Fran Ares has established himself as one of the leading names in the contemporary Tech House landscape. With more than 500 tracks to his name, releases on labels including Toolroom and Glasgow Underground, and performances across more than 15 countries, the Spanish DJ and producer continues to expand his international footprint.
Photo credit: Fran Ares – Official
Alongside his work as an artist, he is also the founder of And Dance, a platform that has grown from a record label into a global brand encompassing events, showcases, and artist development.
Following a breakthrough period for both his career and the And Dance project, including reaching the top of Beatport’s Tech House Hype rankings and securing a place on the Tomorrowland 2026 lineup, we caught up with Fran to discuss growth, touring, entrepreneurship, and his long-term vision.
EG: Hi Fran, welcome to EG. Your career has experienced significant international growth in recent years. What do you believe has been the key factor behind this expansion?
Fran Ares: Thanks for the invite. Honestly, it comes down to consistency and playing the long game. Over the years, my focus hasn’t just been on evolving my personal sound in the studio, but also on building a sustainable, long-term vision around the Fran Ares and And Dance brands. Performing in over 15 countries, releasing music on labels I’ve respected for years, and curating events across Europe and Latin America have given me the incredible opportunity to connect with different dance floors globally. I’ve always believed that pairing artistic integrity with a highly professional, organized structure is what turns short-term momentum into lasting growth.
EG: Beyond your work as a DJ and producer, you are also the founder of And Dance. How important has that project been in your career?
Fran Ares: And Dance has completely redefined my career. What started strictly as a record label has evolved into a full-scale global platform, encompassing showcases, artist development, and a deeply connected international community. Stepping into this role has allowed me to contribute to the electronic scene from a different angle. It’s no longer just about my own performances; it’s about operating as an entrepreneur, a curator, and a tastemaker within the House and Tech House landscapes.
EG: And Dance achieved major recognition in 2025. What does that success represent for you?
Fran Ares: Reaching the top of Beatport’s global Tech House hype rankings in 2025 was a massive milestone for us. It was the ultimate validation of years of behind-the-scenes grinding and absolute dedication. Seeing an independent Spanish project stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest labels on the international stage proved that our creative vision really resonates with global audiences and artists. It showed us that we’re on the right track.
EG: You have released music on labels such as Sola, Toolroom, Criterio, Soave, and Know Where. How have those experiences influenced your artistic development?
Fran Ares: Working with labels of that caliber completely changes how you approach the studio. Each of those labels commands a distinct sonic identity and maintains incredibly high standards, which naturally push me to elevate my production game and step outside my comfort zone. Beyond the creative growth, releasing on these respected platforms has been vital for expanding my reach, exposing my sound to entirely new crowds, and solidifying my place within the international community.
“Pairing artistic integrity with a highly professional, organized structure is what turns short-term momentum into lasting growth”
EG: Your showcases have expanded across several countries. What have you learned from taking the And Dance brand internationally?
Fran Ares: The biggest takeaway is the beautiful reminder that dance music is a universal language. Whether we are throwing a party in Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland, or across Latin America, the core human connection on the dance floor is identical. That said, every local scene has its own unique cultural nuances and energy. Learning how to navigate and respect those subtle differences has been key to tailoring our events and successfully scaling And Dance into a genuinely global brand.
EG: You have performed in more than 15 countries. Which aspect of international touring has had the greatest impact on you as an artist?
Fran Ares: Touring extensively completely blows your perspective wide open. Being exposed to diverse cultures, fresh crowds, and localized musical movements shapes you in ways a studio never could. Every city teaches you a lesson about rhythm and crowd connection. Those experiences naturally bleed back into my own work, making me a far more versatile producer and an adaptable, intuitive DJ when I’m behind the decks.
EG: You have been confirmed for Tomorrowland 2026. What does this achievement mean to you?
Fran Ares: Tomorrowland is easily one of the most iconic and influential festivals on the planet, so joining the lineup this year feels like a monumental chapter in my journey. It represents years of relentless hard work, perseverance, and patience. More than just a personal milestone, I see it as a massive opportunity and a proud responsibility to represent the strength and color of the Spanish electronic scene on one of the world’s grandest stages.
EG: How do you view the current position of Spanish artists within the global House and Tech House scene?
Fran Ares: Spain is in an incredibly powerful position right now. There is a brilliant new wave of native talent that isn’t just producing top-tier music but is also building highly successful brands and touring globally at the highest level. Spain has always possessed a deep-rooted, historic relationship with club culture, and it’s amazing to see our artists finally commanding the global recognition and industry respect they deserve.
“The biggest takeaway is the beautiful reminder that dance music is a universal language”
EG: What makes And Dance different from other labels and event brands operating in the electronic music space?
Fran Ares: Our distinct identity lies in how we bridge the music, the community, and a broader global vision. We’ve never looked at And Dance as just a vehicle for releasing digital tracks or selling event tickets. We are focused on building a holistic ecosystem where emerging artists, dedicated fans, and industry professionals can genuinely connect over a shared love for cutting-edge House and Tech House. Keeping our eyes on that long-term community aspect is what sets us apart.
EG: What is your long-term vision for both Fran Ares and And Dance?
Fran Ares: The ultimate goal is to keep pushing boundaries internationally without ever losing the raw authenticity that got us here in the first place. I want to keep delivering standout records, break into brand-new territories, collaborate with artists who inspire me, and cement And Dance’s reputation as one of the definitive global hubs for electronic music. The blueprint is completely global, but our commitment to quality will always remain exactly the same.
Fran Ares’ ‘Better Life’ is out now. Stream and download your copy here.
Follow Fran Ares: Spotify | SoundCloud | Instagram
