Why Estiva Doesn’t Plan His Days—and How That Helped Shape Embrace

With the release of Embrace, Estiva marks a new chapter in his career—one rooted in creative clarity, emotional depth, and a full-circle evolution that blends progressive house with atmospheric techno and introspective songwriting. Out now on Colorize, the album lands as both a personal statement and a club-primed collection, refined by years of touring and studio experimentation.

But beyond the music itself, Embrace is shaped by the rhythms of Estiva’s everyday life, from his relationship to rest and discipline to his ability to stay creatively grounded during high-output seasons.

Facebook I Spotify I Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

We caught up with the Dutch artist following his King’s Day canal performance in Amsterdam to hear how he’s structured a life that supports the balance between introspection and high-energy touring—and why learning to pause may have been the most creative decision of all.

What does “creative life” mean to you beyond studio sessions?

To tap into my creativity, I’ve learned that I need three key things: a solid foundation, a sense of freedom, and genuine excitement about what’s ahead. That might sound vague at first, but when I break it down, it comes down to this:

1. A Solid Foundation
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is challenging as a touring artist. Proper sleep and nourishing food aren’t always guaranteed on the road. But I try to create balance by intentionally carving out time to rest, especially mentally. Sometimes, doing nothing at all is the most productive thing I can do.

2. Space to Recharge
Rest creates room for curiosity. It opens me up to new ideas, new people, and unexpected experiences, all of which fuel my creative engine. Giving myself permission to pause is essential, even if it feels counterintuitive in a fast-moving world.

3. Forward Momentum
My creativity reaches another level when I have shows lined up. The thought of sharing new music with people pushes me to experiment, to refine, and to express. That anticipation, knowing I get to connect with an audience soon, adds urgency and purpose to my process.

How do you structure your days to support that life?

I try to keep my days as unstructured as possible. Planning too far ahead often clashes with my creative rhythm, so I leave space for spontaneity and flow. The downside is that it can make maintaining a social life more difficult, but I’m grateful to have friends and family who understand and support that part of my lifestyle.

Every now and then, I find it essential to completely disconnect by going on a proper vacation with no agenda. These breaks are more than just rest; they reset my perspective. They remind me that life isn’t only about my career in music, and that realization helps me come back with a clearer mind and a healthier outlook.

What’s something you’ve added outside the studio that changed your music?

For a long time, I barely went to clubs or festivals and I rarely experienced the scene from the other side. That’s changed in recent years. Now, I make time to attend shows as a guest, and it’s been surprisingly impactful. Being on the dancefloor, feeling the energy, and observing how music affects people in real time has given me a new perspective.

It’s helped me better understand the dynamics of a set and how tracks translate in a live setting, which definitely influences how I approach my own productions.

How do you maintain creative energy when life gets busy?

It’s definitely one of the biggest challenges. But over time, I’ve learned to make the most of my quieter periods. When things slow down, I dive deep and build up a strong creative output. That way, when life inevitably gets hectic, there’s less pressure to constantly create on the spot.

It’s all about finding balance and trusting that the work done in the off-periods will carry me through the busy ones.

What boundaries protect your creative time?

For me, it’s less about setting rigid boundaries and more about truly understanding myself and what helps me thrive. Over the past 15 years, I’ve gone through many different phases in life, each with its own challenges and demands. Those experiences have taught me a lot about what I need to stay balanced and creative.

I’ve learned to stay calm when things aren’t flowing. I no longer feel the urge to force progress—instead, I trust that things will fall into place when the time is right. One guiding principle I always come back to is this: I should enjoy my creativity. Creating is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life, and when I’m in that flow, I try to give it the space it deserves.

When things aren’t working creatively, I’ve learned to accept that too. That acceptance itself creates the room for inspiration to return. It’s all part of the process.

Have you ever redesigned your lifestyle for the sake of your art?

Redesigning sounds a bit too rigorous. I don’t necessarily see changes as sacrificing things for my art. Instead, I view it as an ongoing process—every day is an opportunity to refine the balance between my personal life and creative work. It’s not a single decision but a continuous journey where I grow through both mistakes and unexpected successes.

Music is my passion, and it shapes a big part of who I am. Over time, I’ve naturally made lifestyle changes that support my creativity. For example, moving to Amsterdam significantly increased the number of opportunities available to me. It was a pivotal moment that aligned my environment more closely with my goals.

During the COVID lockdowns, my career faced major setbacks, which forced me to reflect deeply. That period made me realize that constantly striving for “more” doesn’t always lead to happiness. Since then, I’ve found a more relaxed state of mind and interestingly, that has made me more creative than ever.

What’s one habit outside of music that strengthens your practice?

Emotional steadiness. I’ve developed a pretty stoic mindset over the years. Something that’s been incredibly valuable as an artist constantly exposed to both criticism and praise. I’ve learned to take feedback seriously but not personally. I know how to filter what’s useful and leave the rest behind without letting it shake me.

The same goes for success. I’ve never let it inflate my ego. I understand that both criticism and praise are fleeting, and staying grounded through it all helps me stay focused on what matters most: the work itself. That emotional stability has become a quiet superpower. It keeps my creative process steady, consistent, and genuinely enjoyable.