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Rokazer
Interview with Rokazer about his tracks Apodis / Eternal out now on Pattern
In 2018, Rokazer electrified the music scene in his hometown of Paris and beyond with his captivating remix of “Ground Level” by André Sobota.
Since then, he has ignited the public’s desire for a melodic, progressive house sound infused with warm, analog distortion. Rokazer has released several electrifying singles and a full-length album for esteemed labels such as Colorize, Univack, Mango Alley, Freegrant Music, Beatfreak Limited, Golden Wings, and others.
By skillfully combining rugged rhythms and eerie, dark textures, Rokazer crafts his signature serrated sounds and unconventional moods. He has shared his exquisite French progressive house sound with audiences worldwide.
Presently, Rokazer’s latest tracks, “Apodis” and “Eternal,” are available on Pattern. We cordially invite him to share insights into his artistic journey and the inspiration behind these remarkable creations. We are delighted that Rokazer has graciously agreed to answer our inquiries, and we trust that his responses will satisfy and delight our readers.
Dimitris: To begin, it would be beneficial for you to share with us your three most significant accomplishments or objectives that you are particularly proud of achieving thus far in your professional career.
Rokazer: I successfully built a mastering studio with some friends in 2015, and today it has become a production studio. We are very proud of it; the studio is truly excellent and well-equipped.
I recorded quite a few rap artists there, and now they have become very famous.
I am very proud to have signed my productions with good labels in recent years
[colorize/ Mango Alley/UV/ Patern/Univack...]
Dimitris: Could you elaborate on the reasons behind your decision to embark on the journey of DJing or producing electronic dance music?
Rokazer: I have always been drawn to music since I was very young.
I started mixing in the early 2000s and began producing in 2009.
Music and sound have always been my passion, and I made it my profession.
Dimitris: Could you please identify the three most influential producers who have shaped your decision to pursue a career in the electronic dance music industry?
Rokazer: I quickly became a fan of Eric Prydz about 20 years ago
I love his energy and his production talent.
I like Marc Romboy, Max Cooper, Trentemoller, they are very technical, I like their dark side
these artists greatly inspired and motivated me to produce
Dimitris: Could you please provide the top three tracks from the past that have had the most significant influence on your musical style and explain your reasoning?
Rokazer: David Duriez- Chicago, A Wake Up Call (Marc Romboy Remix) :
It's an old production but every time I play it in a club it's effective.
Toto Chiavetta - Automation (Original Mix) very dark and powerful I like it I really like this artist
Trentemøller: Moan (Trentemøller Dub Remix) it's so beautiful, so different of the other tracks and style, it's a sound that never gets old
Dimitris: It would be wonderful to discuss your latest release Apodis / Eternal on Pattern. Kindly share the inspiration behind the creation of these tracks and provide insights into the thought process behind them.
Rokazer: My latest EP, Apodis / Eternal, released recently under Pattern.
Both tracks were produced exactly a year ago to the day.
I wanted to take my time before signing them.
These are two productions I’m proud of—I aimed to create something epic and melodic.
Dimitris: Could you please provide an estimate of the production time and describe the production process in a simplified manner?
Rokazer: The time it takes for me to create a production can really vary.
It could take me 5 hours, 2 weeks, or even a month.
It all depends on inspiration, mood, and the result I’m aiming for.
As for the production process:
I always start with the rhythm, then move on to the lead and the bass. The rest follows naturally.
I begin by composing the melodies using virtual instruments, and then I record everything with analog synths.
Dimitris: Could you elaborate on any specific technical challenges or obstacles you encountered during the production of these tracks?
Rokazer: My main challenges are usually related to mixing and mastering.
I can be quite stubborn about it.
I might spend 2 hours just on a kick, and I won’t stop until I get exactly what I’m looking for.
Dimitris: If you had the opportunity to alter your current track and potentially create a new remix, which aspects would you be dissatisfied with and what changes would you implement? Additionally, is there any particular artist whose remix you believe would be exceptional and why?
Rokazer: Once again, it would come down to mixing.
I’m never fully satisfied with my mixes—I always feel there’s room for improvement.
As for modifying a track, it would be about flipping its energy entirely—shifting it from dark to something more upbeat, or the other way around. That would be interesting.
For a remix, I’d look to Toto Chiavetta for the dark side and Estiva for the happy vibe.
