Wally Lopez is a pioneering figure in the electronic music scene, known for his dynamic DJ sets and innovative productions. His career took off with early remixes for top house music names, including Tiësto and David Guetta, with the latter collaboration catapulting him to global recognition. His unique style earned him recognition as a distinguished artist on the international stage.
His latest single, Garden of Emotions, lands on Krafted X – a VA compilation released to celebrate 10 years of the respected UK imprint.
This meticulously curated selection showcases the prowess of electronic titans like Robert Babicz and Wally Lopez alongside talented newcomers like Elle Jae, with each track a testament to the label’s enduring legacy in the electronic music scene.
With the release out now, we caught up with Wally to discuss some of the pivotal moments of his incredible career.
With an extensive career starting at just thirteen, how do you think electronic music has evolved since you began DJing?
Everything has changed. When I began, there was no internet, no audio software (just a few seconds if you were rich enough to have a sampler, lol), no plugins, no big agencies, no major labels interested in electronic music. The only way to promote was sending vinyls to DJs and magazines. Old school was quite a lot of fun.
Your remix of David Guetta’s ‘Just A Little More Love’ catapulted your career. Can you describe the creative process behind this iconic remix?
It was awesome! I did it on my laptop in a train that stopped at every single town from Castellón to Valencia (in Spain), full of kids going back to their schools and universities on a Sunday night! I had to take that train because the promoter of my party didn’t send me a car, haha (there was no Uber back then)… I was so pissed, but without that moment, everything would have been different (even for Guetta).
Over the years, you’ve worked with numerous labels and produced hits that resonated globally. What drives your selection process when choosing a label or artist to collaborate with?
I just love making music, so I do songs with people I feel a connection with and love… I don’t have enough time for ego-driven DJs or producers, so I just work with people that make me happy: labels and artists.
With the creation of TheFactoria and other labels, you’ve played a crucial role in shaping the electronic music scene. What vision did you have when starting these labels?
I just wanted to have my own channel to express myself and be surrounded by talented DJs and producers. I also always loved making so much music that it seemed like I was running a factory (TheFactoria), so that’s where the name comes from, lol.
Regarding your track Gardens of Emotion on the new Krafted X compilation, could you share the inspiration behind this track and what it means to be part of this milestone celebration?
As I said, I love to work with people who make me happy… so when Paul called me, I stopped everything I was doing to make a proper song for the label. Krafted is a label that I love and feel like family, so I got the inspiration from it.
Your involvement with Space Ibiza and residencies around the world has made you a global icon. How do you adapt your sets for diverse audiences?
Yes, I do! I have my own touch and love quality music, but from that point, I adapt my sets by looking at the crowd and absorbing their energy… That is also quite old school, I guess. I hate it when DJs have their sets pre-recorded… that is so bad. Also, I’m touring again a lot, and many young people ask me about the style that I play… and I don’t know what to answer. I just play the music that they didn’t know they loved.
Your commitment to social causes, like Dance4Life, showcases a different side of you. Can you share more about your involvement and why it’s important?
This project was a beautiful initiative a few years ago where we used electronic music to help in the fight against AIDS. It was good to be with Tiësto leading this project.
Now, I have a new project called TRUST WALLY where I’m trying to be the spokesperson for the many talented DJs out there who don’t receive the attention they deserve.
The electronic music industry is known for its rigorous pace and constant evolution. How do you maintain your creativity and passion amidst these challenges?
That evolution is my main reason to keep going. I love to evolve as well, and my job lets me do it. For me, it’s also important to make my family proud.
Reflecting on your career, is there a piece of advice you wish you had received early on?
I really want to be an example to my kids that it’s important to dream and work hard to make your dreams come true. Some advice for everyone would be: try to be yourself. I know it’s difficult, but once you know yourself and stay true, plus put in a lot of hard work, everything will come.
Krafted X is out now
