MYKRIS has become a familiar name on the world’s biggest stages, from ULTRA and beyond. This season, his journey stretches through Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Australia, with major appearances at ADE in Amsterdam. Japan reunites him with Calvin Harris and Hardwell, while Korea places him alongside Steve Angello, Hardwell, and Gryffin. These shows highlight his global footprint at a moment when electronic music is more international than ever. Speaking exclusively with EDMNOMAD’s Editorial Head, Angelo De Guzman, MYKRIS shares his story:
“Living across different cultures has been a great influence on my music side. Each place brings its own unique vibe. Spain and USA, for instance, have a thriving electronic music scene and a fantastic pool of talent on different genres. That definitely shapes the joyful side of my sound. France, on the other hand, adds that layer of sophistication and diversity in a different way. So many cultures unite in France. I guess my versatile side and so my music and versatility playing is really a fusion of all these influences. It’s like having a global palette to create from. And as I always say you can find good music in any genre.”
As electronic music globalizes, MYKRIS’ career reflects that shift. He doesn’t only play worldwide. He also builds his sound from everywhere.
Ultra Miami: MYKRIS’ Family and Fire
Few festivals define an artist’s career like Ultra Miami, for MYKRIS, its Main Stage represents longevity, responsibility, and belonging.
“Definitely both. Ultra’s Miami Main Stage feels like coming home. It’s one of the best stages in the world (for me the best). Every year it’s like reuniting with family. There’s a real sense of unity between the artists, the crew, and the energy of the crowd that’s just unmatched. At the same time, it’s also a huge responsibility. You always have to reinvent yourself, bring something fresh, and deliver at the highest level. That balance between familiarity and reinvention is what makes it so special.”
Ultra has long served as electronic music’s pulse and for MYKRIS, the festival tests reinvention while reminding him of where everything began.
A Father’s Legacy
MYKRIS’ roots are deeply personal. His late father’s influence remains an anchor in his journey.
“I think music has always been in my genes, but growing up with such a strong musical influence made me truly fall in love with it. My father was not only a gifted singer, he was one of the most perseverant people I’ve ever known. His strength against adversity taught me resilience, and that ‘never take no for an answer’ spirit is something we both shared. Sadly, he passed away when I was only 12, but his legacy is alive in me every day. Everything I do, I hope makes him prouder and carries a piece of him forward.”
In an industry defined by reinvention, his father’s lesson of perseverance shapes how MYKRIS handles both opportunity and adversity, from Ultra to beyond.
Asia’s Magnetic Energy
This year MYKRIS returns to Japan and Korea, where audiences reflect something profoundly unique back to him.
“Asia is simply amazing. Each country has its own unique culture, but what connects them all is the deep love and passion for music. Japan will always have a special place in my heart, the culture, the respect, and the insane dedication of the fans is unlike anywhere else. China knows how to party, every city has its own character and energy. Korea has a strong love for music too, and I can’t forget the food there, which I absolutely love. Overall, Asia is one of the best places in the world to play. The energy, the passion, and the connection with the crowd are truly on another level, even though it feels different from country to country.”
Asia doesn’t just embrace global DJs. It amplifies them, creating unique moments city by city.
Balancing Energy and Emotion
MYKRIS doesn’t just balance sounds. He balances sides of himself.
“Offstage I’m actually a pretty calm and sometimes even shy person. But when I step on stage, it’s like another side of me comes alive, almost like stepping into a character that’s been waiting to break free. I love music that’s full of energy, the kind that makes people go crazy and feel something powerful. At the same time, melodies touch emotions in a way nothing else can. So for me, blending aggressive energy with melodic beauty creates the perfect balance. It’s about triggering joy, unity, and strong feelings. On stage, I see people from different countries, backgrounds, and cultures coming together as one and that’s really special, especially in a world that can feel so divided. That sense of unity and making people happy is what really drives me, and always will.”
Electronic music thrives on contrast. MYKRIS has turned that contrast into his strongest tool.
Unglamorous Truths with Icons
Success comes with surreal encounters, some deeply human.
“There are so many memories I’ll treasure forever. It’s always an honor to share the stage with people I grew up listening to and admiring. One that really stands out is meeting Avicii at Ultra Miami completely by chance, in the bathroom of all places (laughs)” MYKRIS says. “We ended up talking for a while and even took a picture together. For me, it was surreal that someone so talented and successful, an idol I truly looked up to was also so humble.“
And when it comes to legends like Guetta, Garrix, DJ Snake, Armin, or Carl Cox what can I say? They’re pioneers of the industry, artists I deeply admire for their music, energy, dedication and passion. To have the privilege of sharing the stage with them is something I never take for granted. They inspire me every day to push harder and give more of myself. Every show is different, every country has its own vibe, but what stays constant is that I always give my best on stage while keeping full respect for the artists who come before or after me.”
