MOGUAI and Upcoming Talent DHALI Invite To Embrace Unknown with New Single “Rest Of Your Life” + Exclusive Interview

Ten years ago, MOGUAI released a stunning music video for his single “Hold On” and has been keeping busy ever since. It’s crazy that just a few weeks ago, he crossed my desk with another hit, collaborating with rising talent DHALI, out now on Punx Records and 23HOURS. This track is ready for the dance floor, and with summer just around the corner, expect to hear it at festivals all summer long. MOGUAI has worked with many big names over the years, so I was excited to see him teaming up with DHALI. He must see something special in this young talent. Until this release, I didn’t know much about DHALI, but I’m really digging his Afro-house vibes and the energy he brings to the dance floor. It had been a while since I heard from MOGUAI, so I reached out for an exclusive interview to pair with this release. This was a lot of fun for me, and I’m excited to help promote their work together. Sit back and enjoy this exclusive conversation with MOGUAI.

“Rest Of Your Life” carries a powerful message about embracing new beginnings. What inspired you to explore this theme lyrically and musically, and how did it evolve during the production process with DHALI?
“Rest Of Your Life” is centred around the idea that every moment holds the chance for a new beginning – no matter what lies behind you. This message is universal, and I believe that especially in this day and age, many people are longing for a reset, for hope, for a feeling of ‘here we go.’ The inspiration came from personal conversations, from observations, but also from my own need to open new chapters – both musically and in life.

When Dominic Neill joined us with his unique voice and emotional depth, the song was taken to a whole new level. We worked a lot on the sound together to achieve this mix of melancholy and optimism – something that touches but also drives. In the studio, we realised that the track thrives on precisely this contrast – between vulnerability and strength, between past and future. And that’s exactly what we wanted to make audible musically.

You’ve worked with a long list of legendary artists over the years, from Fatboy Slim to Tiësto. What stood out to you about DHALI’s style and creative process that made this collaboration special?
I’ve worked with a lot of great artists in my career, and each one brings something unique to the table. With DHALI, his style immediately grabbed me. But what made the collaboration really special was his approach: very intuitive, very honest.

He brings a clear artistic vision without losing his openness to joint experimentation. We had an immediate creative connection in the studio – we inspired and complemented each other. It was never just about building a working track, but about creating something that has real meaning. And that’s what makes a special collaboration for me.

You’ve gone from underground raves in the ’90s to global anthems like “Mammoth.” How does a subtle, vocal-driven house track like “Rest Of Your Life” fit into your current musical journey and identity?
My musical journey has always been characterised by change – from the underground of the 90s to big festival tracks like “Mammoth” to what I do today. For me, it’s never just about volume or energy, but about conveying emotions and telling stories.

“Rest Of Your Life” is a good example of how my sound has evolved. It’s more subtle, more focussed on vocals and atmosphere – but that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. I find it exciting to work with reduction and thereby create more depth.

The track shows that house music doesn’t always have to be on the ball – it can also be vulnerable, reflective and still be danceable. And that fits very well with where I am musically at the moment: less formula, more feeling.

Your discography includes everything from progressive house to electro and techno. How do you approach genre these days? Do you still think in those terms, or is it all about emotion and energy for you now?
For me, genres have always been more of an orientation than a boundary. Of course, people used to think more in terms of genres – progressive house, electro, techno – but today I’m much more interested in emotions, energy and atmosphere. When producing, I don’t ask myself: “Which genre does this fit into?,” but rather, “How does it feel? What does it trigger?”

The technical basis and my musical foundation are still there, of course, but I let myself drift much more freely. I love combining elements, playing with breaks and deliberately blurring genre boundaries. In the end, what counts for me is whether the track conveys something real – whether on the dancefloor or in headphones. If the music is moving, the genre is secondary.

With your deep roots in both the Berlin and LA music scenes, how do those environments influence your sound today, especially when crafting something as emotive and fresh as this new single?
At first glance, Berlin and LA couldn’t be more different – Berlin is raw, direct, club-orientated, while LA often sounds more melodic, emotional and perhaps a little more cinematic. For me, both worlds are incredibly inspiring, and it’s precisely this contrast that flows strongly into my music.

In Berlin, I learnt how important authenticity and groove are – music has to work in the club, it has to be honest. LA, on the other hand, showed me how powerful emotional depth, songwriting and sound colours can be. With “Rest Of Your Life,” it all comes together: The production has this clear structure and energy, but also room for emotion, depth and storytelling.

Today, I see myself as a musical bridge builder between these worlds – always with the aim of creating something timeless that touches, but also moves.

You’ve long been a force behind tracks that energize the dance floor. What do you hope listeners feel or remember most when they hear “Rest Of Your Life” for the first time?
I hope that when people hear it for the first time, they feel that sense of new beginnings – that moment when you decide for yourself:, “From now on, everything will be different, better, more real.” Sure, I love bringing energy to the dancefloor, but “Rest Of Your Life” was about more than just the beat.

