"We both feel very free when it comes to creating..." Landikhan Talks on Musical Evolution, 'Cosmic Beat', and Deep-rooted Friendship.

Immersed in the symphony of life, Spanish DJ and producer Landikhan draws rhythm from his surroundings, a reflection to his deeply ingrained passion for music. As he shares, his days are punctuated by a ceaseless soundtrack, “always, when I’m walking down the street, when I’m on the subway…” Indeed, Madrid, with its metropolis pulsating with vibrant nightlife and a thriving scene of bars and clubs, provides a harmonious backdrop for Landikhan’s immersive lifestyle. It’s as if he’s engaged in a poetic dance with the city itself, a rhythm set by the ebb and flow of the music that threads through his everyday existence.

His dedication to electronic music is not merely an occupational choice, but rather, an expression of his broader love for the melodic language. As he once elucidated, “Music is a universal language, another way to express feelings and moods. It reaches places where words falter and stumble.”

After a hiatus of six years, Landikhan, in a confluence of musical minds, joined forces with his long-time friend Ed Is Dead – another notable figure within the Spanish producer scene. And together, they created ‘Cosmic Beat‘, a track that whirls in a wild tempest of acid, techno, and other vibrant elements.

Reflecting on this musical reunion, Landikhan tells: “I am extremely delighted with this collaboration. We had intertwined our talents in projects past, but this marked the first time we convened in the studio after a lapse of six years. It’s an incredible experience to partake in this creative journey, to share and learn with one of the most talented artists I know.”

Ed Is Dead contiunes: “The day we finished producing this song, we ventured out, painting the town red until dawn, reminiscent of our early days of camaraderie more than 15 years ago. I consider myself fortunate to be able to create music with my close friend, and the feeling amplifies when they are one of the world’s finest music selectors. Life, at times, bestows upon you these incredible opportunities.”

photography by kickssoul

What inspired you to collaborate again after seven years, and how has your sound evolved since your last project together?

It was something that Ed and I had pending for a long time, but, for one reason or another, it just hadn’t happened. After seven years, both of our sounds have evolved a lot, so we’re really excited for people to hear the new collaboration.

Can you tell us about the creative process behind “Cosmic Beat” and how you blended different music genres to create such a hypnotic track?

We were clear that we wanted it to be an electro track. We wanted it to be groovy for the dance floor but we also wanted it to have an old-school sound. I think all these elements have created a very special track, something a bit different from what we have been doing. We both feel very free when it comes to creating, and to do it without thinking about trends or any established or self-imposed canons.

What do you hope listeners will take away from the track and how do you see it fitting into the current music landscape?

We hope listeners enjoy this track, reminiscent of electro vibes. The sound is really amazing and the bass is tremendously powerful. I think that this track penetrates you and gets inside you, and that people are going to enjoy it a lot. It is a very dynamic track with many elements that transport you to the dance floor.

Landikhan and Ed Is Dead – photo: Landikhan & Ed Is Dead

“It is a very dynamic track with many elements that transport you to the dance floor.”

Can you talk about the role of spoken word in “Cosmic Beat” and how it adds to the track’s identity and atmosphere?

I am absolutely fascinated by the universe; by cosmic things and the unknown. “Cosmic Beat” talks about being able to dance to these concerns that I have about outer space.

How has the underground music scene in Spain influenced your music, and what other artists or movements have inspired your sound?

There is a great underground scene in Madrid. Great artists and references for me such as Marcos in Dub, Alvaro Cabana, and Gerardo Niva have been building and nurturing the underground scene in my city in good health for many years. I love being able to go see them play whenever I can.

You mentioned going out all night after finishing “Cosmic Beat,” reminiscent of when you first met 15 years ago. How has your friendship and musical collaboration evolved over the years?

We have been good friends for 15 years, and we see each other a lot. In all this time we have collaborated in many different ways, as artists under another name, and as a band with Odille Lima. After 7 years without doing anything together, we have found a point and time for this new collaboration. Ed, apart from being one of my best friends, is also one of the best artists I know worldwide. Talent, sensitivity, and passion are three of the adjectives that best define him from my point of view.

“I am absolutely fascinated by the universe; by cosmic things and the unknown.”

What do you appreciate most about each other?

What I appreciate most about Ed as a friend is that he is always open to help you. As an artist, I appreciate his sensitivity, his way of seeing music, his perfectionism, and his desire to work and learn on a daily basis. I really admire him a lot and I am proud to have him as a friend and partner.

Besides music, what makes you truly happy?

Being with my family and friends is one of the things I enjoy the most. Sharing moments with the people you love. Sport is another thing that I love. I practice it daily and it helps me to reconnect with myself and make me feel good.

A dream that you still want to fulfill in your life?

My dream is to be able to continue doing what I love, for people to be happy, and to see how the people I love achieve their goals.

Thank so much for your time!!

Thank you!