New and emerging artist J KEYS brings rock star energy and the power of positive thinking to the UK dance scene with his new single Red Flag, building on Kiss Future Anthems support for Mad About You, multiple Top 10s on the Official MTV Club Charts, a #1 on the Official Downloads Chart, and backing from BBC Introducing.

Your new single Red Flag mixes rock music and dance music together. Were both genres big influences on you?

Absolutely. I grew up listening to all kinds of music, so I never wanted to be put into one box. Rock has always had this raw energy and attitude, while dance music has the power to bring people together and create unforgettable moments. With Red Flag, I wanted to capture both worlds – something that hits hard emotionally but still makes people want to move. I think the best music today blurs genres rather than follows rules.

How many red flags have you ignored?

Probably more than I’d like to admit! I think everyone has ignored a few because sometimes excitement wins over common sense. That’s really what the song is about – those moments where you know something probably isn’t a good idea, but at 3am it somehow feels like the best idea in the world. We’ve all been there.

Besides being an artist, you have many other careers. How do you manage the time to combine them all?

It comes down to discipline and organisation. Every role I have actually feeds into the others. Whether I’m DJing, making music, filming content or working on business projects, it’s all part of building the same brand. Some weeks are hectic, especially with gigs coming in at short notice, but I genuinely enjoy staying busy. If you’re passionate about what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.

Is there a particular artist that you’d like to collaborate with?

There are loads of artists I’d love to work with because collaboration is one of the best ways to create something unexpected. If I had to pick, Drake would definitely be up there because he’s never been afraid to blend genres and evolve his sound. I also love artists who aren’t afraid to take risks and push boundaries.

Do you always have a backup plan if your equipment fails during your DJ sets?

Definitely. Technology is brilliant until it isn’t! Experience teaches you to expect the unexpected, so I always have backups in place wherever possible. The most important thing is staying calm. The crowd feeds off your energy, and if you panic, they’ll panic. If you stay relaxed, most people won’t even realise something went wrong.

Has social media been a bigger help to your career so far than radio has?

Social media has completely changed the game because it allows artists to connect directly with fans all over the world without waiting for permission. That said, I still think radio has huge value. Hearing your music on the radio gives it a different kind of credibility and reaches audiences who might never discover you online. For me, they’re both important and work best together.

If anyone is going to Ibiza this season, why should they check out the Secret Boat Party that you occasionally host?

Because it’s one of those experiences you remember long after you leave the island. Great music, incredible people, amazing views and that unique Ibiza atmosphere all come together. It’s not just another boat party—it’s about creating a proper vibe where everyone feels part of something special. Watching the sunset while the music’s building is hard to beat.

Are there any secret places, both dance-related and tourist-related, that you can recommend in Ibiza?

One of the best things about Ibiza is getting away from the busiest spots. There are some beautiful hidden coves and quieter beaches where you can completely switch off during the day before heading out at night. I’d also recommend hiring a car or scooter and exploring the island because some of the best places aren’t the ones you’ll find on the front of a postcard. That’s when you really get to experience the magic of Ibiza.