I wanted to create a track that touches and empowers at the same time – something that sticks because it’s honest. Maybe it’s the line, maybe it’s the mood, maybe it’s the moment when you realise that you’re not alone in wanting to start again.

If the song triggers exactly that in someone, then it has fulfilled its purpose for me.

You’ve released music on labels like mau5trap, Heldeep, Axtone, and PIAS. What does releasing this track on Punx/23HOURS represent for you at this stage in your career?
I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the most renowned labels in the scene over the years – mau5trap, Axtone, Heldeep, [PIAS] – and each of these stations has been important for my development. But now, with Punx/23Hours, it feels just right to take a path that is even more personal and independent.

Punx has been my creative home from the beginning – a place where I could think freely and release music without compromise. Now, in collaboration with 23HOURS, the whole thing takes on a new dynamic: it’s not just about music, it’s about attitude, identity and creative control.

“Rest Of Your Life” is a track that reflects exactly this new phase – emotional, independent and with a clear statement. For me, it’s not a look back, but a conscious look forward – and I’m looking forward to continuing on this path in a self-determined way.

Is there a moment in your career, whether it’s a remix, a live set, or a fan interaction, that still gives you chills?
There have been many special moments in my career, but one that still gives me goosebumps to this day was my set at the NATURE ONE festival shortly after the release of “Mammoth.” Tens of thousands of people completely immersed in the same moment – and when the drop came, this collective explosion of energy, emotion and connection… It was surreal.

But it’s also the quieter encounters that stick with you. When someone says to me after a gig, “Your track helped me through a difficult time” – that hits me again and again. Music is more than just entertainment, it accompanies people through life. And if I can be a small part of that, that’s the greatest thing of all.

Looking back at moments like playing the Love Parade for 750,000 people, how do those massive shows compare to today’s scene, especially when you’re releasing more intimate, vocal-driven tracks like this one?
The Love Parade was a legendary moment – 750,000 people united in a huge stream of energy and emotion. It was an overwhelming experience that felt like the pinnacle of an era for me. But even today, when I play smaller, more intimate shows or release tracks like “Rest Of Your Life,” I still feel that connection – just in a different way.
Massive festivals have an indescribable energy, but with these more intimate moments, with a track that speaks to people emotionally, it’s much more about personal contact. It’s less about the crowd and more about the moment when everyone in the room hears and feels the same story.

I think music has evolved and I feel like the focus is much more on that emotional connection these days. Even though the huge gigs are very special, the smaller, personal experiences are just as valuable to me today – maybe even more so.

When producing originals versus remixes, like your past work for artists such as Beyoncé, Moby, and Britney Spears, how does your mindset or creative process shift?
With originals like “Rest Of Your Life,” I usually take a very free approach to the music – here I have complete creative control and can develop the idea from scratch. It’s about creating a vision that fits together from start to finish. The music should be something unique and timeless that not only captures a moment, but also builds a deeper connection.

With remixes, the process is a little different. Of course I bring in my own signature and energy, but the basis – the song, the vocals, the original – is already there. It’s about respecting that template, but at the same time taking it to a new level and translating it into my own world. I love playing with the elements, transforming them while retaining the essence of the original.

The challenge and excitement of a remix is to create something new without losing the essence of the original – it’s often a very different creative process to creating your own track.

You’ve played all over the world, from intimate clubs to massive festivals. What are some of your favorite destinations to perform, and what makes those places special to you? With summer right around the corner, do you have any plans to return to Ibiza this season?
Every place I play has its own charm and brings a special energy with it. But some destinations simply remain particularly memorable. In Berlin, my home city, I always feel this special connection with the audience – it’s pure energy and passion. Cities like Buenos Aires, Amsterdam and Tokyo also have an incredible atmosphere that you simply have to experience. The people there have a unique love of music that you feel immediately.

And yes, Ibiza! This island has a special meaning for me. It’s not just a place where the party never ends, but also a place that is associated with a very special musical magic. The beaches, the sunset, the clubs – everything feels even more intense there. I’m looking forward to being there again this summer, it’s a must in my diary. Ibiza is simply irreplaceable for me and I can’t wait to be back on that stage.

You’re currently hitting some incredible stops on your tour, including Germany, Italy, and clubs across North America. How does performing in different parts of the world influence your setlists? Do you find that crowd energy varies in a way that shapes how you play live?
Every city, every country has its own energy, which has a direct impact on my setlists. In Germany, I feel a deep connection to electronic music, and people are often very demanding and have a keen sense for details in the sound. In Italy, on the other hand, there’s this passion and joie de vivre that translates directly into the music – you almost can’t afford to play slower or quieter there, the vibe demands energy!