Moments like these show that admiration doesn’t fade with success. It grows deeper.
Spectacle and Intimacy
The debate between intimacy and spectacle in dance music never fades.
“I think the world evolves. In the past, dance music was all about intimacy, just the connection between the DJ and the crowd. Today it has grown into a full visual experience, with fireworks, pyro, lights, sick visuals and viral drops, but that doesn’t mean intimacy is gone. There’s always some debate about people holding up their phones and maybe being less present, but the truth is, technology and social media have also helped artists reach people far beyond the dancefloor. At the end of the day, most people are still enjoying the music in their own way.
For me, there’s nothing to lose from that evolution as long as the passion, the feelings, and the unity are there. Everything changes with time, and I love that dance music keeps evolving. What matters most is that the music still drives us, connects us, and keeps that spirit alive.”
MYKRIS embraces both sides, knowing spectacle can expand the music’s reach while intimacy keeps its heart beating.
Phoenix Radio: A Personal Spectrum
Radio opens a different window.
“Phoenix Radio definitely shows a more versatile side of me. I’ve always believed there’s good music in every genre, and the show gives me the chance to share tracks that resonate with me but that I might not usually play on big festival stages. It’s also a platform to shine a light on emerging talents, artists who might still be undiscovered but absolutely deserve to be heard.
Of course, I still feature the sounds that define my own identity, but Phoenix Radio is also about opening the door to amazing music across different genres. It’s more personal, more intimate, and it lets fans connect with the wider spectrum of what inspires me. One of my favorite parts is receiving new music submissions. Sometimes a track really surprises me in the best way, and that feeling is priceless.”
Phoenix Radio offers MYKRIS freedom to spotlight artists and sounds that may never reach a festival stage.
The Cost of Passion
Behind recognition are sacrifices audiences rarely see.
“There’s so much that people don’t realize when they watch their favorite artists. To be honest, if you’re truly passionate, it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy journey. The road is full of ups and downs. Uncomfortable situations, empty shows, mistakes, your own personal life issues and moments that test your perseverance.
The key is consistency, staying true to what you believe, letting your passion drive you, and improving yourself every single day. Building genuine connections is just as important as perfecting your craft. There’s no magic wand. Where your energy goes, your results follow.”
MYKRIS reminds us that passion doesn’t erase challenges. It simply powers you through them.
Karma and New Directions
The Karma project with Osmani Garcia and Victor Cardenas opened new creative territory.
“I absolutely loved working with Osmani and Victor, it was amazing and really easy to collaborate with them. Osmani is an incredibly talented singer with so much experience, and Victor is a master of Latin production.
For me, the Latin side of my music was completely unexplored. Even though both my parents are Spanish and I grew up dancing and listening to Latin music, I had never actually produced anything with Latin vibes. That unexplored territory is what, in a way, scared me the most. But working with artists like them made the process feel natural, inspiring, and incredibly fun. I can now call them family, and that experience opened a whole new side of my musical expression.”
With Karma, MYKRIS turned unfamiliar ground into new identity.
Lineups as Conversations
This year’s Ultra Japan features MYKRIS alongside Calvin Harris, Hardwell, Artbat, and BTSM. For him, diversity means dialogue.
“That’s one of the beauties of lineups like this. The diversity allows people to explore different genres and experience a wide range of emotions. There’s music to vibe to, music to go wild with, tracks that make you bang your head, and even songs that move you to tears. All of that together creates a full, positive experience, like a conversation between very different dialects of sound.”
MYKRIS thrives in those conversations, treating lineups like bridges between styles.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
His career began at 16, inside Scratch DJ Academy, and matured with a six-year residency at SPACE Ibiza.
He laughs, “I think what would surprise 16 year old me the most is been able to now play in front of amazing crowds all around the world, when it all started with just a love for music. Back then, DJing meant practicing in my bedroom, spinning in a small city pub for $50 a night, and even staying to clean up after closing. It’s incredible to see what passion, perseverance, consistency, and not giving up can lead to.”
“My six year residency at SPACE Ibiza taught me so many lessons. It showed me the responsibility of delivering at such iconic clubs, and that experience has shaped how I approach every big performance now. I learned how to read and adapt to a crowd, explore different genres, and develop my underground music side. I love playing tech house, afro house, house, melodic techno, deep house, funky house, tribal house, and techno, each with its own vibe and attracting a unique crowd. People dance, vibe, and still have time to socialize while enjoying the music. It was a masterclass in understanding the connection between music, atmosphere, and people. The Ibiza crowd is also really special, they are true music lovers who come to party like there’s no tomorrow.”
The boy from the academy became the artist who holds global lineups together. And with MYKRIS, the journey still builds. That growth is also reflected in the support of organizations like MusicFestAsia, whose PR and marketing efforts have played a role in curating shows that match his global trajectory. Follow his journey here.
