Emi Galvan has been quietly building one of the more distinctive voices in progressive house out of Buenos Aires, and 2026 is shaping up to be the year that reach extends well beyond Argentina. With a world tour spanning Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania already announced, festival slots alongside Sasha, Digweed, and Hernan Cattaneo confirmed, and a string of releases lined up across major labels, the momentum is real and hard to ignore.
The year opened with a double single, Everlong / Lies, a pairing that captures both the euphoric and the personal sides of his writing. One track chases those rare moments in life you never want to leave. The other processes the slow unraveling that comes with discovering a partner’s deception. Remixes from Ruben Karapetyan and Hermanez round out the package, each pulling the material in a different direction without losing its emotional center.
There’s also a collaboration with American producer Durante landing on Anjunadeep 16, a remix of Ruben Karapetyan’s “Pantheon” for UV Records, and an open-to-close set at The Bow in Buenos Aires on June 20th that will test the full range of what he’s built in the studio and behind the decks.
In this interview, Emi speaks with House Nest about the stories behind Everlong / Lies, his studio process, what he took away from playing D-Edge in São Paulo, and why he believes progressive house needs more producers willing to sound original.
Hello Emi, thanks for joining us today. How’s your mood, and where are you currently based?
Hi, I’m doing very well and enjoying a beautiful moment in my life. I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Your first release of the year, the double single Everlong / Lies, came out in January. Both tracks are energetic and melodic. What’s the story behind these two songs?
“Everlong” is about those moments in life that we never want to end, the ones where we wish we could stay stuck in a loop for a long time. Today, with so much hate and war in the world, reaching that “Everlong” feeling is not easy, and when we do, we have to enjoy it to the fullest.
“Lies” is about the frustration of discovering the deception of a partner with whom you shared many years of your life, and then uncovering countless lies you could never have imagined.
The release also features remixes from Hermanez and Ruben Karapetyan. How did you approach collaborating with them on these remixes, and what was your favorite part of hearing your tracks reimagined?
It’s always interesting to hear other producers’ interpretations of your music, especially from artists you admire. Ruben’s version stays close to the original while bringing a more ethereal feel, while Hermanez’s take is darker and more introspective. Both are fantastic versions that perfectly complement the original. Many thanks to both artists for being part of this release!
Your collaboration with American producer Durante, Lunar Circuit, was released as part of Anjunadeep 16 and supported by James Grant & Jody Wisternoff. How was this collaboration different from your past projects?
Well, when you collaborate with another artist, there are different ways to approach it. In this case, Durante sent me a track with the drums, and I worked on the melodic and harmonic parts. He brought his sound, and I brought mine. They complemented each other very well, and I’m very happy with the result!
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Let’s talk about your remix of Ruben Karapetyan’s “Pantheon.” Did he give you his original track for a remix, or was it more of a collaborative reinterpretation on your end?
Yes, UV Records approached me about doing the remix and sent over the original. Since it was a dark version with almost no melodies, I decided to build them and create a more uplifting take. There was a moment in the track where the melody idea came to me, and from there I built the entire remix. I also recorded vocals and applied the sound I’ve been developing.
Being from Argentina, recently you played in Brazil at São Paulo’s iconic club D-EDGE. What stood out to you about performing there, compared to playing in your homeland?
Well, when you play for an audience in another country that is not very familiar with your music, it is more challenging. There will always be a group of fans, but there are also many people hearing you for the first time, so the challenge is greater. You have to quickly understand what they want to hear and try to follow that direction.
Besides that, D-Edge São Paulo has three dance floors. If people do not connect with you right away, they can simply move to another room. But the truth is, it went really well, and it was a great party. Everyone was very happy, so I hope to return soon!
Let’s talk about your creative process. What’s your usual workflow in the studio when producing music?
I usually start producing from a melody. It might be one that pops into my head, and I sketch out in Ableton, or I build a drum loop until the bassline comes, and then the melody. It really depends.
After creating a 16-bar loop with drums, bass, and the main melody, I try to build a second loop as if it were the chorus, so I have two parts: verse and chorus. From there, I develop the arrangement and experiment until it feels most satisfying.
For producers trying to capture a true “Progressive House” sound, could you share one tip or insight?
If you want to create something truly original, you have to be creative and avoid copying others, otherwise you just become one among millions. There needs to be something that is 100% yours, something that sets you apart. Progressive house today can feel stagnant, with many tracks sounding similar, and it is the few who create something different that truly make a difference.
You’re already having a strong start to 2026 with multiple releases and gigs. What’s next for Emi Galvan? Can fans expect any exciting news or upcoming projects?
Well, I’ve just announced my 2026 World Tour across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, so I’m very happy and excited. I’ll be playing at Balance Croatia Festival and Sundance Albania Festival alongside progressive legends like Sasha, John Digweed, and Hernán Cattáneo.
There is also a lot of new music coming in 2026, with releases on major labels, and we are working on a very special show in Buenos Aires: an Open to Close 7-hour set on June 20 at The Bow Buenos Aires.
Support the artist and buy “Pantheon (Emi Galvan Remix)” here
Follow Emi Galvan on Social Media:
SoundCloud l Spotify l Instagram
