It all begins with an idea
Itay Productions was born from the idea that sound — just like visual assets — creates a space in our memory where we can return to; a tool for recalling meaningful moments in our lives.
Founded by the Spanish artist-producer and sound engineer Uriel Antonio Alcaraz Escarabajal, Itay originally emerged in 2014 as an artistic project deeply rooted to the need of express and tell stories through music. Over the years, the project has evolved into the embodiment of that original vision: a journey dedicated to sculpting soundscapes that connect, inspire, and enrich every creative project that have been part of. Itay Productions is the evolution of this first idea of being an artist/producer and now is more than just an artistic project but also a meeting point for those who believe in the narrative power of sound and are looking for maingfull auditory work for their own projects.
BEFORE ITAY _
My professional journey with sound began in 2011, when I obtained a diploma to become a sound thecnician through a one-year online course offered by the University of Seville. That same year, I began an internship at a local music radio station called Radio Unión—an experience that introduced me to the world of media and helped me develop a professional sensitivity towards music and sound. At the same time, I discovered the rave scene in my hometown, and I dip into it with my first alter-ego Offaxis, delving into the world of bass music and experimenting with genres such as drum and bass, dubstep, and glitch hop. This project offered me the freedom to develop a more aggressive and experimental sound, while also allowing me to refine my technic as a Dj and producer. I also became performing as a DJ at prominent events in the region such as Electro Night, Transylvania, MVP, Beugly, Technosys Summer Festival, and UltraViolence Fest, sharing the stage with underground electronic acts such as Borgore and The Warriors.
Over the years, I have been involved in a range of musical projects that have enabled me to explore a wide variety of styles and creative approaches. In 2012, I co-founded Nineteen Steps, a duo dedicated exclusively to delivering electronic music DJ sets. This project emerged from a shared desire to engage with the dancefloor, generate live energy, and connect with audiences from the DJ booth. Each of these projects has played a vital role in my development as an artist and producer, equipping me with essential tools, artistic vision, and a valuable network of collaborators that have significantly enriched my creative journey.
BECOMING ITAY _
This project emerged during a period of creative transition, when I was in search of a new artistic identity—something personally meaningful for me and could also resonate with an audience. At the time, the project’s concept based on the idea of blending folkloric Japanese sounds with modern electronic music. I wanted a name that evoked a Japanese aesthetic, carried emotional depth, was easy to recognise, and easy to pronounce in any language. Itay was born from the phrase “I Think About You,” reflecting my fascination of music and sound as vessel for memory. For me, sound has always served as a way to preserve and revisit meaningful moments—capturing emotions and personal narratives that might otherwise fade. The name encapsulate everything I was searching for, offering a form that is both accessible and rich in meaning.
In 2014, I released my first track ‘Stretching’ under the name Itay. Track published by the Barcelona-based label Molts Records. This release marked a turning point, earning recognition such as “Discovery of the Month” by DJ Mag Spain and inclusion in Men’s Health Spain’s official playlist. And releasing my second single ‘Sleeping Soul’ with the label the same year. Experience that positively impacted me, strengthening my motivation to remain committed to releasing original music. Over time, I have also released my music through various labels, including Molts Records, Menta, Envy Music, Micromusic, Dred Collective, Golden Hall Records, and Tataki Tapes. These collaborations have allowed me to explore and experiment with a range of genres, from Electronic music to Hip-Hop.
In 2015, I took a year away from music to travel across various parts of Europe and Asia as part of a creative project called ‘Roots: Revealing Memories’ aimed to collect folkloric stories and develop a library of ambient sounds from each location. After following a period of artistic experimentation and renewal, I moved to London in 2018, discovering a genuine interest in foley and sound design, leading me to explore sound design for media, allowing me to expand my portfolio beyond music. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I became actively involved in an online community of sound designers hosted on Discord by the Austrian game developers Stillalive Studios. Thanks to this community, I had the opportunity to participate in a sound design challenge organised by the American studios Heart Machine, in which participants were tasked with re-designing the sound for Hyper Light Drifter’s trailer, achieving second place in the competition.
Furthermore, in the summer of 2023, I took part in a challenge organised by SAE Institute London in collaboration with Ableton Live, which involved producing a two-minute track within a 30-minute time limit. I was awarded first place in the competition. Thanks to this event, I met the actor André Ibrahim, who invited me to work as a sound recordist on his directorial debut short film, The Two Minutes Job. This year was also a turning point in both my personal and artistic development, as I discovered the beatmaking community in South-East London and became an active member. Since then, I have regularly participated in open mics and networking events such as Loop Sessions, Frequent, Planet Wax, Aaja Music, among others. This experience has helped me expand both my artistic network and creative perspective, allowing me to take part in numerous events and collaborate with fellow producers.
Furthermore, I embarked on a new academic journey at the Academy of Contemporary Music by starting a degree in Music Production and Sound Engineering to formalise my knowledge in the field, through which I have continued developing my skill set in sound theory and studio workflows. Since then, I have developed a growing interest in immersive audio—an area I am particularly eager to explore further at a postgraduate level in 2025.