Imagine the indescribable eerie stillness before a storm breaks–that’s what QUEST sets feel like. Born in 1992 and shaped by the influence of the Alien Army and shadowboxing techniques, QUEST is a selector with a taste for the sinister and the unexpected. His sets are packed with goosebump-inducing, genre-bending outliers that blur the lines between techno, electro, and EBM.
QUEST kicked off this year’s festival season with a thunderous debut at Upclose, and I doubt the crowd was ready for what followed. His b2b with Saoirse was an unforeseen but seamless fusion of sounds that completely shifted the energy. Together, they transformed the stage as they steered the crowd through a cyclone of sound.
Aa: If you weren’t a DJ, what would your job be?
QUEST: Before DJing, I was working in record shops, that’s when I fell in love with the craft of vinyl. So if life hadn’t taken this turn and brought me behind the booth, you’d probably still find me there–maybe even running a record store or a Hi-Fi listening bar myself.
Aa: Could you share 3 tracks you’re most excited to play? Will we hear any unreleased tracks?
Q: There are so many! I am excited to play and blow the crowd away, but I’d say my top 3 are: DJ Arne Assimilation, Footclan cut da f, and Eric sneo dança da familia.
Aa: In your opinion, what’s going to be the song of the summer?
Q: Oof, tough question. If I’m being completely honest, I don’t think there’s going to be just one song. I’ve heard some incredible promos and sneak peeks from producers and close friends, this summer is going to be packed with hits!
Aa: What’s the weirdest DM you’ve gotten after a gig?
Q: They just keep getting weirder, honestly. But one from last week definitely made it into my top 5 ‘favorites.’ Someone messaged me: ‘Been mixing for 3 months. Give me 5 years max, and you’ll know my name.’ The confidence killed me haha, I wish I had that kind of self-belief when I started!
Aa: If you had to choose only one… Vinyl or USB?
Q: Vinyl—all the way! Nothing beats the sound of a vinyl scratching and the uniqueness of every track ID you drop. It just has a soul that digital can’t replicate.
Aa: Who’s your favorite DJ on the Upclose lineup this year (other than you of course)?
Q: The line up is absolutely sick, really makes it difficult to choose just one.
Aa: Do you have any advice or tips for people who are just starting in the electronic music industry?
Q: If you’re just starting out in the electronic music scene: brace yourself. It’s a long ride with ups, downs, and plenty of unexpected turns. But in the end, it all makes sense, and it’s totally worth it. Be patient, don’t be afraid to experiment, collaborate with others, and constantly feed yourself with music. That’s the key to staying true to your sound and keeping your uniqueness alive.
Aa: What makes performing at Upclose unique?
Q: It’s my first time playing at Upclose, which already makes the experience unique for me. But what really stands out is the crowd and the insane vibes it carries. Can’t miss to mention also the curation of the line up and the way they have pushed boundaries with all the unexpected b2bs. Personally, I’m super pumped to go behind the decks with Saoirse and see how our record collections blend together.
As told to Aa Magazine
