Alfie Rhodes is a Greek tech house and deep tech producer who recently launched his own record label EKEI.
The label’s debut release features two original tracks by Alfie Rhodes, plus a remix by Sunday Noise who is well-respected for his work on labels such as Steve Lawler’s VIVa LIMITED.
Prior to the launch of his own record label, Alfie Rhodes had featured on other imprints including the likes of Flipside and EDM Underground.
EKEI’s debut release has already picked up DJ support from the likes of Jamie Jones, wAFF and The Martinez Brothers.
Excited to learn more about the new label and his background in music, we invited Alfie Rhodes for this interview…
> For the people reading this who have not heard your music before, how would you describe your style and the key elements that define it?
My music is a mix of all my life’s influences. Music is my life, and they say in order to master something you should spend 10,000 hours… I think I’ve exceeded that number many years ago haha. I have been producing since I was 14 years old and I’m now 28, so it’s already been over a decade. I have produced so many different genres and released under four different aliases, as well as listened to lots of different music styles. I would say though that my sound has energy and tries to connect pop and underground cultures. I was always into simple and uplifting grooves and the things I focus on the most are making sure the low-end sounds big and clear, melodies are catchy and memorable with a bit of nostalgia and using vocals that communicate a feeling and vibe. Generally, I try to make different music and express myself without trying to copy what anybody else is doing.
> Your most recent release is on EKEI, could you tell us about the concept of the release?
Yeah! EKEI is my new label and actually the third one I’ve set up. The concept of the first release is about flexing. I think being humble is a very good trait, but in order to move forward and achieve the things you feel you deserve, then you should put yourself out there and not be afraid to show your best self to the world. The world needs more confident people and I really believe that we can all push each other forward through our energy! I haven’t released as Alfie Rhodes in 7 years so this is a special one, and for this one, I collaborated with 2 American rappers.
The track “Flex On Me” was made with JordanLivinGood and it intends to motivate others to move their body while putting a smile on their face. It is a really uplifting track that talks about working out and gaining muscle, and I feel it’s quite unique, as I haven’t heard anything similar to it.
The track “Online Ghost” is a song I wrote in 2020 and it describes my life in the studio behind the computer while also referencing my aspirations and confidence. I hired a rapper to perform the vocals and after a few revisions we got it right. In general, I am pretty happy and proud of this release.
> The release features a remix by Sunday Noise, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on his rework?
Me and Sunday Noise became internet friends recently and he is a very cool and talented guy. I love the grooves of his Latin tribal sounds and we have also even produced an EP together. We are currently looking for the right label to release it too. His remix of “Flex On Me” is fire as it has his signature groovy percussions and bassline drive the track from start to end. Hopefully, the remix will get the attention and support of big DJs like most of his other recent works.
> Could you talk us through the creative process of putting a track together, and list any specific equipment used to bring your sound to life?
It all starts with the idea and if I don’t have a certain idea of what I aim to produce, then I am not going to even start. I haven’t always worked like this, as when I was younger, I used to experiment a lot more. However, sometimes I will jam with some hardware like my Roland TR-8S Drum Machine or Akai MPC1000 Sampler. I love my Roland Boutique SE-02 as it is an amazing synthesiser with a very warm analogue sound and I nearly always use it for my basslines. Nevertheless, I mostly work with software programs using samples and plugins. For house/tech stuff I will start with my TR-8S to add some groove, then start to build around that percussive foundation. After all these years of beat-making, what really inspires me is collaborating with different musicians. I love swapping files such as percussion or vocals and getting stems to do a remix. For example, I will sometimes mumble some Spanish lyrics that I send to a Spanish singer who will then sing those words for me.
> Can you tell us about more about EKEI, as I understand it’s your own record label?
EKEI means “there” in Greek, but in this language, it has a different meaning compared to how the word is used in English. Me and my Greek friends use ekei to say “there you go” or “that’s right”. I really started this label to create my own aesthetic with cool artwork that represents the tracks on each release, but the most important thing is that I can release my music whenever I want. It also means that I’m in control of the financial side of the record label and get paid properly for the sales and streams. I’ve chosen an image style that is inspired by Japanese anime/comics, as I love this style of artwork.
> What is coming up next in your music schedule, do you have any other releases in the pipeline?
I have a two-track EP with Sunday Noise which I am really looking forward to sharing as it is a bomb. Also, I will release another two-track EP with Italian artist Eddy Malano who is one of my favourite producers. I’m busy working on various projects, and I will definitely release another EP on EKEI before Christmas. I’m also planning to do a music video for a very special track after I get back from Amsterdam Dance Event in October.
> Could you give some advice or words of wisdom to any aspiring producers who might look to your music for inspiration?
If you like your stuff, then don’t get too concerned with other people’s opinions of your music. Trust your gut and release whatever comes from your soul, produce whatever you feel like, and don’t try to stick to one genre. Producing only one genre is boring and will make you sound dull and predictable, so instead be a real artist who strives for originality. Finally, don’t be afraid to collaborate with people, and of course, invest money and time in yourself by purchasing equipment or services from experienced people. Be patient, as good things take time.
> Thanks for taking the time to speak with us today, we like to finish our interviews with a couple of questions that are a little bit light-hearted… without getting too personal, could you tell us something many don’t know about you?
Of course, my friends know that I am a very talkative and open person. What can I say, I love to work out, and cherish my lonely studio times. I love animals and cute things, but like many people living in today’s world, I have at times struggled with my mental health. Right now, I think I’m at my best, and I appreciate the little things in life. My father is also an artist, and he is an architect/hotelier who is pretty successful, therefore, financially my family is more than healthy. So, I guess that gave me the opportunity to not stress about my living situation and focus on my music more. However, I have a bachelor’s degree in International Tourism and Hospitality, but that’s another story. I have an older brother who is also producing electronic music and I love the fact that I can talk about plugins and nerdy music stuff with him. Last but not least, I like tattoos!
> You don’t need to mention names, but what’s the most “outrageous” thing you’ve ever seen happen in a club… was it something outrageously brilliant, like a blindfolded DJ mixing seamlessly and scratching with their elbows, or something outrageously cringe-worthy, like some embarrassing drunk person urinating on the dance floor?
I was DJing at a club in my hometown called Rhodes and a proper fight brawl happened in front of me. There were bouncers already involved, but I had to leave the booth and went down to help the situation. It was wild, I didn’t play afterwards and the party was over. One of the most beautiful things I can recall as a clubber was around 8 years ago, I saw a guy in a wheelchair dancing in the middle of the dance floor and he was so animated and in love with the music that I couldn’t help get inspired by his passion.
> Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, is there anything extra you want to add before we wrap up the conversation?
Yes! I want to tell everyone that they can do anything they want if they put their heart and soul into it. We are the internet generation; and there are no barriers, hence, no excuses. Thank you, this is the first time I got interviewed, and I enjoy it. Peace.
> You can pick up a copy of Alfie Rhodes’ ‘Flex On Me’ from HERE
