Kaeno talks main influences, debut album ‘Nefarious Things’ and more: Interview

Opening up on a vast array of subjects, acclaimed DJ, producer and creative director Kaeno provides us with a glimpse into his career through this exclusive interview.

Enhancing his status on the constant, Kaeno is the true embodiment of an artist that has dedicated his life to mastering the craft he is so passionate about. Blessing us all with his endless musical capabilities, this acclaimed DJ, producer and creative director is more than set on leaving his own mark within our community, and if each of his projects are anything to go by, this truly is an act that should be on anyone’s radar. A true music pioneer, with over two decades of experience, we could not be any happier to be joined by Kaeno himself, as he talks main inspirations and influences, the origin of his style of play, releasing his debut full artist album ‘Nefarious Things,’ future plans and so much more.

Hello and thank you for joining us! Could you provide us with an insight on the main inspirations/influences that led to your chosen career pathway in music?

“Music entered my life long before I understood what it meant to create. At around ten years old, my father taught me how to clean vinyl, drop the needle properly, and respect the sound, how not to overload an amp or distort the EQ. I wasn’t thinking about careers back then; I was mesmerized by the ritual, the mechanics, the feeling of sound moving through a room. That fascination deepened as I watched DJs mix, scratch, and blend records seamlessly. From DMC battles to early exposure to techno and trance through CDs like Gatecrasher and Paul Oakenfold’s Live from Cream, those moments shaped me. Building the stage for Oakenfold when he opened for U2 during the Pop Mart Tour in Miami was another defining moment; it felt like stepping inside the world I had only imagined. Artwork played just as vital a role. Album covers, rave flyers passed around in high school, those visuals told stories before a single beat dropped. You might forget a track title, but the image of a record sleeve stays burned into your memory. That’s when I knew: I didn’t just want to listen to this culture; I wanted to be part of it.”

With versatility a key aspect in the dance scene, we would like to know the origin of your style of play, and how it has evolved over time?

“My style was born from contrast. Growing up in Miami in the ’90s, I was surrounded by Miami bass and breaks, UK high-energy house, Detroit techno, and hard German trance. Record shops were classrooms, and each genre left an imprint. Over time, those influences fused into something more personal, driving techno foundations layered with deep chords, hypnotic rhythms, and emotive melodic movement. Whether I’m designing visuals or building a set, I approach everything as a storyteller. My music isn’t about genre boundaries; it’s about guiding the listener through a psychological and emotional journey.”

Delivering raw, unfiltered live sets, could you talk us through the preparation process behind each of your shows?

“Preparation starts with listening, not to tracks, but to context. I research the city, its history, who’s played there, and what the local scene is craving. I never walk into a set with a fixed plan. Energy dictates everything. For many people, it may be their first time hearing me. I want to grab them immediately, through rhythm, tension, and psychological response. Vocals that force introspection. Patterns that trigger memory. Kicks and bass you don’t just hear, but feel in your bones. Whether it’s a 60-minute slot or an open-to-close set, you’ll experience a story. I want to shock the senses, disrupt comfort, and leave people questioning what they just felt, and why.”

Blessing us all with your album, ‘Nefarious Things,’ we would like to know the main thought process behind this body of work, and the overall message it conveys?

“‘Nefarious Things’ is my life, translated into sound. It’s a story shaped by fear, rejection, and silence, by moments where thoughts, ideas, and emotions were dismissed or unheard. This album is for anyone who has carried unspoken conflict, who has traveled hard roads filled with loss and self-doubt, yet still found the courage to speak. It challenges limitations, genre labels, industry boxes, and social expectations. Electronic music isn’t a trend. It’s culture. It’s a way of life shared by people who feel deeply, think critically, and refuse to be muted. This album is my way of reminding both listeners and the industry of that truth.”

Fusing techno and emotive trance throughout the album, could you talk us through the choice of these genres, and how impactful they have been for your career thus far?

“Techno has always been my foundation, the driving kicks, the grit, the hypnotic percussion that pulls you in layer by layer. It’s physical, raw, and relentless. Trance, on the other hand, is emotional memory. It’s melodies and lyrics that ask uncomfortable questions, lift you upward, or drag you into reflection. I miss when trance vocals meant
something, when they grabbed hold of your entire being. Fusing these two worlds felt natural. It’s the balance between machine and emotion, between control and surrender. That tension defines who I am as an artist.”

Collaborating with various acts on this immersive body of work, we would like to know the overall feel of working with each, as well as how rewarding such experiences can be?

“Every collaborator brought a new dimension. Working with Derek Ryan, Hiwater, Sean Truby, Nite Mrkt, and the vocalists, and consulting with writers like Emma Gale (Kirkbride) and Christine Ekeberg, pushed the project beyond comfort zones. There was no formula. No rules. The album unfolds like techno itself, progressive, hypnotic, and immersive. It’s fueled by darkness and pain, but moments of light flicker through the shadows.
Those contrasts are what pull you in and refuse to let go.”

With 2026 now in full flow, could you provide us with any hints of what the future holds for Kaeno within the dance scene?

“I’m currently finalizing my record label, opening doors for artists who are challenging narratives and redefining electronic music from the inside out. At the same time, I’m preparing a new project for 2026 under my real name: DE:ON, short for DE-constructed. It’s a concept I’ve been developing for over four years, rooted in foundational
techno and built live, layer by layer, into a continuous cinematic journey. Tracks like Overtown, Liberty City, and Carol City laid the groundwork. The goal now is to bring this deconstructed, evolving soundscape fully to life on stage. 2026 is about immersion, intention, and rebuilding from the core.”

Remarkable to say the least, we will most certainly be keeping a close eye on Kaeno and all his future endeavours within the dance scene, but for the time being, you can stay fully up to date by following him on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify!