Interviewing electronic dance music artist Arodes is an opportunity to delve into his world of music, where melody and percussion take center stage. Arodes draws inspiration from different cultures, places, and artists to create a sound that touches the heart and transports audiences to magical moments. With a new EP called ‘Lunar’ coming out on RÜFÜS DU SOL‘s label Rose Avenue, Arodes shares his creative process, studio setup, and favorite instruments and plugins. He recently performed at The Do Lab Stage at Coachella 2023, an experience that he describes as “magical.” With a busy summer ahead, including debuts at Hï Ibiza and Pacha, Arodes‘ fans can expect to see him on the dance floor.
Hey Adrian, thanks for joining us today. How’s 2023 treating you so far?
I started the year with a lot of motivation and energy. In January I played 2 very good festivals, Buena Vida Beach in Colombia and BPM in Costa Rica. Then February was more like a celebration month since I had the wedding of 1 of my best friends in Mexico and then my birthday at the end of the month. In March several dates in my home country Spain as well as in Dubai and Israel. I was also at the Caprices Festival, which was spectacular, and my debut at Spaces at Miami Music Week. and one of the biggest gifts of this year, playing at Coachella has been a dream come true
Also, I had a couple of good releases so far this year (Esperanza and Elevate) and A big collaboration (Future Call) with my good friend Andrea Oliva. Now I am working on the preparation for the upcoming releases I have in the following months. But most importantly is that I started the year very focused on doing my best in each performance, keeping connecting with the audience, and continuing to give magical moments through my music.
How would you describe your sound, and who are some of the artists that you draw inspiration from?
My sound is influenced by different musical styles, different places in the world, and different cultures. It has a significant influence from Africa, particularly Afro-house, and their percussion is the foundation of my music. I’m heavily influenced by Techno and House too, but mostly my music is dominated by melody. I’m a very sentimental, sensitive person and I like to transmit that with my music. I like to touch people’s hearts and give them an experience, not just make them dance. I achieve that with melody, which is what defines my music. Regarding artists, the well-known Keinemusik, Adriatique, Cassian, or Colyn, for example, continue to be a reference. But there are also other very good emerging producers like Fahlberg, Josh Gigante, or Beswerda who are doing an exceptional job and I am using their music in my Sets.
Could you shed some light on the creative process behind the making of your upcoming EP «Lunar» on RÜFÜS DU SOL’s label Rose Avenue?
After releasing Storm, I wanted to give continuity to this darker and more progressive sound than other songs like Reborn or Esperanza, I seek to evolve and not get stuck in a single style. This EP is a more forceful version of Arodes.
What does your studio setup look like? Can you mention some of your favorite instruments and plugins?
At home I have a Home Studio, where I made an effort to have a decent sound treatment, I don’t have analog equipment, apart from a “UAD Apollo and my focal speakers” I start many projects on my laptop when I’m traveling, the inspiration you never know where or when it arrives, so I’ve gotten used to working “in the box”, my favorite daw is Ableton because of the ease it gives you to get started in a few minutes, I couldn’t live without the Diva synths or Serum, and my package Some of my favorite plug-ins are FabFilter.. apart from the native Ableton plug-ins.
Lately, I’m working with other artists doing collabs and for everything to flow you have to look for 100% compatibility
You have recently performed at The Do Lab Stage at Coachella 2023. What was that experience like?
Went to Coachella 12 years ago for the 1st time and now I have the opportunity to experience this…WOW!
Life can be magical & I can only feel grateful for it. It has been wonderful, the dolab stage is a lot of fun, the people, the atmosphere, and being there with my friends and family have been very significant and special.
If you could collaborate with any artist in the scene right now, who would it be?
Right now there are many artists with whom it would be an honor to collaborate but if I have to stay with someone, it would be the Keinemusik guys.
When you’re not working on music, how do you prefer to spend your downtime?
I love playing sports, playing soccer, paddle and I try to be as good as possible with my family and friends. It is important for me to have them close, recharge, and continue with my creative process.
What else do you have coming up in 2023 that we should be looking out for?
Summer is coming with many dates in Europe. Debut at Hï Ibiza and Pacha, and again we will play at Ushuaia and Tomorrowland. Another good news is that we repeat residence in Void Mykonos and to close the summer of 2023 we return to Burning Man.
I will publish this agenda and all the dates that are added to my social networks so I hope to see you on the dance floor.
