Fernando Olaya returns to Balance Music with We Were Never Lost, a four-track EP that brings together collaborations with Kamilo Sanclemente, Giovanny Aparicio, and Julian Millan. The project sits firmly within the progressive and organic space, though the defining element is how each track is structured for flow and continuity. Across the EP, there is a clear emphasis on pacing, tonal control, and how each record can function within a longer set.
That same level of intention carries into how Olaya approaches DJing.
With a background that stretches back to vinyl and formal music training, his process is grounded in selection, organization, and repetition. Rather than relying on volume or constant updates, he focuses on understanding each track in detail and placing it with purpose. That approach has remained consistent even as access to music has expanded through streaming and digital platforms.
In this interview, Olaya breaks down how he manages his library, filters incoming music, and maintains a connection to the records that define his sound. The answers stay practical and focused on process, offering a clear view into how he balances discovery with long-term curation.
Interview With Fernando Olaya
How do you think about the difference between owning music and accessing it instantly through streaming platforms?
Even though we once had priceless physical collections, the digital era now pushes us toward streaming, which is great for exploration and immediacy. Still, I love owning music I truly connect with. Organized collections and carefully chosen tracks make a big difference in my creative process.
Music I keep has a special weight and reflects my identity. Combining exploration with conscious curation gives depth to my sound.
Has streaming changed how you build or maintain your library?
I come from the analog era, buying and playing vinyl, building valuable collections.
Today I download and store my tracks on hard drives, so I have access even with limited internet. Streaming is useful for discovery, but I prioritize keeping multiple options and formats. This ensures I can always play tracks that define my sound.
Balancing digital exploration with personal curation maintains an intimate connection with music.
What helps you ensure your crates reflect deliberate curation rather than turn-and-burn levels of convenience?
I listen to each track several times before adding it. I don’t include music just because it’s new or popular; every track has purpose in my sets. I organize collections by style, energy, and set moments, choosing intentionally. I regularly review my library to remove tracks that no longer inspire me.
This keeps each crate emotionally relevant and thoughtfully curated.
When so much music is being released and hitting your inbox each week, how do you preserve music that defines your identity?
My first filter is music from close friends, students, labels I work with, and artists I usually play.
Then I test tracks on the dance floor and keep only what connects with me and the audience. Those that don’t resonate get discarded. This way, my library reflects my identity and style, not just constant new releases. It’s about balancing artistic loyalty, discovery, and audience reaction.
Has ease-of-access influenced how you commit to certain records over time or fall in love with them?
Time or easy access doesn’t determine a track’s value. I always respect the emotional connection and my identity with each piece. Many tracks stand out despite trends or similarities in sound.
I don’t chase only the newest releases; incredible music from the 2010s is still relevant. Quality and connection are what matter most. It’s about selecting music that resonates with me and my audience.
What practices help you stay intentionally connected to your music in a streaming-first workflow?
I always prioritize my own productions and label tracks, where my identity is reflected.
I avoid top lists to keep my sound unique. Listening is conscious, focused on identity and connection with each track. I replay tracks multiple times to truly feel them. These practices make a real difference in performances and audience connection.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
