STAY GOLDEN, the Bali-based producer and creator of the Totem Society showcase, is pushing the boundaries of electronic music with his blend of afro house, organic, and melodic techno elements.
Photo credit: EM1N
Known for crafting “mysterious music journeys,” STAY GOLDEN’s sound fuses groovy beats, tribal textures, and hypnotic rhythms, often incorporating acoustic and traditional instruments from around the world.
His latest EP, ‘Nothing But Us’, released on BFM Records, exemplifies his innovative approach to music production. This cross-continental collaboration with New York-based artist SUNNI, born from a serendipitous Instagram connection, showcases STAY GOLDEN‘s ability to create immersive experiences. The EP, featuring remixes by dOP and Fake Mood, has garnered support from artists like Richie Hawtin, Marco Carola, and Be Svendsen.
In this exclusive interview, STAY GOLDEN discusses the emotional journey of releasing ‘Nothing but US’, his upcoming projects—including a release on the newly-founded Techno and Chill records—and the expansion of his TOTEM event series across Asia. He also shares his thoughts on the role of AI in music production and his commitment to maintaining the human touch in his work. Join us as we delve into the world of STAY GOLDEN.
EG: Hi, STAY GOLDEN! Hello, Sebastian! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
STAY GOLDEN: Hi! Thank you for having me—it’s great to be here with EG. I’ve been doing really well, staying busy with music and my TOTEM events. Right now, I’m in Bali, which has been an amazing place for inspiration. It’s a beautiful, vibrant spot to create and connect with other artists.
EG: So, first of all, congratulations on the release of your latest EP, ‘Nothing But Us’! You must be psyched to have this one out to share with everyone. What are some of your initial feelings now that the EP is out and about?
STAY GOLDEN: I’m definitely excited to finally have ‘Nothing But Us’ out in the world and have such great artists remix my track—dOP, Fake Mood & Soul of Void. It’s always a mix of emotions—there’s excitement, but also a bit of vulnerability when you share something so personal. This EP was really about capturing a feeling of unity and connection, so seeing people resonate with that has been incredible. Now that it’s out, I’m just grateful for the massive support by Shimza, Richie Hawtin, Marco Carola, Be Svendsen, and many others. I’m looking forward to where the music takes people.
EG: Now, what can your fans expect to find on ‘Nothing but US’ as a whole? Is there a concept or emotional trigger driving this EP?
STAY GOLDEN: Fans can expect an immersive and genre-defying experience on ‘Nothing But Us.’ The EP is driven by a deep sense of collaboration, creativity, and connection.
The remixes by dOP, Fake Mood, and Soul Of Void push the boundaries even further, giving the original track new dimensions and textures. At its core, the EP captures the power of global collaboration and the idea that music can bring people together, no matter where they are.
EG: ‘Nothing but US’ sees you linking up with Rachel Sunni DiLuzio. How did the relationship with SUNNI come about? What was the collaborative process for this one like?
STAY GOLDEN: It all started from a spontaneous meeting on Instagram between myself and SUNNI, and it grew into something that transcended time zones and borders.
The collaborative process was unique since we were working across continents—me in Bali and SUNNI in New York. I would work on the beats and production from my studio, and she would send back her vocals and ideas from her side. Despite the time zones, it felt seamless. We both brought our own strengths to the project, and the distance actually gave us space to let the music breathe and evolve naturally. It was a true collaboration, where every layer added more depth to the sound. SUNNI’s vocals were the perfect finishing touch, bringing emotion and energy to the track in a way that felt completely in tune with the vision I had.
“It’s always a mix of emotions—there’s excitement, but also a bit of vulnerability when you share something so personal”
EG: Since we’re on the release front… what can you anticipate about your incoming drop on the newly-founded Techno and Chill records?
STAY GOLDEN: I’m really excited about this upcoming release on Techno and Chill. It’s a fresh imprint with a lot of potential, and I’m honored to be part of its early journey. This drop will be a bit darker and more melodic compared to my previous work, leaning heavily into hypnotic rhythms and deep, driving beats. It still carries my style of production but with a more underground edge. I think it’s going to resonate with fans of darker indie music.
EG: On October 26th you joined the Techno and Chill crew at La Brisa Bali with Angelos. How was the event?
STAY GOLDEN: The Techno and Chill event at La Brisa Bali was incredible! The crowd’s energy was on another level, and it was amazing to perform alongside Angelos in such a beautiful, open-air setting. I played some of my latest productions mixed with high-energy tracks, and it felt like the perfect combination for the vibe that night. After my set, I received so much lovely feedback from people who connected with the journey we created together on the dance floor. It was inspiring to see everyone so engaged and to feel the community come alive through the music.
EG: You’re also behind your TOTEM event series, which will see the brand gracing some of the best venues around Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and more. What can we expect from TOTEM? Is there anything you can anticipate on that front?
STAY GOLDEN: TOTEM Society events are all about creating immersive, mysterious music journeys that go beyond just the dance floor. Every event is designed to bring people together, creating a collective experience where the music, visuals, and energy all align in a way that feels almost ritualistic. For TOTEM, it’s about that deeper connection, taking the crowd on a sonic adventure that blends afro house, organic, and melodic techno, layered with tribal textures and hypnotic rhythms.
As for what to expect, each city brings its own unique vibe, so the events will be tailored to reflect that. The venues are all carefully chosen for their atmosphere and how they complement the experience we want to deliver. You’ll see a mix of performances from myself and JOSE’, as well as other artists who resonate with the TOTEM sound. Expect curated visuals, lighting, and maybe even a few surprises that will make each event unforgettable.
Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong all have strong underground scenes, and I’m really excited that we’re bringing TOTEM to those places and continuing to build that connection with the audience across Asia.
EG: Now, onto a hot topic… How do you feel about the rise of AI implementation in music? What’s your relationship with that like? Has any form of AI been used on any of your recent productions?
STAY GOLDEN: AI in music is definitely a hot topic right now. Personally, I see it as a tool that can expand creative possibilities, but it still needs to be used with intention. I haven’t integrated AI into my workflow yet, but I’ve been exploring it a little bit in certain areas. It can be a great way to experiment and generate fresh ideas that you might not have thought of otherwise.
However, I think it’s important to maintain the human touch in music. What makes a track resonate with people is the emotion, the imperfections, and the soul behind it. AI can assist in the creative aspects, but I feel that the heart of a track still has to come from the artist. None of my productions have involved any AI usage—it’s all about that organic, human connection.
But I’m definitely open to incorporating AI in the future if it complements the artistic vision. It’s an evolving space, and I think there’s a lot of potential for artists and how it can shape the future of music.
“What makes a track resonate with people is the emotion, the imperfections, and the soul behind it”
EG: Finally, what can we expect from Stay Golden in the next few months? Where can your fans catch you next?
STAY GOLDEN: In the next few months, there’s a lot happening! On October 31st, I’m organizing a special TOTEM Halloween event at a stunning venue surrounded by waterfalls—definitely one for the books. The next day, November 1st, I’ll be playing at Istoria Festival alongside GOLDCAP, Santi & Tuce, and other amazing artists.
On November 27th, I’ll be bringing TOTEM to Bangkok for a show at Sing Sing Theatre, and in December, I’ll be performing at Desa Kitsune. It’s going to be an exciting few months, and I can’t wait to share these experiences with everyone.
EG: Thank you so much for your time! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
STAY GOLDEN: Thank you! I really appreciate the support, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. Take care, and see you on the dance floor!
STAY GOLDEN’s ‘Nothing But Us’ is out now on Bridges For Music. Stream and download here.
Follow STAY GOLDEN: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
