With 20 years of experience and a sound rooted in spirituality and emotion, Aiwaska is a name rising fast across the global underground. Known for his shamanic mask and genre-blurring style, he now unveils his most personal project yet: Flora Fauna, a seven-track LP landing June 6th on his new label, Aiwaska Planet.
The record blends Deep House, Melodic House, and Indie Dance, with standout collaborations from Aquarius Heaven, JAW, Megane Mercury, Thomas Gandey, and more. Lead single “Love to Hate” sets the tone—rolling basslines, moody synths, and hypnotic vocals that capture Aiwaska’s unique energy.
With releases on Crosstown Rebels, Exploited, and Get Physical, support from Black Coffee and Solomun, and a live history spanning Burning Man to Ibiza Global Radio, Aiwaska is carving his own path. Beyond music, he’s using his Plant project to blend art, events, and environmental action—now evolving into the immersive, NFT-powered Aiwaska Planet Project.
We caught up with Aiwaska to talk about the story behind Flora Fauna, his creative process, and the mission that drives his music.
Can you give us a quick intro to who you are?
Aiwaska is the musical experience I’ve been shaping since 1996. It brings together many different musical concepts into one unified vision. A big part of the project is also about helping wild animals and supporting nature conservation.
Your signature mask, gifted by Peruvian shamans, is a striking part of your identity. How does it connect to your music and artistic vision?
I don’t see it as a mask — it’s the face of Aiwaska. The concept behind the artist is to use music as a medium to raise awareness about the problems facing wild animals and the environment.
Your upcoming LP, Flora Fauna, is described as a seven-track journey. What inspired the concept behind the album, and how did you approach blending spirituality and nature into the music?
I create everything in a state of flow — from the heart. I work intuitively, blending organic, live ethnic instruments and natural sounds with rich house rhythms. With over 25 years in music, I draw not only from dance music but also from my work with meditation and healing practices.
That experience now informs my club sound as well. I explore sound deeply — working with frequency ranges like 432 Hz, binaural rhythms, and subtle tonal tuning to craft something that resonates on more than just the physical level.
You’ve been creating music for over 20 years. How has your sound evolved over that time, and what keeps you excited about making music today?
Everything changes — the world evolves, and so do we. I study different genres, from ethnic and classical music to rock and all forms of dance music. That constant exploration keeps me inspired and helps me create a unique sound that reflects who I am right now.
The Aiwaska Planet Project is an NFT-powered event series with an eco-conscious mission. How do you see technology, like NFTs, shaping the future of music and activism?
In my project Aiwaska Planet, NFTs are just one of the tools — a way to bring together digital artists and my ideas to create pieces that spread the message of wildlife protection. But the project is much broader: it includes my solo performances, a new audiovisual live show we’re launching this year, and contemporary art collaborations. I believe the fusion of music and visual art can communicate deeper meanings. This year, I’m working on two major collaborations with digital artists from Japan and China, focused on endangered species from their regions. We’ll present this project in museums and art spaces in 2026.
What first interested you in music, and how did you get started?
I’ve loved music since I was a kid. I started playing guitar at 9, and my parents often took me to classical concerts. At 13, I visited a nightclub for the first time and was instantly hooked by the energy of electronic music. It was 1996, and I discovered techno — artists like Jeff Mills, Beroshima, Steve Stoll, Carl Cox, and Underground Resistance. That same year I started learning to DJ and played my first set in a club. Since then, dance music has been a central part of my life.
Tell us your current favourite song and why.
I’m a true music lover, so it’s hard to choose just one track. I tend to connect more with artists than individual songs. I’m inspired by a wide range of music — from classical composers like Wagner to bands like Tool, Detroit legends like Underground Resistance, pianists like David August, and pioneers like Aphex Twin.
What does Ibiza mean to you?
It’s an island that embraces music lovers from all around the world.
Give us some insight into your most memorable moment in your music career so far.
That’s a tough one — I’m grateful for every day and every experience life brings me.
If you could collaborate with any legendary artist, who would it be?
Aphex Twin — without a doubt.
What challenges have you encountered in the industry, and how have they helped you grow?
Over the years, I’ve stopped seeing challenges as problems. I changed my mindset and learned to embrace the journey. There are highs and lows, but that’s what makes life rich and meaningful. If you accept everything with gratitude and a smile, life transforms.
What advice would you give to new artists wanting to break through?
Don’t chase trends or success. Create from the heart and with love for music. That’s the only true path.
What’s your favourite piece of equipment (hardware or software) in the studio or the DJ booth?
In terms of DJ setup, it’s always evolving, but right now I love the Pioneer V10 mixer. As for hardware, my all-time favorites include the Roland 303, Moog Mother-32, and the Buchla Music Easel.
How do you balance health and well-being in a demanding industry?
It’s all about love for what you do, support from my family, a clear mind — no alcohol, cigarettes, or substances — daily meditation, wing chun , and eating clean.
What can we expect this year for Aiwaska?
As I mentioned, I’m preparing my solo audiovisual live show — that’s the main focus. There’s also lots of new music on the way, plus a special art installation coming in fall 2025.