There’s little that can’t be said about UK-born, globe-trotting DJ Chris Metcalfe. Since bursting onto the scene, he has quickly become one of the most exciting and talked-about names in dance music. Starting out as a resident at the UK’s legendary 7,000-capacity superclub Club M Tall Trees, Chris cut his teeth supporting the world’s biggest DJs week after week. His breakthrough came when his debut track was personally signed by none other than Armin van Buuren to Armada Music. The release became a global hit, hitting #1 on download charts, and featuring on compilation albums worldwide. Soon after, Chris was championed on BBC Radio 1 by trance icon Judge Jules as “the next big thing,” setting the stage for an impressive career. With a discography any A-list electronic music producer would be proud of, Chris has delivered over 40 releases, many of which have charted in Beatport’s Top 10. His music has appeared on prestigious labels including Armada, Vandit, Subculture, Black Hole Recordings, and FSOE, amassing millions of streams. His productions continue to light up global radio shows, festival sets, and DJ playlists around the world.
On the live front, Chris has headlined internationally and shared the stage with the biggest acts in the world. Renowned for his versatility and impeccable tune selection, he has performed for packed crowds across Australia, Ibiza, Dubai, Argentina, South Africa, India, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Germany, Holland, and more, including a standout performance at Summerburst Festival in Stockholm and Gothenburg, playing to over 15,000 fans.
Now based in UAE, Chris has become a firm favorite in the Middle East’s nightlife scene. He has held long-term residencies at some of the city’s most iconic venues such as Zero Gravity, Cove Beach, and Five Palm Jumeirah, while also being a regular feature at high-profile events including the Abu Dhabi F1 (for seven consecutive years), Dubai 7s, Pacha, Soho Garden, and the Coca-Cola Arena.
2025 marked a breakthrough year, with standout bookings at Creamfields and Lost Minds Festival as well as releases on Armada Music and FSOE. Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up as his biggest year yet, with confirmed performances at some of the world’s most iconic festivals, with an impressive track record, a loyal international fanbase, and an undeniable stage presence, Chris Metcalfe continues to raise the bar as one of the most respected names in electronic music today.
Download/Stream Running Man: https://fsoe.lnk.to/runningman
Chris Metcalfe, the UK-born, globe-trotting DJ and producer, has become a household name in the electronic dance music (EDM) world. From his early days supporting international DJs at Club M Tall Trees to his chart-topping releases on iconic labels like Armada, FSOE, and Subculture, Chris has built an extraordinary career. With festival appearances across the globe and millions of streams to his name, 2026 is already shaping up to be a landmark year for him. In this exclusive interview, Chris shares insights into his journey, creative process, and future aspirations.
Dimitris: How did your journey into the electronic dance music (EDM) scene begin, and what were the key influences that shaped your style?
Chris Metcalfe: My journey began in the early 2000s when I was working in a nightclub. Being surrounded by music every night, I was constantly exposed to some of the biggest names in Trance. Artists like Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, and Tiësto would perform regularly, and seeing their energy and the way they could move a crowd completely hooked me. I became obsessed with Trance and its euphoric, emotional qualities. I started DJing at 15, practicing constantly and playing wherever I could, and from there, everything grew naturally. That early exposure and the atmosphere of the club scene shaped my style and laid the foundation for the artist I’ve become.
Dimitris: What personal values or life philosophies do you carry that also reflect in your music?
Chris Metcalfe: Patience and consistency are at the core of who I am and my approach to music. I’ve learned that nothing truly meaningful happens overnight, and that applies to both life and a career in music. Building a sound, a brand, and a connection with listeners takes time. I try to channel that belief into my music, crafting tracks that feel authentic and not rushed. Over the years, this mindset has kept me grounded and motivated to keep creating.
Dimitris: Which piece of music equipment or software can you not live without, and why?
Chris Metcalfe: Ableton is absolutely essential for me. It’s the heart of my creative process and where all my ideas come to life. From sketching early melodies to finalizing full productions, it’s the canvas where I can experiment freely. Without it, I wouldn’t have the flexibility to shape my sound the way I do.
Dimitris: Could you please elaborate on the inspiration behind the track “Running Man” that is out on FSOE and has been supported by Tiësto as well? How does it align with your current artistic aspirations?
Chris Metcalfe: “Running Man” is a track I actually finished one to two years ago. I kept it as an exclusive in my live sets for quite a while before finally sending it to FSOE. My vision for this track was simple: I wanted a true dance floor destroyer that would grab energy from the crowd and give it right back. It’s noticeably darker than some of my releases from last year, which gave me the opportunity to explore a heavier, more powerful side of my sound. The response has been phenomenal—seeing it get support from top DJs, including a recent play by Tiësto, has been a career highlight and a sign that I’m heading in the right direction creatively.
Dimitris: Have you produced any new tracks since the one we're discussing in this interview? If so, could you share the inspiration behind them?
Chris Metcalfe: Yes, I’ve been in a really creative phase. I have a new track called “Supernature” coming out on FSOE in February, followed by another release on Dreamstate in March. I’m also working on several collaborations, remixes, and even a few vocal tracks that I’m excited to announce soon. The main inspiration behind all these projects is maintaining momentum and continuously evolving my sound. I want 2026 to be a year of consistent, high-quality releases that showcase the energy and emotion I love about Trance.
Dimitris: Could you describe your current approach to music production and how it has evolved over the years?
