UTCA – Don’t Wanna Be Touched (Vocal Extended Mix) + Interview
UTCA first appeared on my radar last month with the release of his drum and bass tune “Chasing The Light”. The Belgian artist is back at it again with another uplifting and energetic dnb song called “Don’t Wanna Be Touched”, released by Antwerp based Riverside Records.
And contrary to my (bad) joke about his name standing for Utah and California when I wrote about his previous song, it turns out according to the man himself that it “is slang for a dutch City, Utrecht (The Netherlands) but I heard it for the very first time in Budapest in the metro. It means street in Hungarian, lol.”
Read on for an interview with UTCA as he talks about his new track “Don’t Wanna Be Touched”, making the switch to drum and bass,his connection with the United States, and more!
What’s up UTCA! How has the first half of 2026 been for you?
It’s been an amazing start to the year. I’ve had the opportunity to release new music on a few famous DnB labels (Riot Records and High Tea Music), connect with incredible people in the drum & bass community, and see my audience continue to grow around the world. Every release has been another step forward, and the support I’ve received has been overwhelming. It really feels like everything I’ve worked so hard for is beginning to come together.
How would you describe your sound in three animals, and why those animals?
Rayko, my Bernese Mountain Dog – loyal, dependable, and always bringing positive energy. Just like him, I want my music to connect with people and make them feel good.
Falcon – fast, focused, and always aiming higher. That’s the energy I try to capture in my productions and DJ sets.
Lion – powerful, fearless, and confident. I want every track to make a statement and leave a lasting impact on the dancefloor.
Your new track “Don’t Wanna Be Touched” was recently released through Riverside Records. What was the inspiration behind the song?
The inspiration came from something many people experience but don’t always talk about. It’s about personal boundaries and the uncomfortable feeling of being touched without consent, especially in crowded places like public transport or busy clubs. I wanted to turn that emotion into an energetic drum & bass record while still delivering a meaningful message. Music can make people dance, but it can also make people think. I think the music videos I create speak for themselves. They reflect the messages I want to share through my music. For me, every release is more than just a song—it’s an opportunity to tell a story and connect with people on a deeper level.
You’ve been producing for some time now, but decided to focus on drum and bass over the past few years. What motivated you to refocus and what drew you to dnb?
After getting the opportunity to produce an official remix for Brazilian superstar Alex Ferrari, I spent several years producing Big Room EDM. At the time, it was an exciting genre to be part of, but eventually the scene started to fade, and I felt it was time for a new challenge.
The funny part is that I actually discovered drum & bass by accident while taking DJ classes at the Tomorrowland DJ Academy. One day I brought the wrong USB stick to class—full of DnB instead of the music I had planned to play! Looking back, it was probably one of the best mistakes I’ve ever made.
When I got home that day, I opened my DAW and immediately started writing my very first drum & bass track, “Don’t Know Why”, released under my former artist name JIN-TARO. The follow-up track, “Flash Up” performed really well on Spotify, and that’s when I realized I’d found my musical home. From that moment on, I decided to dedicate myself entirely to drum & bass, and I’ve never looked back.
I hear you have a personal connection with the United States. Can you share that story with us?
Absolutely. I spent some time living in Ohio, and that’s where I truly fell in love with the United States. The people, the atmosphere, and the culture all left a lasting impression on me.
One experience I’ll never forget happened during a visit to the Titanic Exhibition. I discovered that one of my relatives had crossed the Atlantic aboard the RMS Titanic but sadly lost their life in the disaster. It was an emotional moment, and the exhibition staff treated me as a VIP after learning about my family connection. It made the experience incredibly personal and unforgettable.
Ever since my time in Ohio, I’ve felt a special bond with the United States. Performing there has become one of my biggest dreams. Besides playing the Mainstage at Tomorrowland, performing in the US is my ultimate career goal. I hope that one day I’ll be able to share my music with American audiences.
What does the rest of the year have in store for you?
The second half of 2026 is shaping up to be my busiest and most exciting period yet. One of the highlights will be returning to the Tomorrowland DJ & Producer Bootcamp, where I’ll reconnect with many friends from around the world, including the United States and Mexico. It’s always an inspiring experience and a place where new ideas and friendships come together.
Musically, I’m excited to announce that I have a new release coming this summer on a major Spanish drum & bass label. I’m also about to begin working with one of my all-time top three dream labels—something I’ve been working towards for a long time, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
Alongside these releases, I’m continuing to invest my time and passion into my Chasing The Light Tour. My goal is to take it across Europe and, ultimately, to the United States. Playing the Tomorrowland Mainstage and performing in the US remain my two biggest dreams, and I’m determined to keep chasing them.
Favorite song of 2026:
Without a doubt, it’s “Oblivion” by Andromedik. As a big fan of Andromedik, I love how this track combines emotional melodies with high-energy drum & bass. It’s beautifully produced, incredibly uplifting, and one of those songs that immediately gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.
Best track to play at peak time:
For me, it’s “Wildfire” by Sub Focus. It has everything you want in a peak-time record: huge energy, emotion, and a drop that always gets the crowd moving. I’m also a big fan of Jo Hill—her vocals have a way of making a track feel both powerful and emotional.
Another absolute banger for me is “Chase The Sun” by Koven. It never fails to create an incredible atmosphere on the dancefloor.
Producer(s) and/or vocalist(s) you’d most like to work with:
I’d love to collaborate with Sub Focus, Dimension, and Culture Shock, who have all had a major influence on my music. And of course Andromedik. We both come from the same province in Belgium, and he’s played a huge role in putting Belgian drum & bass on the global map.
As for vocalists, my favorite is actually the one I’m already working with: Ziarah. She has an incredible voice, and every collaboration we’ve done together has felt natural and inspiring.
Upcoming artist(s) to watch for in 2026:
There are so many talented artists emerging right now that it’s impossible to mention everyone. But if I’m allowed to dream a little, I hope people will start including UTCA in that conversation as well. I’m working harder than ever to push my music to the next level, and I believe the best is still to come.
Take a listen to “Don’t Wanna Be Touched” below and give UTCA a follow!
UTCA – Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / SoundCloud
