May 1, 2026 |
London-based DJ and producer Rio Tashan has aura. The son of the late, great drum and bass legend, DJ Randall, Tashan has a unique ability to spin tracks that create unforgettable moments, making his crowd groove into the early hours. Whether he’s in the studio, hosting an event or behind the booth, Tashan is driven by a passion that’s in his blood.
Each track Tashan produces has a backbone built from a bouncing bassline that lights up a dance floor. His 2024 song Live it Up, which dropped via house legend’s Kerri Chandler’s label Kaoz Theory, incorporates deep, funk-infused rhythms topped by a soulful vocal, creating a sound you can’t help but dance to. Tashan’s latest release Expressions, featuring Kosmo Kint, is a deeper take on his classic sound that is set to delight club goers for the rest of summer.
Earlier this year Tashan launched his own party also coined Expressions. Kicking off in London’s celebrated nightclub Fabric, the night headed to cities like Glasgow, Bristol and Nottingham, bringing Tashan’s joyful selections to each one. Dancing as he mixes, Tashan’s energy behind the decks is infectious, and the young DJ has attracted a committed fan base because of it.
Now, he’s continuing his electric sets in Ibiza this summer, with multiple dates lined up at some of the island’s biggest clubs. Starting off on May 16 at UNVRS, he will perform at the likes of Amnesia on June 5, Hï Ibiza on June 26 and on August 4 he’ll hit the decks at Cova Santa. Much like the island itself, Tashan’s sound draws you in, and with new music on the horizon, there’s much excitement for what’s to come.
Here, we catch up with Tashan to hear more about who he would love to collaboration with in the future, the city that has the best energy on the dance floor and the best advice his father gave him about DJing.
1. Who is Rio Tashan?
In all honesty, I’m still figuring it out (haha). All I know for certain is I love a party and I love music!
2. How was working with Kosmo Kint on the track Expressions?
We linked up through being on the same management roster and ended up writing it for the Expressions debut UK club tour. I played it out at the first few nights of the tour and it just felt right. I loved it too much to keep it in the sets, so we ended up releasing it. It’s had loads of support and now I’m also excited to say we have a remix coming.
3. Who else would you love to collaborate with in the future?
Seth Troxler is my GOAT. [He’s] a prime example of everything I look up to and everything that influences me. My bro Halfpint is also someone I can’t wait to work with. We’ve been firing over some ideas and samples already. I can’t wait to get cooking properly.
4. Where did the idea to start the Expressions club brand come from?
I’d wanted to do it for a long time and it just felt like the time was right. I always used to describe my sets by saying “it’s a feeling”, which is something I wanted to incorporate into the brand. When it came to thinking of the name, me and my manager went back to what I wanted for the brand – a place where artists and party-goers are able to express themselves with no limits or boundaries. We honed in on the term “express yourself” which then led us to Expressions.
5. If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be doing?
Honestly, I’ve got no idea. This is my only love, I was born into it. There were other things I was interested in, but ultimately I believe I would have always been drawn to this game.
6. What city has the best energy on the dance floor?
Everywhere is so incredibly special in it’s own way so it’s hard to choose! But as I have to pick, I’d say my favourite set ever was at The Berkeley Suite in Glasgow. The crowd allowed us to build the night and tell a story. They gave us their all till past the end of the night, as the club let us stay open for an extra 2 hours (because nobody was leaving)! It was also my first sold out Expressions date, so felt extra special.
7. What’s the best advice your father DJ Randall gave you about DJing?
Something I look back on so much is his way of not conforming, having individuality, doing it for yourself. That way you have your own identity and USP. No one can be you!
8. What’s on your rider?
Strictly Silver Patrón, although not that I’m ever able to drink it as someone always finds it and drinks it before I can. Some grapes for a balanced lifestyle and sweets for energy.
9. What can fans expect from your upcoming Ibiza shows?
I have a few spots I’ll be playing this year, and some dates that have just been announced including UNVRS, Hï, Amnesia and Cova Santa, which I’m absolutely buzzing about. I feel this year, where all the sets are completely different vibes, I have a chance to really showcase my versatility on the island. That’s what I like to do – express myself in different ways at different times.
10. Is there anything else coming up in 2026 that you’re excited for?
A release with someone pretty damn special. Someone I look up to so very much, if not the most!
Photography by Ben McQuaide.
