adminIn the pulsating underbelly of the global techno scene, Talkback Heads—the Swiss DJ and producer born Paulo Saraiva—has been a force of raw, relentless energy since he first gripped the decks at 15, honing a style that’s equal parts surgical precision and infectious frenzy, landing him gigs at iconic spots like Pacha and XOYO alongside heavyweights such as Wehbba. Armed with a Sound Engineering diploma from the DJ Mag-voted world’s best electronic music school, he’s since unleashed a torrent of boundary-pushing tracks on labels like Frequenza Records, Black Kat, We Love Techno, and M5, earning props from titans including Joseph Capriati, Popof, Carl Craig, and Luigi Madonna; his latest salvo, the chart-storming ‘Selene’ single on Black Kat, hit Beatport’s Top 100 Peak-Time Techno like a midnight freight train, while collabs like the blistering ‘Domination’ with Kadric on Affluenza cemented his rep as a collaborator who elevates everyone in the booth. Fresh off a whirlwind Japan tour tearing up Knot, St Pax, and Batica, and with his innovative daytime ritual Techno & Coffee—melding specialty brews and brutalist beats—now storming Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) for its Dutch debut via a grueling 11-hour marathon of showcases, Talkback Heads is turning the live music x coffee experience into an experience that elevates the trend by leaps and bounds.
In this interview, he dives deep into the alchemy of exporting his Swiss-born vision to Amsterdam’s club-cum-cafe crossroads, the grind of two sets in 11 hours, and why techno thrives best when it’s sipped, not just slammed.
You’ve had an incredible summer with packed shows across Switzerland and that electrifying tour in Japan—what’s one standout moment from those travels that still gives you chills when you think about it?
Yeah, it’s been a really intense summer — but in the best way. I had the chance to play several shows across Switzerland, including my third year in a row at the Lake Parade in Geneva with Maxxima. Another really special moment was my first set in Zürich for the Papillarya art group. It was in a soon-to-be demolished apartment, which created such a raw and unique atmosphere. Playing techno in a place like that made it feel truly iconic.
But honestly, what still gives me chills is thinking about my tour in Japan earlier this year. I absolutely loved discovering Japanese culture and exploring such an incredible country. When I was behind the decks, I could really feel the energy from the crowd. The moment I dropped our track ‘Domination’ — which I produced with Kadric — people started screaming, throwing their hands up, and shouting the track’s name. I honestly wasn’t expecting that. It blew my mind to realize they already knew the track, had listened to my music before, and even done their research before the show. That kind of connection is priceless.
What made it even more special was how supportive everyone was. The crowd stayed from the very first beat to the last track, and afterward so many of them posted videos, tagged me, followed me, and sent kind messages. That level of genuine love is something I really admire. In Europe, people can be a bit more reserved — they might think twice before showing that kind of support — so experiencing it so openly in Japan was incredibly touching. It reminded me exactly why I love doing this.
Playing iconic spots like Pacha and XOYO must feel surreal; how has sharing stages with global talents shaped the way you craft your sets?
Playing iconic spots like Pacha and XOYO definitely feels surreal — it’s humbling to be part of spaces with so much history and energy. Sharing stages with global talents has taught me a lot about reading a crowd, pacing a set, and creating moments that feel alive and connected. Every set becomes a dialogue: you learn when to build tension, when to let people breathe, and how to make the journey feel natural. It’s shaped my approach to crafting sets that aren’t just about tracks or technical skill, but about creating a shared experience — a night where the music, the energy, and the people all come together.
As a Swiss producer dropping on imprints like Frequenza and Black Kat, what’s the one track in your catalog that feels like the truest snapshot of your sound right now?
Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one track, because my sound is always evolving. Right now, I’m really drawn to deep, hypnotic textures and grooves that build energy and keep people moving. I’ve been experimenting a lot in the studio, and every set I play feels like a snapshot of that journey — it’s less about one track and more about creating a vibe and flow that pulls the crowd in and keeps them connected.
This is your first time spinning in Amsterdam; what drew you to the city’s underground scene, and how does it compare to the energy back home?
It’s my first time spinning in Amsterdam, but I’ve been coming to ADE since 2018, and I’ve always loved the city’s energy. The electronic music scene here is alive, vibrant, and the Dutch have really shaped the industry since the ’90s — their culture is strong, innovative, and inspiring. Back home in Switzerland, the scene is passionate and close-knit, but a bit more predictable. Amsterdam just has that extra spark, and I’m stoked to finally play and be part of that vibe.