Dimitris: Which music composition software or hardware do you prefer, and why? What are your thoughts on the recent trend towards producing music using more analogue equipment, with less or no digital software?
Rokazer: I always produce on Ableton—it’s a software I feel comfortable with, and I wouldn’t switch.
I started on Fruity Loops back in 2009, which was fun, but for me, Ableton is better.
Producing exclusively with analog gear is amazing.
It’s even better—it adds more warmth and life to the sound.
Dimitris: Which type of music do you prefer: vocal or instrumental tracks? If the track we are discussing contains vocals, please provide information about the singer you collaborate with.
Rokazer: I’m often disappointed by vocal versions in general but when there is piano voice it does it. ; I prefer instrumentals.Apart from tech house, I usually enjoy dark vocals.
Dimitris: Are there any vocalists or singers in the electronic dance music genre that you aspire to collaborate with?
Rokazer: I’ve been listening a lot to Behind My Eyes by Klur and Bjoern—I think it’s an outstanding track.
I’d love to collaborate with these artists someday. Bjoern really adds something magical to this piece.
Dimitris: Select the most impactful lyrics ever incorporated into a dance track, and elucidate the profound emotional resonance and personal significance they hold for you.
Rokazer: One of the most impactful lyrics in a dance track for me comes from "Open Eye Signal" by Jon Hopkins—not because of its words, as it’s an instrumental track, but because of its absence of lyrics. The lack of vocal content allows the track’s textures, progressions, and rhythms to speak volumes emotionally.
It resonates deeply because it represents the universality of music as a language. The emotional weight comes not from a specific narrative but from the feelings it evokes—freedom, motion, and introspection. For me, this track symbolizes the endless possibilities of personal interpretation in dance music, where every listener writes their own story.
Dimitris: Do you believe that the artwork on your latest track is of high quality and has the potential to attract listeners or record buyers? If so, could you please provide an example of the most effective artwork ever created for a track?
Rokazer: The latest artwork for my EP Eternal Apodis is blue with a logo in the center. It’s simple, modern, and effective.
The artwork for the album Total by the French artist SebastiAn features the artist kissing himself. It’s an unforgettable piece that really sticks in your mind. Released in 2011, I still have the image vividly in my head—truly impactful.
Dimitris: Could you select your top three record labels, including the one that released the track we discussed in this interview? Please provide a brief explanation of why these labels are significant to you and the music industry as a whole.
Rokazer: The three best labels, in my opinion, are Colorize, Mango Alley, and Pattern. They’re highly demanding, have an excellent ear, and provide incredibly relevant feedback and advice to improve production. I have a few tracks that would never have been successful without their input. Lastly, they have solid and dedicated teams who work hard on releases—they truly get the job done.
Dimitris: Could you select your most cherished album or compilation and elucidate the reasons behind your profound admiration for it?
Rokazer: The album Now Is by Rival Consoles is outstanding. I absolutely love this artist—he’s in a league of his own. His productions evoke so much emotion in me. Having seen him perform live, I can tell you it’s incredibly powerful—the textures, the rhythms, the choice of samples, and the synths paired with various effects pedals. Rival Consoles is the best in his category.
Dimitris: How much time do you dedicate to self-promotion on social media platforms, and do you consider it an essential tool for both self-promotion and booking management? Which social media platform appears to be more effective for your business?
Rokazer: I hate doing promotion on social media. I should probably hire a professional to handle it for me since I’m not very good at it. I know that most things happen on Instagram and TikTok these days, but I’m not a big fan of spending all my time on those platforms.
Dimitris: Kindly share your most humorous and most serious incident that occurred during your DJ or LIVE PA performance.
Rokazer: The classic at parties: a clubber comes up to me, hands me their USB, and asks me to play their tracks. The worst part was when a friend of mine, who was drunk, was mixing with me. While mixing, he accidentally pulled out his USB in the middle of a set. He had grabbed the wrong one, and the room was packed. Luckily, there was security on the decks, and the track looped, but it was still a weird moment.
Dimitris: Are you satisfied with the quality of the tracks released in your preferred music genres? Kindly provide your justification for your response.
Rokazer: I find that tracks in my style sound very similar, with people copying each other and making less effort to stand out. That’s why I often listen to other genres than the one I compose, as I get bored very quickly.
Dimitris: Please provide your top three tracks, along with a brief commentary for each.
