Welcome to the Pornceptual Podcast! Today, we’re excited to have ValaV, from Venezuela to Barcelona, he is making his mark on dancefloors with his signature way of mixing sounds, “Psygroove.” This fusion of techno, raw trance, psy trance and more has caught the attention of the international electronic music scene. As co-founder of YO·YO, one of Barcelona’s most influential queer parties, ValaV  is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the LGBTQI+ community.

With the release of his debut EP Dancing Memories in December 2023, supported by artists like Anetha and Nenet H, ValaV solidified his global presence. His performances have led him to iconic clubs like Kitkat, RSO in Berlin, also Paris an Copenhagen, as well as festivals like Hivernacle and Brunch Electronik. In Spain, he’s a standout in clubs like Apolo, Razzmatazz, Moog, Input, Laut and Florida 135, sharing the stage with figures like Richie Hawtin, Alarico, Daría Kolosova, Philipa Pacho.

Every ValaV set delivers more than just music; it’s an authentic, high-energy experience that pushes the boundaries of music while creating a space for inclusion and artistry.

The series is presented by Rakans: Beirut-born, Berlin-based DJ, founder of Rawmantique, and a Pornceptual resident who curates and interviews the featured artists.

RAKANS: Salut Love! To kick things off, could you share your pronouns and the track that’s been your ultimate vibe lately?
VALAV: My pronouns are He/They, and the track that’s been spinning in my mind is The Visitors by Astral Bandit and Tadan… oh my gosh, this track is just mind-blowing—electric, psychedelic, and elegant!

RAKANS: Your journey from Venezuela to Barcelona is inspiring. How has this cultural shift influenced your sound and the energy you bring to the dance floor?
VALAV: This shift made me realize my deep curiosity for the unknown. I’ve always looked beyond the common, and that plays a big role in how I explore music. But at the same time, my roots keep me grounded, reminding me that rhythm is what truly guides our bodies.

RAKANS: As a co-founder of the secret queer rave series Yo·Yo, what motivated you to create these inclusive spaces, and how do you envision their evolution in the future?
VALAV: My first motivation was friendship, building something with people I love… It’s just beautiful! This project made me realize how important it is to create something that gives back to people, and making others feel part of a shared journey. We are where we are because of the support and trust of our community, which has had a huge impact on our growth as a collective.

RAKANS: Your debut EP, Dancing Memories, blends hard groove and trance techno. Can you walk us through the creative process behind this release and what you aimed to convey?
VALAV: At the beginning of 2023, I was going through a difficult period of change, and my only refuge was spending hours in my home studio, learning, studying, practicing, creating. Inspiration comes and goes, but sometimes clarity emerges. Being fully present in the process was a powerful tool to let creativity flow, without goals or ego-driven ambitions. Just presence, channeling emotions and memories from the dancefloor.. that’s where the name came from.

RAKANS: You’ve played on major stages like Brunch Electronik and Razzmatazz. Is there a particular moment or performance that stands out as a game-changer in your career?
VALAV: Every step has been important, Playing on those stages (and many others) helped me a lot, of course, to connect with a bigger amount of people, understand dancefloor dynamics, and to trust myself more. But honestly, I feel the real game-changer in my career is sobriety it gives me clarity, help me to be aware about how I feel every day and how I talk to myself. I truly believe that practicing mindfulness and healing my inner world is shifting everything around me. This is what is pushing me forward toward my dreams.

RAKANS: For those new to your music, how would you describe the ‘Psygroove’ style you bring to your sets? What can audiences expect from a ValaV performance?
VALAV: Psygroove is my way of encapsulating my music taste, blending psychedelic elements, electric energy, and the character of different genres. When I perform, expect unexpected rhythms and sounds you didn’t even know you wanted to hear. The element of surprise is what I love most; it pushes emotions beyond their limits when we dance.

RAKANS: Any advice for fresh faces experiencing club life for the first time?
VALAV: For me Dancing is a meditative state… feel the music, go crazy, let your body speak like nobody’s watching. Enjoy the club, meet people, get inspired. But most importantly, set your own healthy boundaries. Life is beautiful, and we all deserve to breathe. Take care of yourself.

RAKANS: How would you describe a perfect Pornceptual evening?
VALAV: A perfect Pornceptual evening is when you end up safe and cozy at home after a long, wild, and beautiful dance session.. 

On my behalf & of the PRNCPTL family, we love you & can’t wait to dance together!