Exron Exclusive Interview: Tony Kay

In this exclusive interview, we sat down with DJ and music Producer Tony Kay to explore his top tracks and releases from 2023. From Skrillex‘s “Xena” remix by Ninetoes to his own hit “Dihya,” Tony shares the reasons behind his selections and what makes each track special. As we delve into the music that defined his year, Tony takes us on a journey through inspiration, unexpected moments, and the universal language of Electronic Dance Music. Join us as we learn more about the music that inspired him in 2023.

Exron Music: Can you share with us your top tracks or releases from this year, and what makes each of them special to you?

Skrillex ft. Nai Barghouti – Xena (Ninetoes Remix)

Nai Barghouti is a Palestinian singer with a beautiful voice and this remix by Ninetoes goes so good within my sets. It mashes up perfectly with many tracks in my library and I  honestly, just love this track. 

Tony Kay – Dihya (Original Mix)

It’s my biggest release of the year thus far, played by many DJs and charted around the world from Ukraine to Portugal, United Arab Emirates to Uruguay and many other countries. This track went through so many edits and the final version is absolutely amazing. Fans from different parts of the world find a sound in it that they recognize differently from what it actually is. That’s the beauty of it. 

Exron Music: Reflecting on the past year, which track, either by your own production or by another artist, do you feel has had the biggest impact on your career, and why?

It’s definitely ‘Dihya’. The impact it had is incredible, by reaching many people from around the world, to establishing the Tony Kay sound. Matter of fact, my sound defies categorization, simply because I make music that I like not what’s trending. Using different elements from around the world, blending diverse rhythms and genres. 

Exron Music: Were there any unexpected or surprising moments related to the tracks on your list, whether they are your own or by other artists? Any unexpected fan reactions or collaborations that stood out?

During ADE had couple interactions with some fans, and it’s always nice to hear that my music has reached people from all around the world. It’s a feeling beyond satisfaction.

Exron Music: Can you take us behind the scenes and describe the creative process or inspiration behind one of your personal releases that made it to your top list?

Walking around South Beach that’s when I heard a reggaeton song being blasted out of someone’s car, which I got inspired to integrate Caribbean sounds to one of my tracks. The end result was ‘Dihya’.

Exron Music: Are there any particular musical influences or experiences from the year that you believe are reflected in your selection of top tracks, whether they are your own or by other artists?

I’m Moroccan, so mostly tracks with Arabic/Middle Eastern influence do get to make it to my library, and mostly top tracks that I enjoy mashing up live. Sometimes, I make a private edit of the track to play it live and other times I isolate the vocals and play a live remix. But mostly, I play the tracks as they are. 

Exron Music: Can you share any memorable anecdotes or stories related to the creation or performance of one of your personal releases or a track by another artist on your top list?

First time playing ‘Amegdul’ in Miami, for a totally different crowd, and to see the people dancing to a different style or genre of music is amazing. 

Exron Music: Looking back on the year, do you notice any common themes or motifs that run through your top tracks, or were they intentionally diverse in style and sound?

My most played tracks are very diverse, but they all have one thing in common, they are very percussive. It’s that groove that I look for in my song selection whether it be for my radio show or live performances. 

Exron Music: How do you feel your music has evolved or changed over the past year, and do your top tracks, whether they are your own or by other artists, represent this evolution in any way?

The one thing I learnt is to “simplify” my productions, complex rhythms aren’t that groovy. 

Exron Music: What message or emotions do you hope your audience takes away from your selection of top tracks, whether they are your own or by other artists, as they wrap up this year and move into the next?

It’s not really about my top tracks selection but my message is clear. Electronic Dance music is the remaining musical genre that is non-racial, non-political and most importantly non-violent. It’s music that unites us all as one. Go to any dance floor and you will find people from different backgrounds, different beliefs just different everything; and that is what makes Electronic Dance Music magical. 

We thank Tony Kay for his time sharing his top tracks of the year and speaking with us, we wish him success in his new endeavors and releases in the coming year, as he’s surely not showing signs of slowing down. Make sure to follow him across social media to learn more about his latest releases and live show dates.

Tony Kay Online:

Instagram | Soundcloud | Beatport