With the release of his ambitious 12-track compilation Finding Home, visionary producer, DJ, and live act Innellea has opened a new chapter in his career, defined by collaboration, community, and emotional depth. Arriving via his newly launched imprint belonging, the project unites a handpicked collective of artists including Rafael Cerato, Ubbah, Xira, Afnan Prince, and Yubik, among others, to create what Innellea calls “a sonic reflection of belonging.” Beyond its intricate production and genre-defying sound, the compilation stands as a manifesto for artistry grounded in authenticity, transparency, and shared creative purpose. We caught up with Innellea to discuss the emotional journey behind Finding Home, the philosophy driving belonging, and how empowering fans and collaborators is reshaping the future of his music.
Hey Innellea, welcome to PLAYY. Mag! We’re so happy to catch up with you 🙂
Congratulations on the release of Finding Home! The compilation is described as both an artistic statement and a manifesto. What personal or emotional journey does this compilation represent for you?
Finding Home is the story of where I come from and what I believe in. It’s about losing yourself, finding your people, and realizing that “home” isn’t a place, it’s a feeling. The whole project reflects my own journey from making music with friends in small studios to building a global community that still feels like family. It’s emotional, but it’s also a reminder that even when things get big, you can stay grounded in where it all started.
You’ve called Finding Home “a sonic reflection of belonging.” How do you define “belonging” in the context of community, your creative process or career?
For me, belonging means connection. It’s when you feel seen for who you truly are — not for what you achieve. In music, that means creating from honesty and sharing it with people who feel the same. It’s why our community is such a big part of everything I do. The fans, the artists, the designers… we’re all building this world together. That’s what belonging sounds like.
The compilation includes collaborations with 14 different artists. What inspired your choice in collaborators?
It all came down to energy and trust. I chose artists who create from emotion and who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable or bold. Many of them are people I’ve known for years or connected with naturally through shows or online. It felt less like choosing collaborators and more like forming a creative family that pushes each other to go deeper.
You’ve taken a revolutionary approach to label-building with belonging. What inspired you to make community such a core part of the decision-making process?
Because it just felt right. Music should never be a one-way street. When I launched belonging, I wanted to break that wall between artist and listener. I wanted the fans to be part of every decision — from the artwork to the release order. It’s their world too. And honestly, their input often brings ideas I would’ve never thought of myself.
What’s been the biggest surprises or lessons from letting fans vote on artwork and release strategies?
The biggest surprise was how deeply people care. They don’t just vote; they discuss, analyse, and share their own creative visions. It made me realize that the more you open up, the more magic comes back. Sometimes it means giving up control, but that’s exactly where the beauty starts — when it becomes ours instead of mine.
‘Waste It’ with Ubbah has been a huge highlight. What was the creative process like for that collaboration, and did it differ from others on the album?
That one came super naturally. Ubbah and I share a similar emotional language. We both love blending heavy grooves with cinematic tension. We sent ideas back and forth, and it just clicked. Nothing forced, no overthinking, just flow. I think that’s why it hits so hard emotionally; it carries the energy of trust and freedom. We finished the song right before my show in Mar del Plata for 17k people, and luckily we got to perform it there together. We felt right away that this was something special.
What does creative vulnerability mean to you, and how did that manifest in the creation of Finding Home?
It means being brave enough to show what’s real — even the parts that aren’t perfect. Vulnerability is the bridge that connects people. In Finding Home, that’s everywhere: in the melodies, in the way the artists express themselves, and in the fact that I gave up control to the community. That’s real vulnerability — not knowing where it’ll go, but trusting the process.
Your sound has always stood out, but Finding Home really pushes it into diverse soundscapes. How intentional was that range, and was it challenging to keep things cohesive?
I wanted it to feel like a journey, not a playlist. Each track represents a different side of what belonging can sound like — emotional, ravey, cinematic, or raw. The key was to keep the spirit consistent: it all had to come from a real place. So yeah, the range was intentional, but the glue was emotion. That’s what makes it feel whole.
With Finding Home completed, what does the rest of 2025 hold for you?
2025 is about growth and evolution. We’re expanding belonging with new releases, new artists, and more community projects. For me personally, it’s also a time to explore new sounds and collaborations that go beyond the expected. I want to keep breaking patterns, keep connecting with people — whether it’s on stage, in the surf, or somewhere random dancing in the crowd. That’s what it’s all about.
Listen to Finding Home now:
Follow Innellea:
Spotify – Apple Music – YouTube – Soundcloud – Beatport – TikTok – Instagram
