Dutch-born Steven Baan, known as DJ/producer Estiva, is at the forefront of a unique musical movement. Drawing inspiration from the beauty and dualities of the natural world and connecting the seemingly unconnected, he produces a delicate blend of progressive and melodic techno. Estiva puts the love for music first and reaches further than traditional labels. Whether he is playing extended sets at dark and intimate clubs around the globe or festivals such as Tomorrowland, Ultra, Cream fi elds or Dreamstate, Estiva takes his listeners on a meaningful journey.
In 2018 he released his universally acclaimed album ‘Spectacle’, accumulating over 15 million streams. A year later ‘Metamorphoses’ marked the next evolutionary step in Estiva’s artistic development. The album was naturally inspired by the namesake classic epic by Ovid, who noted that ‘all things flow, all things are born to change their shape’. It explored various and the more deeper uncharted parts of the electronic music spectrum. With his latest EP called ‘Sky’, released on Anjunabeats, Estiva shows us that he’s continuously pushing the envelope.
WWD: As an artist that has a busy tour schedule, how do you keep a good balance between touring, creating new music and having a personal life?
When I commit to touring I become somewhat of a different person to family and friends. You may be tired from travelling and your head might be in a completely different place than theirs. If I’m not touring I’m in the studio a lot. It’s easy to get lost in music 24/7 so vacations, little trips and other fun stuff are key and you’ll really get to escape the music for a while.
WWD: Do you create music whilst touring? What does that usually look like?
I’ve stopped trying to write music whilst touring. To me writing music is an intimate process that needs a clear headspace. I’ve learned I thrive best by keeping touring and writing music separated as my stress levels are usually quite high when I’m on the road. I’ve noticed I get really creative right before I head out for shows or in times where there’s not much touring going on. I’d rather double down on those creative days than trying to squeeze in a forced creative session whilst touring.
WWD: When on tour, how do you stay inspired?
I feel like travelling in general is inspiring. You’re forced to get out of your comfort zone, you meet new people in new places. Touring can be tough but it’s also an extraordinary adventure, and each time you grow as an artist but probably even more so on a personal level. It always triggers inspiration.
WWD: Who has influenced you musically? Both within electronic music and from different genres?
Tiësto had a massive impact on me when I was younger. His In Search Of Sunrise series sparked my interest in writing music. I had a humbling moment when Tiësto picked one of my tracks later on to feature in the series. I’ll always have a sweet spot for 80s music in general. The rhythms, big melodic synth riffs and fantastic snare drums are still a big influence in a way.
WWD: Do you have any non-musical influences that help you get creative?
Getting out and indulging myself in new experiences works wonders for me. I’m kind of introverted so at the same time this is a challenge..
WWD: You have been active in the industry ever since your first project in 2007, over 15 years ago. Can you describe in what ways you think your creative process has changed over this time?
After all these years I’ve managed to learn how to enjoy the writing process. I stopped thinking about other people’s expectations. Every single time I’m in the studio writing music I’m having fun, and it’s my fun only. I trust that process completely. I love that process and I know eventually music will be the end product. Personally I’m not really interested in the end product but in my experience there’s always a bunch of people that love to hear it, so I’m happy to release and share it with the world.
WWD: The fifth instalment of the Colourscapes compilation series, Colourscapes Volume Five, is out now on Colourize with mixes from yourself, alongside PRAANA and Klur. What can you say about the release and working with the label on this project?
It’s the second time I’ve mixed Colorscapes and it’s really one of those things that make my life amazing. It’s truly magical to receive so many amazing demos and unreleased music from Colorize to pick from. I remember from a year ago when I was mixing the previous Volume it was sometimes hard to focus as my brain went into peak creativity mode. That’s probably the reason why I wrote three brand new tracks for this year’s compilation.
WWD: Is there anything you have done differently working on this project compared to your previous work?
In my second year mixing Colorscapes I’ve really challenged myself to take storytelling to the next level. Picking tracks that would mix harmonically and groove wise wasn’t enough for me. Essentially it was all about creating a meaningful context to each track. The final result is a journey through the full spectrum of the Colorize sound.
WWD: What can we expect from you in the future? Do you have any upcoming projects you can share?
Currently we are releasing massive remixes to my album Infinita. Marsh just remixed ‘Via Infinita’ for instance. I’m also finally releasing a new EP on Anjunabeats and later this year I will launch a new project with Ruben de Ronde at Dreamstate festival.
WWD: Lastly, in an interview with RAD Season in 2019, you mentioned that your dream collaboration would be with Eric Prydz. Now, four years later, do you have any other dream collaboration in mind apart from Eric Prydz?
Ha, this time I’d love to come up with a more serious answer. I think being in a studio with London Grammar’s lead singer Hannah Reid would be absolutely magical.
Colorscapes Volume Five – Mixed by PRAANA, Estiva and Klur. Out now on Colorize. Buy Here.