Jonathan Kaspar is a German DJ and producer deeply connected to Cologne’s electronic music scene.
Photo credit: A boy called 7daysisaweekend
A resident at Gewölbe and a key figure around Kompakt, he has released music through labels including Innervisions, Crosstown Rebels, Cocoon, Objektivity, and These Eyes, while developing a sound shaped by emotional storytelling and the interplay between analog and digital production.
His DJ sets often unfold as extended journeys, balancing dancefloor energy with a strong sense of narrative. Away from the booth, Kaspar draws inspiration from nature, films, dreams, architecture, travel, and the experiences that surround his touring schedule.
On August 15th, 2026, he will head to Cyprus for Kamaya Festival at Agia Triada Beach in Protaras. Ahead of the event, EG caught up with Kaspar to discuss the festival, his approach to performance, artistic instinct, upcoming music, and the experiences shaping his current path.
EG: Hi Jonathan, welcome back to Electronic Groove! It’s great to have you with us. How have you been lately, and what has been keeping you busiest both in and out of the studio?
Jonathan Kaspar: Thanks for having me back. It’s been a very intense summer so far, with some really special shows. I played at the wonderful Fusion Festival for the first time, went on a great South America tour, and played the Keinemusik aftershow for VOD in Mexico City during the opening of the Football World Cup. One of my favorite labels, Maeve, also returned, and I was lucky enough to contribute a track called ‘Aye’ alongside Mano Le Tough, DJ Koze, and Remcord.
Besides touring, I always try to make enough time for the studio because, for me, the two constantly influence each other. Playing in different places gives me new perspectives, while the studio is where I can process those experiences and turn them into music.
Outside of that, I try to keep a balanced routine. I enjoy running and buying new shorts. It’s important for me to make time for things that keep me inspired beyond music.
EG: You’re set to perform at the upcoming Kamaya Festival in Cyprus. What was your initial reaction when the invitation came through, and what attracted you to the event?
Jonathan Kaspar: I was genuinely happy about it. It’s always exciting to be part of something new, especially when you can feel that there’s a clear vision behind it. Kamaya seems to focus on creating an experience rather than just putting together a lineup, and I really appreciate that approach. Discovering new places and connecting with audiences that might not have seen you before is always something I look forward to. I really cannot wait to see the venue and crowd.
EG: Kamaya is positioning itself as a new addition to the electronic music calendar. As an artist who performs around the world, what stands out to you about emerging festivals and the role they play in the scene?
Jonathan Kaspar: I think new festivals are important because they bring fresh ideas into the scene. They’re often built with a lot of passion and a strong desire to create something meaningful. That openness allows for different musical concepts and allows artists to present themselves more authentically. The electronic music community and also the music itself keep evolving, and new platforms like these help that evolution continue.
EG: Cyprus is becoming an increasingly interesting destination for electronic music. Have you spent much time on the island before, and what are your expectations heading into the festival?
Jonathan Kaspar: I’ve only had limited time there so far, just visited once! So I’m looking forward to experiencing more of the island. Every location has its own atmosphere, and that naturally influences the energy of my performance. From everything I’ve seen and heard, Cyprus has a beautiful setting and a growing community that’s passionate about electronic music. I’m excited to experience that firsthand again now.
“Reacting to the moment is still the core of my approach”
EG: Your sets are often praised for their storytelling qualities and careful balance between emotion and dancefloor energy. How do you approach preparing for a festival performance compared to a club set?
Jonathan Kaspar: The preparation is different in some ways, but in others it’s very much the same. Before every show or weekend, I spend time listening to new music to discover tracks I want to play. That’s one of the most important parts of my approach to deejaying; it keeps me inspired and alive.
In a club, you usually have more time to build a journey and explore different moods. Festivals require you to establish a connection more quickly, so I always prepare a wide selection of music, but I never plan a set in advance. Reacting to the moment is still the core of my approach.
EG: Over the years, you’ve developed a sound that sits comfortably between melodic house, techno, and more cinematic influences. How would you describe your current artistic direction?
Jonathan Kaspar: I don’t really think about my artistic direction at all. I simply follow what feels right to me and what I enjoy in that particular moment, rather than trying to fit into a specific sound or direction.
EG: As someone closely associated with labels and collectives that value musical depth over trends, how do you maintain your artistic identity in such a fast-moving industry?
Jonathan Kaspar: I think it’s important to trust your own instincts. Of course, you’re inspired by what’s happening around you, but I try to filter everything through my own perspective rather than reacting to external expectations.
EG: Your productions often carry a strong emotional dimension. Where do you typically draw inspiration from when creating music?
Jonathan Kaspar: Inspiration comes from many different places. Travel, conversations, architecture, movies, nature, even silence can be inspiring. Often it’s not one specific event but rather a certain feeling or atmosphere that stays with me.
EG: Looking back at your journey so far, what experiences have had the biggest impact on your growth as both a producer and performer?
Jonathan Kaspar: I think it’s about connecting and talking with people who share a similar interest and goal, whether they come from the same scene or a completely different field. You can always learn something from those conversations. If there’s one thing that has had the biggest impact on me, it’s learning to be patient, and I’m still working on that. I probably always will be.
“Every location has its own atmosphere, and that naturally influences the energy of my performance”
EG: Festivals often bring together audiences from very different backgrounds. What do you hope people take away from one of your performances?
Jonathan Kaspar: Enjoy the moment, don’t overthink, and let go. It’s about being present, sharing the experience, and embracing that feeling of togetherness.
EG: Beyond Kamaya, what else can fans look forward to from Jonathan Kaspar in the coming months? Are there any new releases, collaborations, or projects you’re particularly excited about?
Jonathan Kaspar: Plenty of new music is taking shape, and some of it will be released over the next few months. So far, I can talk about my upcoming EP on Crosstown Rebels, which feels like a colorful bouquet of flowers. There are also new remixes for Acid Pauli and Âme, along with quite a bit more music arriving before the end of the year. I’m really looking forward to sharing all of it.
Besides that, there are some exciting shows ahead, including an extended b2b with Mano Le Tough at Fabric London, as well as returns to Lux Frágil in Lisbon and Robert Johnson in Offenbach, among many others.
EG: Thank you so much for your time. We wish you all the best with your performance at Kamaya Festival and everything ahead. Take care!
Jonathan Kaspar: Thank you, it was a pleasure. I really appreciate the invitation, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at Kamaya. See and hear you on the dancefloor.
Jonathan Kaspar performs at Kamaya Festival on August 15th, 2026, at Agia Triada Beach, Protaras, Cyprus. More information and tickets are available here.
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