Billy Esteban a.k.a Zoran Iliev
Billy Esteban, born Zoran Iliev, is a globally recognized music producer, composer, artist, and DJ/performer. Known for his innovative fusion of electronic beats with traditional folk elements, he has carved out a unique space in the electronic music scene.
As a co-founder of Cafe De Anatolia, he has played a key role in shaping and popularizing Organic House—a genre that blends deep electronic rhythms with ethnic melodies, acoustic instruments, and cultural influences from around the world. Today, this fusion has become a growing trend in the electronic music scene.
A Musical Journey Through Cultures
Esteban’s music is a fusion of global traditions. He draws inspiration from Middle Eastern, Balkan, Indian, Mediterranean and Asian sounds, incorporating instruments such as the tambura, oud, duduk, and santur. These organic textures, layered over hypnotic beats, create a warm and immersive experience that sets his music apart from mainstream electronic productions.
Unlike many electronic producers who rely on synthetic sounds, Esteban blends live-recorded instrumentals into his compositions. This approach gives his music an earthy, natural feel, making it equally suited for lounges, beach bars, hotels, meditation spaces, and festival stages all around the World.
The Art of Blending Traditional and Electronic Elements
Esteban’s music is more than a simple mix of traditional samples and digital beats. Instead, it’s a carefully crafted dialogue between the two. His compositions feature:
- Melodic storytelling – Inspired by folk traditions, his tracks follow a narrative structure, guiding listeners through an emotional journey.
- Layered textures – He seamlessly blends hand-played instruments with electronic synthesizers, ensuring a smooth transition between organic and digital sounds.
- Deep, hypnotic rhythms – Influenced by tribal percussion and downtempo house, his beats are both relaxing and danceable.
- Ethnic vocals and chants – Many of his tracks feature live-recorded or sampled vocals, adding a spiritual and mystical dimension to his sound.
Notable Works and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Billy Esteban has released numerous albums and singles that showcase his distinctive fusion of electronic and traditional sounds. His discography includes seven unique solo albums, each contributing to the Organic House and Downtempo genres.
BILLY ESTEBAN’S BEATPORT: beatport.com
In addition to his solo projects, Esteban has collaborated with artists such as Rialians On Earth, Nora Projekt, OTIOT, Bozo Vreco, Mercan Dede – DJ Arkın Allen, DJ KhaiKhan, Mario Dreamers Inc., Elias Fassos, Risk, Valeron, Yohan & David, Throdef, Dim Angelo, Ghenwa Nemnom and many more pushing the boundaries of ethno-electronic music.
His music is available on platforms like Spotify, where listeners can explore his extensive collection of DJ mixes and EPs: open.spotify.com (192,000 monthly listeners)
Live Performances and Global Reach
Beyond the studio, Billy Esteban’s live performances bring his fusion style to life. His sets often feature live instrumentation, improvisation, and deep crowd engagement, creating a truly immersive experience. He has performed at prestigious venues and luxury destinations worldwide, including:
- W Doha
- Four Seasons Dubai
- Pacman Santorini
- Radisson Blu Tunisia Djerba
- And many more
Additionally, Esteban has achieved viral success with tracks such as:
- Mediterraneo – A mesmerizing blend of Mediterranean influences and deep house rhythms (Santorini’s a Anthem)
- Night in Istanbul – A hypnotic fusion of Middle Eastern melodies and downtempo beats.
- Greek Poem – A soulful journey through Greek-inspired instrumentation and electronic soundscapes.
With millions of streams across digital platforms, his music continues to resonate globally, captivating audiences from intimate lounges to large-scale events.
Billy Esteban YouTube (124,000 subscribers)
The Lasting Impact of His Work
Billy Esteban proves that electronic music doesn’t have to be disconnected from cultural heritage. Instead, it can bridge generations, traditions, and geographies. His dedication to blending organic and electronic elements has shaped a new era of world-infused electronic music, offering a fresh alternative to mainstream EDM.
As Organic House continues to grow in popularity, Esteban’s work stands as a testament to the power of musical storytelling—where deep beats and ancient traditions exist in perfect harmony.
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