Oscar Sanchez: Toledo’s Techno Visionary

Oscar Sanchez DJ/Producer

Born in Toledo, Spain, Oscar Sanchez has been passionate about electronic music since childhood.

From recording Cultura Techno on cassette to sharing the booth with legends like Cristian Varela and Nuke, Sanchez has built a reputation for powerful, old-school–influenced sets.

Since 2017, he’s released on respected labels including Unity Records, Kneaded Pains, Dolma, Say What?, and Mal-Function, with tracks like Yelmo climbing his personal top charts.

We sat down with Oscar to talk about his journey, creative process, and what’s next for his sound.

Hi Oscar, how are you, and where are you joining us from for this interview?

Hello friends, it's a pleasure to talk to you and connect with you for this interview. I live in a town in Toledo called Polán (Spain), a beautiful area :-)

You’ve been passionate about electronic music since childhood. Can you tell us about the moment you realized techno was your path?

I've always loved listening to music on old Discmans or Walkmans from the 90s. I started listening to techno sessions on a radio show at the time, and that's when I realized that this music truly fulfilled me.

You started mixing at just 16 with Akiyama turntables and vinyl. What were those early bedroom DJ sessions like for you?

It's true, my first DJ equipment was two Akiyama 2000s and a simple mixing board my dad bought me when I graduated from high school. I set up the equipment in my bedroom at home, and that's where I really learned to mix the few vinyls I had and that a friend lent me. I have fond memories of that time.

Weekly, you recorded Cultura Techno from Loca FM on your Walkman—how did that show shape your musical taste?

The program Cultura Techno heightened my appreciation for electronic music. It was hosted by Nuke and Cesar Almena, current DJs and promoters of the CODE parties at Fabrik (Madrid). Every day of the show, I recorded the program and the sessions and wrote down the names of the vinyls they recommended in a notebook I still kept. They were ahead of their times, and many of us are very grateful for all their work on the techno scene in this country.

Oscar Sanchez DJ/Producer

You’ve shared the booth with legends like Cristian Varela, Cristian Wünsch, Nuke, Pelacha, and Raúl Parra. What have you learned from performing alongside these artists?

Yes, I've been fortunate enough to share a booth with some of the biggest names in electronics in this country, and one thing you learn from them is that they're down-to-earth people like us, passionate about electronics who've done their job well and are rewarded.

You’ve played at iconic venues such as Family Club and Área 42, as well as festivals like Oasis Summer Festival. Which performance has been most memorable and why?

I have good memories of many, but if I have to choose one, I have very good memories of closing an after-party at Family Club on Three Kings' Night in 2020, and recently, a very good session at a festival called Jarave Festival.

Since 2017, you’ve released music on labels including Unity Records, Kneaded Pains, Dolma, Crash, Mal-Function, WRD, and more. How did stepping into production change your creative process as a DJ?

Perhaps since you started producing music at home, you've become more demanding when it comes to collecting other artists' music. What's true is that it complements you much more and enriches you as an artist.

Oscar Sanchez - Ozymandias EP [Mal-funtion]

Yelmo on Mal-function is a highlight in your current Top 10 chart. What inspired

the track?

Well, the word "YELMO" comes from a piece of armor worn by a medieval knight and is a nod to the figure of Don Quixote.

I always like to add things that have a meaning or represent something to me.

What was your experience working with Mal-function Records, and how has that

collaboration influenced your sound?

It was a great discovery, and the customer service and experience were wonderful. Jake was on top of everything from the very beginning and very excited about the launch.

Your sessions are described as rhythm-heavy and influenced by old-school techno. How do you bring that classic energy into your modern sets?

Fortunately, there are more and more producers trying to release music very similar to the techno of the 2000s. Tracks loaded with hard groove that, in my opinion, will never become history. Not everything is hard groove; there's raw techno that could sound just as good in 2025 as it did 20 years ago.

Your productions have been released on respected labels like Say What?, Elektrax, and Diffuse Reality. What do you look for when deciding where to release your music?

I look for labels that are in line with my musical style, where my songs can fit in. It doesn't make sense to send music to labels with different styles. I also take into account whether they're open to receiving demos or not, and a response is very much appreciated, whether you accept or decline. It's a nice gesture to respond.

Your releases on Unity Records, Kneaded Pains, and Dolma have earned strong support in the techno community. Which track do you feel best represents your sound, and why?

I'm very happy about the achievement of being able to publish on labels with a certain level of global renown. I couldn't tell you a specific theme, but I do know what sound I like to achieve and what sound I like to select.

What can we expect from your upcoming projects?

I'll soon be releasing a VA and EP with Kneaded Pains, as well as with the legendary Swedish label Sway Records. The tracks coming out are very representative, and I'm very excited.

Techno has evolved a lot since you started. How do you balance staying true to old-school roots while experimenting with new sounds?

It's compatible to remain as faithful as possible to old-school techno while also being able to tap into new sounds. There's a lot of technology these days that puts a lot of good things within your reach.

Oscar Sanchez DJ/Producer

Spain’s electronic music scene has a rich history. How has your hometown of Toledo and the central Spanish scene influenced your career?

In Toledo, specifically in Sonseca, we had (and still have) the Family Club nightclub, which has been a landmark in electronic music in Spain. It's true that there have been changes, but for me, it's been a landmark since my youth.

What advice would you give to young DJs and producers starting out in today’s techno scene?I would tell them to be true to their style, not to be afraid to knock on doors, and never give up before a no. Always work hard and be humble; that's sure to open doors.

Finally, what are your goals for the next few years, and is there a dream venue or festival you hope to play?

My dream is to continue enjoying music, creating new music, and having that music reach people. It would also be a dream to be able to play my music outside of Spain, which will initially be possible in April 2026, as I already have a date in Liège.

Thank you so much for this interview, Oscar, and all the best for the future! We can’t wait to hear your upcoming releases and see where your journey takes you next.