In Tune with Toni Varga: The Rhythm Whisperer
For those of you who live and breathe the groove and the funk, who've danced under a glistening disco ball, who’ve felt the magical island of Ibiza’s energy, and who've felt the liveliness of elrow, dive into the world of Toni Varga. With two decades of spinning records and igniting dance floors, Varga has established himself as a reputable name in the tech house scene, becoming an integral member of the elrow family and a staple at Amnesia Ibiza.
Celebrated for his spunky and magnetic sets and recognized by national magazine DJ MAG ES and Vicious Magazine, as a revelation DJ, Varga's journey from the heart of Galicia to the global stages is admirable. His presence at renowned festivals like Creamfields, Monegros, Glastonbury, BPM Festival, coupled with his acclaimed releases on labels like elrow Music, MUSE, and VIVa Music, really show his chops in the music industry.
How did your journey in the music scene begin, and what drew you to tech house specifically?
I started playing back in 2003 and soon moved to Ibiza, where the dominant styles were house and tech house. This influenced me a lot, and from the beginning, I have always played the same style.
What has been the most impactful experience in your career while playing at venues like La Diosa, Space, and Ushuaia?
Having the chance to do the closing set for Elrow at Ushuaia in front of 9,000 people was unforgettable. I will remember this day forever.
How do you approach the creative process when producing new tracks?
Basically, I need to feel inspired and have a clear idea in mind. If I don't feel that way, I prefer to work on the technical aspects of tracks already started. To create something new, I need to feel connected and inspired.
What was it like being a resident DJ at Amnesia Ibiza, and how has it influenced your music?
Working in a club like Amnesia, which I consider the best in the world, gives you the opportunity to nourish yourself and learn from many different styles of music since every day is a different event. I really learned a lot there and it changed my career.
With over 50 releases, which track or album do you feel most personally connected to and why?
Possibly my best work to date has been my EP on Josh Butler's label Origin. The track "Just Be" on side A is my favorite song.
What's the story behind your first ever DJ set, and how do you feel you've evolved since then?
My first DJ set in front of people was at a private party with friends, only 50 people, but I will always remember this first time. The best decision in my life was to become a DJ. I really love my job.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of touring and producing?
Honestly, it's not easy, but whenever I have time for myself and stay at home, I try to lead a normal and healthy life. I go to the gym, eat healthy food, relax, and sleep well – things that you can't do when you're touring.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Jamie Jones is my favorite artist. He's also a friend and an amazing person, and an inspiration for me. It would be amazing to do a collaboration with him one day.
What's one country or city you haven't performed in yet but would love to?
I've never played in New Zealand, for example. I would like to perform there one day; I've heard really good things about the parties there.
Outside of music, what are your passions or hobbies?
I like to watch football, go to the gym, and do snowboarding.
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
Without a doubt, teleportation, haha. It would be amazing for work and to avoid airports.
What's the most surprising source of inspiration you've found in your career?
Probably when I met the Arnau family (Elrow owners). They are an example and inspiration for everyone.
Finally, if you weren't a DJ/producer, what alternate career path do you think you might have pursued?
Wow, difficult question because I've been doing this all my life. I never thought about other paths, but when I was a child, I wanted to be a football player one day.