14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHPAAX

PAAX step forward with Shake Your Gruuv, the debut release on their new labelPitch Surfing. Expansive in scope yet immediate in its impact, the track fusessoaring, celestial synth work with an irresistible vocal hook. It’s a statement piecethat captures the duo’s melodic touch and evolving ambition.

Formed by German Wagener and Nicolas Damonte, PAAX grew up in small citiesnear Buenos Aires before forging their path through the international scene. Longassociated with Tulum, they’ve since become known for a sound that threadstogether Latin American roots with wider global influences. Their music movesseamlessly between organic and electronic textures, often drawing on liveinstrumentation, and their sets have earned them recognition across both intimateclubs and larger festivals.

Q: Please introduce yourself

Hi! We’re German and Nicolas, Argentine DJs and producers. We lived for many years in Mexico and are currently based between Spain and Argentina. 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

We think it’s a bit related to our previous answer ; it would be incredible to have a coffee with the great influencers of music history, across all genres. To sit down with them, share a conversation, and debate about everything. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If we could have a superpower, it would definitely be time travel. We’d love to experience the different eras of music ; to feel the energy of the 70s disco scene, the birth of house in the 80s, the golden age of rock, or even ancient tribal rhythms. Each period has its own magic and spirit, and being able to live those moments firsthand would be an incredible source of inspiration for what we create today. 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

Trainspotting for sure. It’s an old film that has become a cult in the movie culture. The energy of the film and the essence of it is very inspiring to me. The original soundtrack is also one of my favourite... “Born Slippy” is a masterpiece by Underworld so I guess we’ll leave it at that :-)  

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?

There wasn’t one person in particular who influenced us the most; it was more the accumulation of many moments and experiences. When we were kids, our families were always listening to and playing music, which planted the seed.

Later, we played in rock bands with friends, and then started going out to listen to DJs we admired. All of those stages shaped who we are today. And even now, our travels, the people we meet, and the places we visit continue to influence and inspire our musical journey every day.  

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

It all started with our attraction to music and our curiosity about what was out there. Many years ago, we left our homes to explore new paths, to step out of our comfort zone, and to push ourselves to grow. That journey (full of challenges, learning, and beautiful encounters) is what shaped us into who we are today.

Music has always been our guide, leading us to new places, people, and experiences that continue to inspire us every day. 

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career in music?

Follow your emotions and make the music that truly moves you. Don’t try to chase trends — focus on what feels real to you. Spend as much time as you can in the studio or recording, experimenting, learning, and enjoying the process. The more you connect with your own sound, the more authentic your music will be. 

Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?

Every place has its own magic, and we love each one from a different perspective. Each crowd and location brings its own vibe, and that energy is what we take with us everywhere we go. From playing at Sisyphos in Berlin, to a massive festival like UNTOLD in Romania, to the incomparable fire on the dance floor in Argentina — every experience leaves a unique mark on us.

That connection with the people is what makes every show unforgettable. 

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

Our music evolves constantly, just as we do as human beings. Each moment, each experience, and each place we visit leaves a mark on our sound. It’s a reflection of our inner growth and the journey we’re on. Even as we explore new rhythms and styles, there’s always a piece of our soul in every track — a signature energy that stays true to who we are. 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

Probably rock or funk; in many of its forms. We’ve always loved the energy, emotion, and rawness that rock carries. In fact, many of our tracks already have rock elements here and there, whether in the rhythms, melodies, or the intensity of the performance. It’s a genre that has always inspired us and continues to live within our music in different ways. 

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

It wasn’t really about specific tracks, but more about the artists and bands that opened our minds to electronic music. Groups like Depeche Mode and New Order had a huge impact on us with their melodies and emotional depth, also later Chemical Brothers or Underworld…. And later DJs like Hernan Cattaneo and Laurent Garnier inspired us with their ability to tell stories through sound.  

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

In Argentina, while the biggest electronic parties usually happen in major cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, and Mendoza, every region of Argentina has local producers who work incredibly hard, with professionalism and passion. For us, one of our favorite locations so far is Las Palapas in Mendoza. It’s a special place for many reasons; from the people to the location itself and the attention to every detail. It’s a space where everyone is focused on enjoying the moment and truly connecting, rather than just trying to capture a video. That energy makes it feel like the perfect setting for a rave. 

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

We have some very exciting and diverse releases coming up this year. Right now, we’re releasing Shake Your Gruuv, a high-energy dance track on our debut own label, Pitch Surfing. After that, an EP will come out on Songuara, featuring a remix by Hernan Cattaneo and Marcelo Vasami. In December, we’ll release another EP with three tracks exploring House, Afro, and Deep sounds. On top of that, we’ll have a new release every month, keeping the energy and creativity flowing throughout the year.

Regarding performances, we’re about to do a tour across Mexico with three shows — two as a DJ set and one as a live band. After that, we’ll head to Panama for a festival that will also feature artists like Nick Warren and Mita Gami. From there, we’ll return to Argentina for our end-of-year tour, performing in different provinces and at the SUNSETSTRIP festival in Mendoza. 

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

It’s a bit funny and a bit not-so-funny, haha — despite the thousands of flights we’ve taken over the years, every time there’s turbulence, we start sweating and even get a little annoyed at the pilot, like “Why don’t you just go higher or steer somewhere else?” — even though we know it’s almost impossible. Of course, we’re never actually mad at them, but we always end up saying the same thing anyway, haha.