As fans have begun traveling across countries to catch his sets, roi* has emerged as one of the scene’s fastest-rising international riddim artists. The French producer has forged a unique space within riddim with a sound that cuts through the noise, driven by innovative production and a clear artistic identity. As his project continues to gain global momentum, roi* remains focused on the same thing that got him here in the first place: making music he genuinely believes in.
In this interview, roi* discusses his earliest inspirations, the impact of artists like Infekt and DVEIGHT on his sound, the realities of creative burnout, and what it means to finally bring his music to the American crowds that have supported him from day one. With a dream Lost Lands debut on the horizon and new music on the way, the future has never looked brighter for one of riddim’s fastest-rising talents.
In Conversation with roi*
Kendall Newby, Electric Hawk: As someone who grew up in France, how did you first connect with bass music before the genre reached the level of popularity it has in North America today?
roi*: My introduction to bass music was Skrillex with the Bangarang EP. I vividly remember listening to it on my tiny MP3 player in the car as a kid and instantly getting hooked.
Kendall: Was there a specific artist, track, or live set that completely changed your perspective and made you want to dive deeper into production?
roi*: Yes! when I saw Infekt for the first time in Paris in 2023 it completely changed my vision on what I really wanted to make for my future, this show basically confirmed I wanted to make riddim and not just the Heavy Dubstep stuff I was making before.
Kendall: A lot of people know the music, but not necessarily the person behind it. Outside of production and touring, what does everyday life look like for you?
roi*: I think like a lot of producers out there, most of the time I’m in my bedroom doing stuff! I’m a big stay at home person, I love listening to music and hanging around on Discord with friends, playing games. I also like making pastries, travelling, and just walking.
Kendall: Who or what would you say has inspired your sound the most over the years?
roi*: I think DVEIGHT is the person who influenced my sound the most over the years, even today. This guy IS Dubstep! Obviously a lot of people like Infekt and Saigga too!
Kendall: Out of all the shows you’ve played so far, is there one that stands out as your favorite experience?
roi*: I very recently played a show in Paris which was very good for many reasons. First of all, it’s my country so it always feels special playing here. It was also a show where I was a support act for SVDDEN DEATH, which I’ve been a fan of for years, even before making music! And the cherry on top, my mom and sister surprised me by coming to the show, so that was definitely a show I’ll never forget!
Kendall: Is there a specific venue, city, or festival that’s at the top of your bucket list to play one day?
roi*: I don’t know why but I’ve been dreaming of playing the main stage at the Rampage Weekender. I think this stage has the craziest aura and I really think it needs more riddim!
Kendall: As a bass music producer, you’re no stranger to writer’s block. How do you troubleshoot it and get a track moving again?
roi*: Oh yes, that’s one of my big problems! I sometimes spend 3 months without being able to produce anything, I think my biggest advice would be to at least work an hour on music per day, and also take classes with different artists that offer knowledge! It can make you learn new stuff to have fun with.
Kendall: Which project or track feels the most personal to you, and which one has been your favorite to play live?
roi*: There’s a couple of tracks that I made in my Intelligent Riddim EP that means the world to me which are “Loner” and “Nothing” that talks about loneliness and depression, even tho so many people follow me and makes me travel the world it’s still a big issue for me.
Kendall: Do you ever feel pressure to follow current trends in riddim, or do you try to stay in your own lane creatively?
roi*: Recently, yes. I think I got influenced way too much by the Australian producers and I, for the first time, got a bit of an impostor syndrome and haven’t been able to produce anything. But I always stayed in my lane not caring what people think about my production game and I think that’s part of the reason my project worked out!
Kendall: If riddim and bass music never existed, what genre do you think you’d be making instead?
roi*: Would I even be making music? I don’t even know. I started making music making beats so I’m guessing I might’ve continued this way but it wasn’t even what I wanted in the beginning!
Kendall: As a French artist working with producers and DJs from the U.S., what has that experience been like creatively and culturally?
roi*: American culture for Dubstep is sooo different from the European one! It feels like they are grinding so hard and making it their job while we’re just trying to have fun like nerds because it’s way harder for us here to make it an actual job.
Kendall: You’ve reached a point where fans are literally traveling across countries just to catch your sets, like all the Americans who went to Canada for your Northern Invasion performance. What does it feel like seeing that level of support for your music?
roi*: I think this is one of the best compliments, that someone will travel countries or states to see me is insane! Some people even travelled from Denver to see me play in France which is crazy! Even when I played in Japan there were American people!
Kendall: What does it mean to you personally to be able to play shows in America and connect with crowds here?
roi*: Well, it has always been a dream now since this is where most of my fanbase is, and I genuinely can’t wait for the Lost Lands set! All the sets I’ve seen that made me want to become a DJ come from here so I’m insanely excited to play here with my fanbase.
Kendall: What do you have coming up that you would like to share that the audience should keep their Hawk Eye on?
roi*: I think the biggest thing coming up is my Lost Lands set, this is my dream premier so I will do everything to make it the most insane set possible. As for music releases, I should have stuff coming up in August! Some new collabs soon and obviously other stuff throughout the year!
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Looking for new music? Keep up with our weekly Spotify Playlist, Fresh Hunts. Updated every Friday with all the latest releases. Whether it’s the newest drops from roi*, all your favorite artists, some old-school, or underground…we just want you to hear it.