Coyu isn't your average DJ. Humanitarian, vegan, and cat-dad, Coyu made a career for himself first as a music journalist, then a promoter before he found his way into the production studio and ultimately the DJ booth. Born Iván Ramos and hailing from Catalan, the Spanish DJ and producer has made a pretty decent name for himself in the tech-house and techno scene in the past few years. However, he doesn't confine himself to just one or two genres. On his debut album, "You Don't Know", you'll  find a handful of techno tracks, but if you ask Coyu which are his favourite, he'll direct you to the non-techno ones. Heavily influenced by Laurent Garnier, he focuses on being able to seamlessly transition from one genre to the next: industrial to trance, deep techno to drum and bass.

Music, although a big part of Coyu's life, is only a fraction of what makes him such an interesting being. Rather than booze fueled sets and hungover touring, Coyu is all about healthy living. Inspired by his idol, Moby, Coyu ventured into a life of veganism three years ago. If you check out his Instagram, you'll see a man dedicated to his fitness and sharing vegan recipes.

In 2007, Coyu formed his label, Suara. Originally a sub-label under Atypical Farm, the label grew so well, taking precedence and in the end, taking over. Suara quickly grew to the number 1 tech-house label, releasing tracks with household names like Green Velvet and Charlotte de Witte.

But, Suara isn't just a label. Under Suara's name, Coyu also founded the Suara Foundation, an initiative to offer a better life to the street cats of Barcelona. Raising funds for veterinary care, housing strays, and arranging adoptions are all in a day's work. Coyu's love for cats is reflected in his label artwork and his loving nickname, "Big Cat".

We recently caught up with Big Cat a.k.a. Coyu to get a glimpse into his interesting mind.

THE DOWNLOAD x COYU

Barcelona?

The most beautiful city I've ever been... And a place I’m proud to call home.

Most played track?

I don’t use to play the same track over and over, especially classics.

Space Ibiza?

A magical place. Probably the best club in history.

Veganism?

The entire World will be vegan in the near future. Maybe 20, 30, or 50 years? I don’t know, but I would love to see it!

A B2B with?

Laurent Garnier. I would love that

Best Music Festival?

Sónar Festival in Barcelona

Place that surprised you while touring?

The first time I played in Perú (back in 2010), I was shocked by the enthusiasm of the crowd.

Most absurd situation while playing?
I got punched on the face by the owner of the club for playing Ricardo Villalobos’s track and a copla song.

Suara?
A way of life.

Cats, dogs, or...?
Always cats.

Best gig ever?
Sónar Festival 2012.

Preferred body part to workout?
Shoulders lately. They were some of my weakest muscles, but they are getting strong now.

Industry post-covid?

We’ll be back sooner or later, but we’ll be back.

Want more interviews? Get to know Dutch DJ and producer, Teknoclash.