Chris Metcalfe: I’m much more focused now than when I first started. In the early days, I would overthink every detail or second-guess myself. These days, I trust my instincts more and allow ideas to flow naturally. My workflow is cleaner, and the technical quality of my productions has improved a lot. Each track feels sharper and more polished, and I enjoy the process more because I’m not bogged down by self-doubt.
Dimitris: How do you stay motivated and creatively inspired amidst the fast-paced nature of the EDM scene?
Chris Metcalfe: Keeping perspective is key. I remind myself why I started making music in the first place—it wasn’t to chase trends, it was to create something I love. By focusing on making music that resonates with me personally, I stay inspired no matter how fast the scene moves.
Dimitris: Looking ahead, we're curious about your aspirations. What exciting plans and ambitions are on the horizon for you?
Chris Metcalfe: 2026 is already looking massive. We’re only a week in, and I’ve already announced two huge festival appearances in the U.S., and “Running Man” has been supported by Tiësto on his new radio show. That was a surreal moment. This is just the start—I have a lot more news to share soon, and it feels like the momentum is really building.
Dimitris: What are your future plans in terms of new releases, collaborations, or live performances?
Chris Metcalfe: I’ve planned a packed release schedule this year, with multiple tracks, collaborations, and remixes set to drop. I’m especially excited about the vocal tracks coming later in the year. On the performance side, it’s shaping up to be a very busy year of touring, and I can’t wait to bring my music to more crowds around the world.
Dimitris: Are there any collaborations you dream of, either with other artists or brands, that you haven’t yet explored?
Chris Metcalfe: I’d love to collaborate with legends like Paul van Dyk, Aly & Fila, or John O’Callaghan. Those collaborations would be milestones for me since they’ve been such huge influences on my sound.
Dimitris: What message would you like to share with your fans and the broader EDM community about your journey and vision?
Chris Metcalfe: Stay passionate, stay patient, and never forget why you fell in love with this music in the first place. That passion is what keeps the scene alive and vibrant.
Dimitris: What role do you think AI technology plays in the future of electronic music production, and have you experimented with it?
Chris Metcalfe: I’ve looked into AI but haven’t really experimented yet. I think it can be a useful tool to a certain extent, especially for inspiration or workflow, but I believe the human touch and creative instincts will always be irreplaceable.
Dimitris: How do you feel about the shift towards streaming platforms for music consumption—do you think it's beneficial for artists?
Chris Metcalfe: Streaming is great for reach and discovery. It allows artists to connect with fans all over the world who might never find their music otherwise.
Dimitris: How important do you find online tutorials and classes for aspiring producers, and do you engage in any form of music education yourself?
Chris Metcalfe: They’re extremely valuable. Even now, I’m always learning—this industry never stands still. There’s always a new technique or tool to explore, and online resources make that easier than ever.
Dimitris: How do you maintain a balance between your personal life and your music career?
Chris Metcalfe: Discipline with time management is essential. I make sure to schedule time to switch off and recharge so I can stay creative without burning out.
Dimitris: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers looking to make their mark in the industry?
Chris Metcalfe: Be patient. Learn your craft properly and don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Everyone has a different timeline, and consistency is what builds a lasting career.
Dimitris: What inspired you to transition from producing to DJing, or did both passions develop simultaneously?
Chris Metcalfe: They developed hand in hand. Producing helps me shape my sound, while DJing brings that sound to life on stage. Both are essential parts of my identity as an artist.
Dimitris: Do you prefer beatmatching manually or using sync features? How do these choices impact your creative flow during performances?
Chris Metcalfe: I prefer manual beatmatching. Sync can be helpful if you’re feeling lazy or need it in a pinch, but I rarely use it. For me, manual mixing keeps me fully engaged with the music and the crowd.
Dimitris: Reflecting on your career, what has been your most memorable DJ set and what made it stand out for you personally?
Chris Metcalfe: Playing in Buenos Aires for the first time was unforgettable. The energy of the crowd there is something else entirely. Their passion for Trance and the way they interact with every track just made the experience electric.
Dimitris: What DJ equipment or software do you consider indispensable, and why does it hold such significance in your performances?
Chris Metcalfe: Good monitors are absolutely essential. I’ve played gigs with poor monitoring, and it really affects your performance. When you trust your setup, you can focus completely on the crowd and the energy of the moment.
Dimitris: How do you integrate your own productions into your DJ sets to create a signature live experience?
Chris Metcalfe: My sets are built mostly around my own tracks. It allows me to craft a unique experience and present my music exactly the way I want it to be felt by the crowd.
Dimitris: Please tell us your final statement to our readers.
Chris Metcalfe: Thank you so much for taking the time to read this interview. Please follow me on my socials to stay up to date with everything I have coming up. I hope to see you somewhere around the world soon!
Dimitris: Thank you, Chris, for taking the time to speak with us, and special thanks to Stuart from the FSOE offices for arranging this interview. Chris Metcalfe’s journey is a testament to passion and perseverance, evolving from his first gigs in UK nightclubs to headlining global festivals and earning the support of legendary DJs. His rise in the EDM scene reflects an unwavering commitment to his craft, and 2026 promises to be his most defining year yet, with a packed release schedule of new tracks, collaborations, and remixes, major festival appearances, an extensive international tour, and the continued evolution of his signature trance sound and creative vision, all driven by his patience, consistency, and deep love of music.
