GUDFELLA: The Recalibration

Kyle Domingo didn't take the straightforward path to Coachella. The Philippines-born, LA-based DJ and producer who records and performs as GUDFELLA spent time in the weeds of self-doubt before making a deliberate choice to put the music first and let everything else follow. That recalibration paid off.

With over 113 million streams, a debut EP in Galleria, and a breakout record in "Morning Coffee" that's been picked up by the likes of Michael Bibi, BLOND:ISH, Carlita, and Ahmed Spins, GUDFELLA has become one of the more interesting names moving through the house music space right now. Not because he set out to be, but because the music keeps landing.

We sat down with Kyle to talk about the mindset shift behind his rise, what makes "Morning Coffee" hit different on a proper sound system, the Cebuano dim sum he can never find in LA, and why he's convinced Apple needs to get it together.

You've gone from being a rising artist to playing stages like Coachella and Brooklyn Mirage. What's been the biggest shift in your mindset during that growth?

The biggest shift has just been confidence in my ability to make good music. I used to doubt myself quite a bit, especially during my struggle period. It took me to a point where I wasn't necessarily trying to focus on making music but rather, doing all the other things. The biggest change for me was putting good music back at the center of my project. Everything else with marketing and stuff followed.

"Morning Coffee" clearly struck a chord worldwide. What do you think made that track connect so strongly with both DJs and crowds?

I think the original song in itself is so hypnotizing in general. I wanted to be the one to take the vocal into a more dance environment. The feedback I've heard from fans is that the song hits ten times better live, getting played out of an incredible sound system. It's a huge vibe.

Your sound sits comfortably between underground credibility and wide appeal. How do you balance those two worlds when producing?

I don't really overthink it to be honest. I just try to make stuff I'd want to play and listen to myself. If it feels good in a club but also works outside of it, then I know I'm in the right place.

Growing up in the Philippines and now based in LA, how have those environments shaped your musical identity?

Well, I definitely would not be as good of a vocalist if I wasn't forced to do karaoke for my Titas by my parents, lol. Filipinos are very musical by nature, so there was lots of singing in our everyday lives — just singing along to the game shows on the Filipino channel, karaoke machine at family gatherings, long car rides.

Truthfully though, I have not been able to experience dance music in the Philippines yet. That is my next goal.

Collaborations like Bipolar Sunshine and Disco Lines show range. What do you look for in a collaborator before jumping into a track together?

If they're cool and nice and I enjoy their music. I really don't care for accolades.

Your debut EP Galleria helped establish your direction early on. Looking back, what did that project teach you about yourself as an artist?

The EP is really special to me. It was the first full body of work I put out as an artist. It honestly helped me find my sound, just having the space to explore across a full project instead of a single.

You've earned support from names like Michael Bibi and BLOND:ISH. Do you still remember the first time you heard one of them play your track? What was that moment like?

The first time I heard my track played I was in London on a writing trip. One of my friends FaceTimed me from Club Space while Carlita and Ahmed Spins were playing and my track came on. It was a super surreal moment. Honestly, it never gets old hearing people I respect play my music.

When you're in the studio, do you start with a feeling, a groove, or a specific idea? Does it change every time?

It changes every time. Sometimes I'll come in with an idea, or if I'm working with someone they'll bring something in and we just bounce ideas off each other.

What's more stressful: a packed Coachella set or your laptop freezing mid-production session?

A packed Coachella set is honestly just fun. A laptop freezing mid-session is way more annoying than anything. To be honest, myself and a bunch of my collaborators have been going through a bunch of laptop troubles lately. I don't know if there's something in the air, but Apple's gotta get it together.

If "Morning Coffee" had to be renamed after a different drink, what would it be and why?

I mean, I think the obvious answer would have to be espresso martini. It can still be considered a "morning coffee" if it's at the club at 4am.