In North America, you realise that the clubs are a bit more experimental when it comes to different genres and sounds. The crowd there is super open-minded, and that gives me the freedom to try out new ideas that might not work as well elsewhere.

These different energies challenge me every time to adapt and make my sets dynamic – I want people everywhere to connect with the music equally, but in their own unique way. The atmosphere and the audience’s reactions are often the deciding factor in how I control my set flow and which tracks I choose.

Your Instagram is a vibrant mix of studio sessions, travel snapshots, and high-energy shows. How do you balance the creative focus of studio work with the adrenaline and pace of touring?
It’s definitely a challenge to combine the creative work in the studio with the hectic pace on tour, but I’ve learnt to appreciate both worlds. In the studio I can dive deep into the creative process, develop new ideas and fine-tune the sound – that’s the moment of calm and focus.

On the other hand, the tour brings this indescribable energy and direct contact with the audience, which in turn fuels my creativity. There’s nothing quite like seeing how people react to the music and experiencing these moments together.

I try to find a good rhythm by always taking moments on tour to work on new ideas in the studio. That way I take the impressions of the shows and the feeling of connection back into the creative process. It’s a constant interplay – the energy of the shows inspires my work in the studio, and the calm of the studio gives me the clarity to perform even more intensely on stage.

Lots of DJs have podcasts these days. What’s the story behind yours, and how do you choose your tracks each week? I noticed it’s been a while since the last episode. Any plans to bring it back? I know fans like me would be excited.
My podcast has always been a way for me to give my listeners a deeper insight into my musical journey. It’s not just about playing new tracks, it’s also about telling stories – why certain songs inspire me or how they fit into the bigger narrative of my work. The tracks I choose are often a mix of what’s on my mind in the studio and music I’ve discovered at my shows or while travelling. Sometimes it’s new favourites that I just want to share with my fans.

It’s true that there hasn’t been a new episode for a while – that’s because I’ve been very focussed on new projects recently. But I definitely plan to revive the podcast! I love presenting the music in a different format and I know a lot of fans are waiting for it. So, yes, there will be new episodes soon – I’m looking forward to sharing something with you on a regular basis again!

You’ve built a strong connection with your audience through live sets, releases, and your online presence. What’s the best way for fans to stay updated on your latest projects? Do you have a newsletter, or should they follow your socials and website instead? The best way for my fans to stay up to date is definitely via my social media channels and my website. I regularly post updates, behind-the-scenes moments and information about new releases or tour dates. Instagram, Facebook and also my X are the most important platforms to get in touch with me directly and get the latest news.

As far as the website is concerned, you can find everything bundled there – from tour dates and new tracks to exclusive content. I don’t have an official newsletter option at the moment, but that could definitely be a plan for the future to keep in touch with fans on a more personal level. I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to hear everything directly from the source. So definitely stay tuned to the social channels, there’s always something new!

With so much experience under your belt, what advice would you give to younger producers like DHALI who are just beginning to leave their mark on the global music scene?
My most important piece of advice would be to always remain authentic and stay true to your own voice. It’s tempting to be led by current trends or the expectations of the scene, but in the end it’s the music that comes from the heart that lasts the longest.

It’s also important to be patient. Success doesn’t come overnight – it’s about constantly working on yourself, learning, and developing. Especially in the early days, it’s important to take time to find your own identity as an artist.

I would also say: network, stay open to collaborations and always be willing to experiment. The music scene is constantly changing and if you’re not prepared to break new ground, you could lose out. But the most important thing is to have fun with what you do. If you feel that your music is honest and you stand up for what you create, the rest will follow.

Just for fun, if “Rest Of Your Life” were a film scene, what would be happening on screen? Paint the picture for us.
Imagine “Rest Of Your Life” is the soundtrack to a scene in which a protagonist is at a turning point in his life. It’s the moment he stands in the twilight of a wide open field, deciding to leave the safe path behind and embrace the unknown.

The camera slowly zooms out to show the vast landscape while the wind ruffles his hair. The music builds up, the first soft vocals begin and the melody runs like a thread through the scene. The character slowly turns round, looks back once more – and then, with a determined look, he walks on, as if embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.

It is this moment of liberation, of hope, of change. The image becomes more and more intense as the track carries the emotions – and finally the scene ends with a view of the horizon, which still promises so many possibilities.

We’ve covered a lot today, especially your new single with DHALI. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share that we haven’t touched on?
I think we really touched on a lot of exciting topics today – from the new single with DHALI to my current projects. Maybe just one more thing: I’m incredibly grateful for all the support from my fans over the years. None of this would be possible without you. And of course: there’s still a lot of new music to come – so stay tuned, it’s not over yet!

Thanks for doing this, man. I had a blast. In all the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you very much, it was really fun! And to everyone out there: keep an open mind, stay curious – whether musically or in life. Keep supporting your favourite artists, discover new sounds, go to festivals, have a good time with good music. See you somewhere between the stage and the bassline!