Few artists manage to carve out a sonic identity as distinctive as John Cala. With tracks like “Tambolero”, “Sayam”, and “Momentum”, he has crafted a sound that feels instinctive, emotional, and deeply alive — a blend of textures and rhythms that now define him as one of the most exciting names on the rise. From humble beginnings working 17-hour shifts in London kitchens to remixing CamelPhat’s “Sunshine” and collaborating with Argy on festival anthems, Cala’s journey is a testament to persistence, experimentation, and passion.
In this interview, we dive into the evolution of the Cala sound, his milestones, the philosophy behind his sets, the challenges he overcame, and what’s next for an artist who continues to push boundaries and connect deeply with global audiences.
1. Your signature sound, the Cala sound — which was already evident in tracks like “Tambolero”, “Sayam”, and “Momentum” — has now become a defining part of your identity as an artist. How did you shape that sound, and how has it evolved as your career has grown?
My sound developed naturally over time. It started from instinct and emotion rather than technique. I’ve always tried to let the music speak for itself, capturing moments and memories. Tracks like Tambolero, Sayam, and Momentum were steps along that path, blending textures, rhythms, and raw emotion. Over the years, it has evolved because I’ve been open to experimentation, new collaborations, and different cultural influences, but the core remains the same: creating music that feels alive and connects with people on a deeper level.
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2. Your latest release is an official remix for CamelPhat’s hit “Sunshine” — a huge milestone for any artist. How did that collaboration come about, and what was your vision when reimagining such a big track?
CamelPhat reached out directly after hearing some of my previous work. For me, remixing Sunshine was about respecting the original energy while bringing my own Cala touch to it. I focused on preserving its emotional core but giving it a fresh perspective for the dancefloor. My goal was to create a version that would feel familiar to fans of the original yet surprise them with unexpected textures and dynamics.
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3. Was there a specific turning point or release where you felt things really started to shift for you?
I think the moment when my music started being played by major artists like Adriatique and others was a real turning point. It gave me the first real validation that my sound was reaching beyond my own studio. Another milestone was seeing tracks like Sayam being played in festivals and different countries — it’s incredible to hear your music resonate with people worldwide, even if I’m not on stage.
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4. Your sets have been connecting with crowds on a deeper level — what’s your approach when preparing music for the dancefloor?
Some of my tracks are built like mantras, with repetition and emotion that slowly build connection. I think the dancefloor becomes a space where we experience community as humans. When people come to my shows, I want them to feel like they’re part of something bigger. That shared energy becomes the DNA of the experience. In the end, we’re all dancing to something we can’t explain, something we can’t touch, only feel. That’s the true power of music.
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5. What challenges did you face on the way up, and how did you push through them to get to where you are today?
Fourteen years ago I moved to London to pursue music and ended up working 17-hour shifts as a kitchen porter just to survive. It was tough, but it taught me discipline and resilience. I’ve always been demanding with myself, constantly refining my sets, experimenting with new ideas, and staying consistent. That persistence, combined with learning from every experience, has been key to getting where I am today.
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6. And finally — what’s next for John Cala? We’ve already had a sneak peek of your collaboration with Argy, and it sounds like a true festival anthem, A Cala Bomb. Can you tell us more about that and what else fans should be excited for in the coming months?
Yes, it’s a very special track. It’s incredibly catchy, with a very basic onomatopoeia that just sticks in your head. Boom Boom definitely refers to the rhythm of our heartbeat — it’s connected to our body. This collaboration with Argy is very important in my career, and I believe it’s a song that can endure over time. From a production perspective, it has key elements like the hook vocal, a Spanish vocal as well, and even some samba touches that make the whole structure and composition very original. I’m really proud to have produced this track with Argy, and I think fans will feel the energy and uniqueness in every part of it.
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