Rokazer: Rival Consoles Forwardism : The stuttering sound like that is just beautiful when the rhythm and bass hit with power instantly. The analog sound makes all the difference; the sound is excellent.
Jon Hopkins Open eyes signal :The sound is very progressive and keeps building, with an atmosphere behind it that constantly shifts. The bass evolves as well, making the sound captivating.the ending that shifts into techno is very dark and intense.
Dimitris: If you anticipate a consistent income from your music productions, are you satisfied with the current royalty system, particularly in relation to streaming revenue? Do you believe that artists receive fair compensation from streaming providers, DJs who perform your tracks in live events and radio broadcasts, and retailers who distribute physical formats such as CDs and vinyl, as well as digital platforms?
Rokazer: We are never fully satisfied with royalties and revenue from streaming. It's something that should evolve so that artists can actually benefit from it. For me, at least, I don’t make music to live given this uncomfortable situation.
Dimitris: Please note for all new talents who read this interview that you may find inspiration in it. Additionally, please share any technical tips related to your DJing or music productions. Furthermore, any personal or music business advice that has contributed to your progress and is worth sharing with new emerging talents would be greatly appreciated.
Rokazer: Trust your instincts, work relentlessly, don’t give up, seek advice from those around you on your compositions, surround yourself with the right people, and don’t waste your time with labels that don’t do their job.
Dimitris: Numerous producers and DJs provide online masterclasses or teach music production and DJing courses. Do you believe it is essential to participate in such courses to enhance your skills? Are you offering any of these services? Alternatively, are you providing related services such as ghost-producing or mastering? Kindly share information about these activities.
Rokazer: You have to start somewhere, and why not? It all depends on the price of the training. As for ghost production, I’m not a fan at all—I’ve already turned it down.
For mastering, yes, it’s a service I can offer since my studio has just reopened with everything needed to ensure it sounds great.
Dimitris: To what extent do you prioritize the approval of your fans or followers regarding your productions? Do you experience difficulties in gauging the reception of your tracks, and does this consideration contribute to additional pressure and discouragement?
Rokazer: Fan feedback is essential. It boosts us and gives us all the energy and motivation to keep going—otherwise, what’s the point?
Dimitris: Could you describe your music as belonging to a specific genre, such as trance, house, or techno? Alternatively, does your music defy these categorizations? What are your thoughts on hybrid styles and artists who experiment with blending influences from various genres in their compositions?
Rokazer: My music mainly falls under the subgenre of progressive house, but I do enjoy stepping out of that and trying other styles from time to time. I don’t like being boxed into one category.
Dimitris: Is your music business your sole occupation, and do you have the flexibility to withdraw from it (e.g., DJing, producing, label ownership, teaching, or mastering tracks)? If not, what other employment opportunities are you pursuing to support your income?
Rokazer: Music remains a passion for me, and I’d love to make a living from it, but it feels quite complicated these days. I work as a sound engineer in dubbing, which is how I earn my living. But who knows? Maybe destiny will change things.
Dimitris: Do you believe that audience members should be prohibited from taking continuous photographs or videos during DJ sets, or are you content with these activities?
Rokazer: eah, it feels a bit silly; we need to stop doing things like that.
Dimitris: Which type of venue do you prefer for performing: small clubs or large festivals? Are there any specific festivals or clubs that you aspire to perform at in the future?
Rokazer: I prefer clubs. Festivals are quite a lot of pressure.
Dimitris: Kindly select your preferred holiday destination and share with us your most memorable holiday experience, whether positive or negative.
Rokazer: Vietnam is a stunning country—I highly recommend it. The landscapes and nature are breathtaking.
France is also incredibly beautiful. Come visit us, especially Corsica!
Thanks so much to Rokazer for this enlightening interview.
Thanks so much to Stuart at FSOE for arranging this interview.
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Interview with Rokazer about his tracks Apodis / Eternal out now on Pattern[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Rokazer, a French electronic dance music producer, discusses his career, influences, and latest release, “Apodis/Eternal.” He highlights his pride in building a production studio and signing with reputable labels. Rokazer also shares his creative process, technical challenges, and aspirations for future collaborations. He discusses his music career, highlighting his favorite labels, artists, and tracks. He expresses dissatisfaction with the current royalty system and emphasizes the importance of fan feedback. Rokazer also shares his thoughts on social media promotion, DJing experiences, and the evolution of the music industry. [/content]
[/review]Additional info:
