing brought shivers down my spine—it was clear that I'm meant to make people happy with music."

With his tracks featured in sets at major festivals like Awakenings and Time Warp, Kay describes the exhilarating feeling of hearing his music resonate with thousands of enthusiastic fans. "It's incredible," he exclaims. "It's a huge motivation to reflect on when you are frustrated in the studio trying to create something beautiful."

Looking ahead, Kay's aspirations extend far beyond accolades and acclaim. "My dream is to perform on the biggest stages in the world next to the biggest names in the music industry," he declares. "No shortcuts, just hard work and persistence with my amazing Berlin Records team—that's how I plan to achieve my goals."

Balancing his artistic pursuits with other aspects of life is no easy feat, but Kay embraces the challenge with grace and determination. "It's difficult to manage it all, but I love what I do," he shares. "Having people in my life that understand and support me through it makes all the difference."

As Kay Wagner continues to carve his path in the electronic music scene, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere. With each beat, each performance, he reaffirms his commitment to the transformative power of music—a force that transcends boundaries and unites souls in a shared rhythm of life.