Gabi Barrientos de Reus, born in 1986 in Beverwijk, is a versatile DJ, producer known in the music world as ZØGVØGL. His musical journey began early, as a teenager in 2001, producing neurofunk, D&B, jungle and breakbeat with an edge to match his attitude. In the years that followed he started earning a reputation in the IJmond’s drum & bass scene, not only as a DJ and producer but also because he organised unforgettable nights by sharing his passion, featuring local talent and breakthrough artists with, amongst others, Neuroblast events.
A defining turning point in Gabi’s career came when he met his co-producer and close friend, IvyF. With IvyF’s guidance, Gabi began to experience music on a deeper level than ever, unlocking the creative potential for him to showcase his technical mixing and mastering skills, erupting in his new, uniquely earthy yet ethereal style that flows and glows like hot lava with sparkling, tantalising embers of sound.Together, they embraced deep house, a significant shift in their sound from previous genres, that felt like their idealistic creativity was given a new home. A musical sanctuary with plenty of room for the rest of the world to join their melodic and transformative music that celebrates and honours all life. In 2024, ZØGVØGL was invited to perform his deep house set at the same boutique festival where he and IvyF had their eye-opening experience the previous year. It was here in his DJ set, that they premiered their first deep house track together, Calliope, marking a pivotal moment in Gabi’s musical evolution. Building on this momentum, Gabi released his debut EP, Silurian, across major platforms like SoundCloud, Apple Music, and Spotify, firmly cementing his passion for deep house. His performance at Hartstocht festival, where he also premiered Calliope, was met with great success, further propelling his shift toward deep house as his new and expanded musical focus.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a groundbreaking year for ZØGVØGL, with his highly anticipated EP Plea For Unity set for release in March. Gabi is preparing for a summer filled with powerful performances, blending his original tracks with the music of artists he admires. Alongside IvyF, he will also premiere an EP exploring themes of idealism, hope, and freedom, with her live vocals and lyrics that will also occasionally feature in his sets, inviting his audience to join him on a journey that will naturally sway both body and spirit to feel and move to enticingly magical beats and melodies.
The energy he brings as a DJ and producer resonates deeply with audiences, uniting people through music and creating perfect vibes for connection beyond borders and cultures. Gabi’s work continues to bridge local and global music scenes with his innovative productions, passionate,soul-soothing performances and mesmerising tracks that invite audiences to become one with his deep rhythms and harmonies. Whether performing solo as ZØGVØGL, collaborating with IvyF, or supporting and teaching local artists with his audio-technical skills, his music reflects his belief in the transformative power of sound, and his commitment to inspiring connection, equality, and care to the heart of our shared humanity.