Hot off the heels of his May 9th release ‘Let Me Be’ on PLAYY. Records, we caught up with rising French producer Thaylo to dive into the mind behind the music. Known for his signature piano-driven sound and emotionally rich productions, Thaylo has quickly become a standout name in electronic music, with over 5.8 million streams on Spotify alone, support from legends like Martin Garrix, Nora En Pure, and Solomun, and releases on respected labels like Purified, Colorize, and Kontor. A native of Grenoble, Thaylo‘s journey began with a spark from Tomorrowland aftermovies and has since evolved into a powerful artistic voice blending melodic, progressive, and deep house. With accolades including a spot in the Top 100 Progressive House Releases on Beatport, playlist features on Chill Tracks, Melancholia, and Electronic Rising, and a reputation for stunning live performances, Thaylo is carving a lane all his own. In this exclusive interview, we explore his process, his inspirations, and the personal energy behind ‘Let Me Be’.
Listen to the track while you read our interview with Thaylo below:
Paint us a picture: what sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
When I was younger, I was completely captivated by the aftermovies of Tomorrowland. The energy, the lights, the crowd—it felt like something beyond just a concert. It was an experience, a story being told through music and visuals, and that really left a lasting impression on me. In high school, I wasn’t particularly fond of school; I felt out of place and longed to do something different from everyone else. I would always listen to electronic music on the bus. It was my escape, my way of connecting with something bigger than the routine I felt stuck in.
One day, I stumbled upon DJ sets on YouTube, and watching those performances sparked something in me. I realized that creating music, not just listening to it, could be my way of expressing myself. It wasn’t just about playing someone else’s tracks—it was about creating something that resonated with people the same way the artists I liked resonated with me. That moment, watching those DJs perform, solidified my decision to pursue music production. It felt like a natural step for me, a way to make my mark on the world in a way that felt authentic and true to who I am.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
It’s more about a feeling, something that’s coming with the song, like an energy.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
FL Studio, piano, VSTs like Serum, Diva or Sylenth1, mic.
What’s your go-to ritual or trick for getting into the creative zone?
I go on the piano and try some melodies, ambiances without any expectation and just see if something that I feel in the energy is coming.
What’s the one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
My laptop.
How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
One day a few years ago, everything changed for me. I was going through a difficult time, and instead of pulling away, I turned to music. I felt a deep need to go beyond the surface—to explore my own universe and create something that truly reflected who I was. Through that journey, my artistic voice began to evolve into something more personal, more honest. That’s when I realized I wasn’t just making music anymore—I was choosing a path.
My musical influences have played a big part in shaping that path. I’ve always loved the piano, and I’m deeply inspired by emotional music (artists like Ben Böhmer, Ludovico Einaudi…).
I wasn’t a singer at the beginning, but recently, I started incorporating my voice into my tracks. It’s brought a whole new layer to my music—something more personal, more raw, and more me. It doesn’t sound polished in the traditional sense, but it adds an honest and unique character that feels real.
How has your creative process or perspective shifted since you started your journey?
Since I started my journey, my creative process has become much more personal and intentional. I’ve really taken the time to shape my sound and define the way I want my music to feel—building my own world, sonically and emotionally. The piano has been a huge part of that evolution. I often just sit down at the piano and let myself explore, trying out ideas and creating different moods. Sometimes, when I’m listening to music and I hear a vibe or an atmosphere that resonates with me, I’ll go straight to my computer or the piano and try to create something that gives me a similar feeling. It’s like chasing a certain emotion or energy and translating it into my own language.
Walk us through a recording session: what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in the studio?
One of the most memorable moments I’ve had in the studio was actually a bit unexpected. I was working on my usual type of track—something electronic, with a lot of digital sounds. But that day, I felt like trying something different. I started experimenting with a more chill vibe, using more organic instruments and fewer electronic elements.
I sat at the piano and came up with a melody that felt really natural. Then, out of nowhere, I grabbed the mic and started singing—even though I’d never really done that before. And to my surprise, my voice came out sounding completely different from what I expected, in a really good way. I had this sudden feeling like, “Something special is happening right now.”
That moment really changed things for me. Since then, I’ve started using my voice more and incorporating it into my music. It opened a new door creatively, and that session was the turning point.
PS: (That’s how ‘Let Me Be’ was born.)
Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
Rüfüs Du Sol, Ludovico Einaudi, M83
Any side projects you’re working on?
No.
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
Teho
What’s the strangest or most surprising song currently on your playlist?
Dany Brillant – ‘Quand Je Vois Tes Yeux’
Which song, album or playlist do you never get sick of no matter how many times you listen to it?
Rüfüs Du Sol – Innerbloom
Djo – End of Beginning
Are there any unexpected hobbies or projects you’re exploring outside of your main work?
No.
If your life and career were an album, what would its title be, and what’s the hidden track only your fans would know?
Introspection: a very messy journey
Give us a glimpse into the future – what surprises or milestones are coming up for you this year?
- EP with Purified release in May
- Some big releases with PLAYY. (1 5-track EP)
- Some gigs around Europe:
14.06 | Index Club, Dublin (with RIVO)
21.06 | R63 Rooftop, Brussels
31.10 | The Grand Social, Dublin
Famous last words?
See you at the Tomorrowland mainstage.
Follow Thaylo:
Website – Instagram – Facebook – X – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Spotify
