Such collaborations should be spoken of in the highest (and greatest) terms – and deservedly so. Orbe and psyk, two masterminds of the Spanish techno scene, decided to unite their powers and start a project that elevates electronic music to the highest possible level. Not only because of the sound and quality of the music they create, but also because of their approach to it – and they strongly underline that their collaboration is based on harmony and mutual learning, never rivalry.
The results of this synergy between Spanish artists? Three EPs and their first full-length album, which will be released in March 2026. And on the occasion of their upcoming performance at the Smolna club in Warsaw, we managed to catch up with one half of the duo, Orbe.
Agata Omelańska: Hello Fernando, it’s a pleasure to have you here and I’m very happy to interview the artist whom I would like to ask about literally everything.
Let’s start with a personal opinion and sincere appreciation: your brand new EP, “Ascender”, which was released on Token mid September 2025, found me exactly in the moment I needed it most. On one hand, it took me far beyond my head and became a meditation amidst chaos, pain, and so many unanswered questions; on the other, it allowed me to release it all through movement and dance.
ORBE: Thank you very much for your words. Touching the listener’s heartstrings is a triumph for us producers, so thank you!
What’s the story behind this EP? How do you approach creating music throughout machines, and how do emotions and experiences play a role in your creative process?
Well, with this album I wanted to give a little nod to some labels and festivals that marked my adolescence. I started collecting breakbeat records and my first parties were also based around this style – and although there is only one track with broken beats on the label, each name has a meaning that refers to this stage of my life.
For me, creating music with machines is something very intuitive, something that comes naturally. When I sit down in front of a machine and press play, I start manipulating or creating sequences until I find something that surprises me.
That’s my main goal: to surprise myself.
Once I get the first pattern, I start adding more layers and elements, and developing it until I finish the track. That’s how it was with this album for Token.
For you, what’s the starting point of writing music? Where does the inspiration find you and how do you work from the idea to the next steps?
Well, experiences and emotions definitely influence the creative process. In my case, I need to be at peace with myself, calm and happy, and have a routine without disruptions. That affects me a lot and makes me very proactive when it comes to making music, so I try to stick to the routine without disruptions. I try to exercise, I like nature and places where I can relax. I try to be with people who contribute to me, who add to me, in short: my people. All these factors are important. When all that is fulfilled, I’m doing much better in the studio.
ORBE Records is a platform not only for self-releases, but also for other artists to show and share their music with the world. You’ve just released amazing works by Hadone, Elias Garcia or Mathys Lenne, as well as your collaboration EP with psyk. What do you pay most attention to while listening to a demo? Is there something particular that you’re looking for, both in the sound and technique being used?
When I started the label, the initial idea was to be able to release my own music on vinyl – but over the years I’ve also wanted to give a voice to other artists that I love and with whom I have a good relationship.
I don’t usually accept demos; it’s more of a natural, unplanned process.
I remember when I met Mathys Lenne, we met at a party in France, and that’s how the album came about. It was the same with Elias; we DJ-ed together in Boston, and that’s where the idea of making an album came from. This is what I mean by it happening naturally; I like working that way. That’s not to say that if I receive a demo that surprises and delights me, I don’t want to release it. Of course I do, I don’t close any doors.
There is, actually, a reason why I’ve mentioned psyk a moment ago – as you’re performing, recording and touring together (and the music you’re playing is outstanding!), I’m really curious how your collaboration started. When did you decide to unite powers in the studio and show its result to the wider audience?
Well, the truth is that Manu has always been a role model for me – a Spanish artist who, when I started my label Orbe Records, had already been touring around the world and had his label, NON, positioned on the scene as one of the best in techno. That said, one day I was lucky enough to have him do a remix for Ater Cosmo Records, a famous record store and a label in Madrid. As a result of this remix, we met in person and decided to try working together in the studio.
You already know what happened next: three EPs together and our first album, which will be released in March 2026. It’s been a real treat for me.
What can an electronic music producer take from another producer? Is there something that you’ve learned from psyk, and vice versa?
Of course, you always learn something new. Everyone uses their own technique and has their own workflow.
I think it would be a big mistake to think that you already know everything.
Every day you learn something new, even from those you least expect. As for Manu, imagine how much I’ve learned from him. As I said, he was always a role model, and being able to make music with him and learn from his techniques has been a gift. But not only in the studio, also when it comes to managing a record label, when it comes to facing a gig. We’ve traveled a lot together, and you learn from that too. I hope he has learned from me as well (laughs).
Who do you consider your mentor or artistic inspiration? Who supports and motivates you when you need it most?
That’s a very difficult question, to choose just one person. There have been so many people along the way who have influenced me, especially in my early days. From my brother, who was the one who brought the first cassette tapes home, to Jami, the owner of the first record store in Algeciras, my hometown, where I spent hours. Bubu, we could say that the first studio I ever set foot in was his. Later on, when I was no longer so young, Eduardo de la Calle taught me a lot, and I am very grateful to him. I have learned a lot from many people, as I mentioned before. You never stop enriching yourself.
This second question, on the other hand, is very easy. The person who supports me the most is my partner, who has respected my career from the very beginning and supported me in achieving my goals. What more could you ask for in a partner?
Soon you and psyk will be back to Poland – after the amazing gig at Electrum Up To Date 2025 Festival you’ll perform at Warsaw’s Smolna club. How do you feel about this upcoming set? Is there any difference for you between playing at the festival and in the club space?
I’m very excited to be DJ-ing in Warsaw for the first time, and at such a famous club. What else can I say? I’m very excited. Personally, I approach every performance in the same way. I select the music based on the time I’m going to play, whether it’s a club or a festival. The difference is obvious: clubs are always more intimate, but you can also connect with the audience at festivals. Here’s proof of that.
Last but not least: call this question cringe, but I’ll take the risk. If one day a UFO lands on Earth, which music album / artist should it listen to, so as to get to know the human race – and why?
Hehehe, good question.
What I can tell you is what they shouldn’t listen to – and that’s Jeff Mills, because if they did, they’d feel right at home (laughs).
But anyway, I’d tell them to listen to the first LP by Psyk and Orbe, which is coming out very soon.
Fernando, thank you so much for the interview and time dedicated to U.! See you soon at Smolna and wishing you all the best in life & career!