Robbie Akbal is a Mexican artist known for his deep and organic style of house music. His sound is a combination of flowing percussion, soothing pads and organic instruments. Currently living in Berlin, he has spent the last decade playing headline DJ sets across the globe. Robbie Akbal is also a skilled producer who runs the successful record labels, Akbal Music, and Midnight Riders. When not releasing music through his own imprints, Robbie Akbal’s music can be found on other record labels ranging from Get Physical to Crosstown Rebels. Robbie Akbal’s new release, ‘Osenchi‘ comes via Canadian record label, Suleiman. Osenchi features two original tracks, one of which is a three-way collaboration with Robbie Akbal, re os – REO MATSUMOTO, and Mamazu. There is also a remix by Dachshund, and we invited Robbie Akbal for this interview so he can tell us more about the release…
Hi Robbie, how would you describe your music style, and what are some of your biggest influences?
“I’ve got a groove focused approach to both my production style and DJ sets, which is deep and techy with tribal rhythms.”
You have been involved in the electronic music industry for well over a decade, and what are some of the biggest changes you have experienced throughout your career?
“I’ve started as a vinyl DJ before progressing to playing in digital formats, and because of the internet, my career took off. I’m so lucky to have travelled the world with my music, playing in great cities like Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, Ibiza, Berlin, New York, Dubai, Rome, Bali and Moscow. I’ve also been lucky enough to play at events such as Burning Man and many other festivals across the world.”
Currently, are you more passionate about playing DJ sets or making music, and what is your main reason for that preference?
“I really enjoy both, especially playing long DJ sets where I get a chance to tell a story through music. The places I travel to inspire me to produce music that captures the vibe and essence of different cultures.”
You release a lot of your music through your own record labels Akbal Music and Midnight Riders. How are things going with each of the imprints?
“Akbal Music has a more organic sound, and Midnight Riders is a bit more electronic. Both imprints have deep atmosphere, and a focus on music that will enrapture a dance floor with its groove.”
Your next release, Osenchi is out on the Suleiman record label. Please can you talk us through the two original tracks and their concepts?
“Both of my tracks represent a more abstract side to my sound, while still keeping the groove and hypnotic vibe needed for a dance floor.”
The title track of your new release, “Osenchi” is a collaboration with re os – REO MATSUMOTO and Mamazu. How do you know those guys, and why did you decide to work together?
“I’ve met those great people and wonderful musicians at one of my first gigs in Japan. We were playing on the same line-up at festival, and we connected through a shared approach to music. We stayed in touch, and decided to do various studio sessions where “Osenchi” was born.”
“Osenchi” has been remixed by Dachshund, what do you think of his version, and did you have any involvement in picking him to do the remix?
“He has made a wonderful interpretation of the original that refines the sound. I like his stripped back approach, as it’s very modern, and perfect for DJs. I really love what he did with “Osenchi” and what his remix brings to the release. I give full credit to label head of Suleiman Records, Darem Aissa, for bringing Dachshund into the fold and arranging the remix.”
What other record labels do you have forthcoming new releases scheduled on?
“I have a new remix release where Mustafa Ismael and Emotional Tourist have reworked tracks from my collaborative EP with Kora and Alice Rose. Soon, I will also be releasing two of my new original tracks via Akbal Music.”
We are coming to the end of 2024, what’s been your biggest highlight of the year, and what are you most looking forward to in 2025?
“2024 has been so good, some of the highlights include my DJ sets at Air House Festival in South Korea, Double Dick Tiger Festival in Thailand, and Hedon Festival in Croatia. I’m also looking forward to a great 2025, as I already have gigs in America, Europe and Asia.”
Thanks for running through these questions, is there anything you would like to add?
“I enjoyed closing the year by playing at Wonderfruit Festival in Thailand this December.”
Robbie Akbal’s new release ‘Osenchi’ is out now via Suleiman, and you can buy a copy HERE.