For the Talkback Heads x Cogs afterparty at ADE, teaming up with UK techno vets Domo and SiSpace sounds like a dream lineup—how do you envision that rolling groove journey unfolding from deep to peak time?
This afterparty is really special — it’s all about that proper afterparty energy, where the night keeps rolling and people are completely immersed. SiSpace will guide the journey with deep, hypnotic grooves, while BRKN and Chemical Language, flying in from the US, add melodic textures that keep things dynamic and engaging.
Then, as the night peaks, Domo and I (Talkback Heads) drive it into peak-time techno and harder belters, creating a natural rise in energy that’s all about the floor, the music, and the shared connection. It’s a journey from deep grooves to full-on peak-time energy, with that real afterparty spirit running through the whole night.
ADE official website
Resident Advisor
Techno & Coffee is such a fresh concept you’ve created, blending your passion for specialty brews with the rave vibe—walk us through the spark that turned coffee chats into full-on dance events.
I believe the idea of creating Techno & Coffee had been building up in me for a while. I was looking for new ways to express my music and connect with people differently, and it just felt like the right moment as my passion for specialty coffee kept growing. I wanted to build something meaningful around it — not just a rave party in a café, but a movement that celebrates love for techno and great coffee.
That’s why I’ve always chosen to host Techno & Coffee events in specialty cafés that share the same values: quality, community, and ethical practices. It’s really important to me that every collaboration supports the people and purpose behind the coffee, not just the music.
Partnering with DAK Coffee Roasters for the day party feels perfect, especially with their ethical, innovative roasts; how do you hope that fusion of clean, bright cups and rolling techno grooves will connect people on October 25th?
Exactly, partnering with DAK Coffee Roasters just made sense for Techno & Coffee. They embody everything we love about specialty coffee: ethics, creativity, and a real passion for the craft that they’ve been developing and sharing for years.
On October 25th, we want people to really feel that fusion — to start their day with something sensory and grounding before diving into the rhythm of ADE. It’s about slowing down, sharing a cup, and realizing that music and coffee both have the same power: to bring people together, spark conversation, and set the tone for an unforgettable day.
ADE official website
Resident Advisor
Being selected for Amsterdam’s 750th Anniversary celebrations as part of ADE is a massive milestone for Techno & Coffee—what does that validation mean for pushing specialty coffee culture into the electronic world?
Being part of Amsterdam’s 750th Anniversary celebrations during ADE is a huge honor and a real milestone for Techno & Coffee. For me personally, it’s incredibly meaningful — I’ve always been deeply passionate about coffee and actively involved in the specialty coffee community in the past years, from attending cuppings and competitions to connecting with baristas, roasters and coffee lovers around the world.
Seeing this passion come full circle at ADE, and being part of such a historic moment for the city, feels like true validation of what Techno & Coffee stands for — building bridges between creative communities. Specialty coffee and electronic music share the same values of craft, curiosity, and connection, and this collaboration is all about celebrating that shared energy.
Back in 2018, your track “Do It” was runner-up in Dave Clarke’s Demolition contest, a huge nod from a legend—how did that near-win influence the risks you’ve taken in your production since?
I think what this track really gave me was a boost in motivation to keep creating music. It reminded me that sometimes the simplest ideas can leave the biggest impact. Even today, I still play it in my sets, and it always gets people vibing. The fact that I started it on a flight from Geneva to Amsterdam and finished it in my hotel room really put things into perspective — you don’t always need the perfect setup or tons of time. Sometimes, not overthinking and just going with the flow leads to the best results. As they say, less is more!
After all the high-stakes builds in a set like yours, what’s your ultimate post-gig ritual—espresso shot, vinyl hunt, or something totally off the grid?
After a short night of sleep to recover from an intense gig, I’m definitely team espresso in the morning. Pair it with a rewarding breakfast like blueberry pancakes or a classic maple syrup stack and I’m reset. Later in the day, I love getting out for a walk in nature. That’s one of the reasons I love living in Switzerland — the mountains, the lakes, the quiet. Whether it’s a hike up in the hills or just walking around the lake, it’s the perfect way to come down, reflect, and recharge.
Stream Domination:
Follow Talkback Heads:
Spotify – Official Website – Instagram – Facebook – Soundcloud – X
