Few electronic artists move between emotion and precision quite like Roderic. The Mexican DJ, producer, and co-founder of Dafne Records has spent nearly a decade forging his own sonic identity – one rooted in authenticity, textural depth, and a deep reverence for the analog. From his 2016 debut Perfect Mirror on Berlin’s Katermukke to the genre-blurring It All Depends in 2018, Roderic’s work has always been as emotionally resonant as it is sonically rich. His latest offering, In Mind, released on 20 March 2025 via Dafne Records, is his most ambitious yet: a meticulously-crafted journey through melodic house and techno, composed with 97% live instrumentation and driven by a commitment to organic sound. Premiered under the desert skies of Burning Man 2024 on the iconic Mayan Warrior stage, In Mind isn’t just an album – it’s a tactile experience, a reflection of artistic evolution and raw inner dialogue. We sat down with Roderic to talk about process, intuition, and what it means to make music that breathes.
Listen to In Mind while you read our interview with Roderic below:
Hi Roderic, hope you’re well!
Paint us a picture: what sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
I’m deeply grateful to have been born into a family of artists. My mother is a creative director, my father was a graphic designer and musician, my middle brother a painter, and my older brother a filmmaker and writer. My brothers and I grew up with my mother’s unwavering support and a special emphasis on the arts. She always encouraged us to be sensitive to creativity and nature.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
Feeling is always the foundation. I’m very sensitive (sometimes a bit too much), so whatever I’m feeling inevitably gets embedded into the idea. That said, groove and sound always take priority.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
Ableton Live is my core. I currently have a small analog setup consisting of:
1 SiX SSL console
1 Minilogue XD
1 Boutique Juno
An SM7B microphone
1 Taylor Electro Acoustic guitar
A bunch of percussion
And some other synths I don’t really use
But honestly, the bare minimum I need to create is just Ableton Live.
Let’s chat about your latest album In Mind. What inspired you to blend analogue and acoustic instrumentation with electronic elements, and how did this fusion contribute to the emotional depth of the album?
Playing physical instruments gives me more expression, life, and spontaneity. Adding all these instruments—strings, bass, guitars, vocals, synths, and a beautiful set of percussion from around the world (requinto, clarinet)—felt like a natural next step. I’ve always loved the precision and structure of digital music, but I prefer sounds that are physically played—even if it’s a MIDI sequence and you’re just tweaking knobs.
As a Mexican artist who’s made a name for himself globally, how do your cultural roots influence your music? Are there elements from your heritage in In Mind that listeners might not immediately notice?
Latin rhythms play a huge role in my music—they’re deeply embedded. My father used to play jazz, blues, tango, and classical music, while my mother listened to everything from Enya to Pink Floyd. So the range of influence was vast.
What’s your go-to ritual or trick for getting into the creative zone?
Nothing really—just sit down and work.
What’s one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
I used to smoke cigarettes when producing, but I can’t anymore. Now, I only smoke when DJing or socializing.
How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
It’s alive, constantly evolving through exploration. But rhythmically, I lean more toward house than techno—I like round, organic rhythms rather than linear ones.
How has your creative process or perspective shifted since you began your journey?
I wouldn’t say it’s shifted—it’s evolved. At times, I’ve explored darker and faster sounds, just to step out of my comfort zone. But those were moments of experimentation.
Walk us through a recording session: what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in the studio?
Recording with Alain Pérez in the Dominican Republic. His energy was electric and hilarious. Whatever idea I had, he instantly brought it to life with his own unique magic.
Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
Working with my friends has always been the dream. Anything else is just a bonus.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Yes—Dafne Records, the label I run with my best friend and partner, Matti. I’m also considering starting a food venture. I spent over 12 years working in professional kitchens and I miss that world a bit.
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
These are some of the underrated projects freshest in my mind – but I don’t think they are “emergent”: Kris Berle, Wadley, Kamilo, Le President, Los Eclipses.
What’s the strangest or most surprising song currently on your playlist?
‘Selfless’ by The Strokes.
Which song, album or playlist do you never get tired of?
‘Moon Safari’ by Air—forever and always. It’s not strange, but it still surprises me after all these years. I’ve been listening to it for over 18 years, and it’s the only album that still feels fresh and timeless. To me, it’s a masterpiece.
Also ‘18’ by Moby—it’s more nostalgic. It reminds me of being 14, when my mom used to drive me to school every morning. That drive felt like a safe moment before facing the day.
Any unexpected hobbies or projects outside your main work?
Not really—just music.
If your life and career were an album, what would its title be? And what would be the hidden track only fans would know?
My albums always reflect what my life is about at that moment—philosophically and emotionally. I just released In Mind, so I need a bit of time before I name the next one.
As for a hidden track? Honestly, every song on In Mind is special to me. Nothing is hidden—it’s all right there.
Give us a glimpse into the future – what surprises or milestones are coming up for you this year?
A full remix album of In Mind by some very special artists, and a brand new EP.
Follow Roderic:
Spotify – Apple Music – Soundcloud – Instagram
