Riddim has always rewarded originality, and few artists have built momentum as quickly as roi*.
Hailing from France, roi* has quickly become one of riddim’s fastest-rising names thanks to his clean, minimal approach to production and technical mixing. In just a few years, he’s earned releases through INFEKT’s Port Zero, received support from some of the biggest names in riddim, and landed on lineups for BLACKLIST and Rampage Open Air.
That momentum reached another level when Skrillex dropped his track Roi The Digger during a live set, a moment roi* says stands as the biggest milestone of his career so far.
The Daily Frequency caught up with roi* to discuss discovering dubstep through Skrillex’s Bangarang EP, the artists who continue to inspire his sound, connecting with riddim fans around the world, his creative process, and why playing Lost Lands is a dream he’s finally getting to live out.
Check Out The Full Interview With roi* Below
DF: For readers who may be discovering your music for the first time, who is roi* and what inspired you to pursue a career in bass music?
roi*: roi* is that one nerd in the back of the class who once saw INFEKT live in Paris, which made him sure that this is what he wanted to do in the future!
DF: Growing up in France, what artists, genres, or experiences helped shape your sound and artistic identity?
roi*: Since I was a kid, I’ve been listening to dubstep! My introduction to it was the Bangarang EP. I sadly didn’t grow up with a musical family or friends, so it took me a bit longer to realize that I wanted to produce and DJ. Infekt and DVEIGHT are definitely the ones who shaped my sound and DJing skills today!
DF: What has been the most significant milestone in your career so far, and why does that moment stand out to you?
roi*: I’m going to say it’s Skrillex playing my tune Roi The Digger. I mean, I don’t even have anything to say! Is there any better recognition than that?
DF: You’ve built a following that extends beyond France. What has it been like connecting with bass music fans around the world?
roi*: It’s insane!! Some people even fly to other countries just to see me, which is crazy. I am especially happy when I have fans from remote countries that you wouldn’t expect! But obviously, my biggest fanbase is in the US, and I’m very excited to finally be able to play for them!
DF: How has the global riddim scene evolved since you first started producing, and where do you see it heading in the future?
roi*: I’m a bit of a newborn in the scene, actually! I’ve really only been around for five years. I was always a fan first, and I wasn’t listening to riddim back then! I think it will get even better than today’s standards, with people like DVEIGHT, ONARA, and MODAL NODES, for example, that everyone wants to copy!
DF: What is your creative process like when producing a new track? Do you start with sound design, a concept, a melody, or something else?
roi*: I always start with the main bass for the drop first because I think it’s the most important part! But it might not be the greatest idea ever, to be fair. I think it’s better to have dedicated sound design sessions, but I have yet to do that…
DF: You’ve shared lineups and collaborated with a variety of artists throughout your career. Are there any collaborations or performances that have had a lasting impact on you as an artist?
roi*: I obviously have to say ONARA because that guy is a genius, and I am so glad I can share the scene with him! He is insanely talented at making music!
DF: What role do live performances play in your artistic expression, and how do you approach creating an unforgettable set for your audience?
roi*: I think live performances are my favorite part because they’re the result of years of work. Also, what I love about riddim is double drops, and I’m always trying to find the best mashups ever. It’s sooo satisfying!
DF: Looking ahead, what goals and projects are you most excited about, and what can fans expect from roi* in the coming year?
roi*: I am most excited about Lost Lands! It’s one of my dream shows, and I can’t believe I’m playing there. I obviously have some other shows planned in the US… and obviously other countries! New music is obviously going to drop this year, so don’t forget to check it all out!