Roderic

Roderic is a singular force in the electronic music landscape, a Mexican-born artist whose work effortlessly bridges the organic and the electronic. Raised in Monterrey within a family of artists, his early immersion in French theatre and classic clown performance shaped a creative spirit defined by exploration. Since the release of his debut album Perfect Mirror in 2016 on Berlin’s Katermukke label, Roderic has carved out a distinctive sonic identity, blending acoustic warmth with electronic depth to challenge genre boundaries.

Following Perfect Mirror, Roderic’s artistic journey took him to the Dominican Republic, where he collaborated with local musicians alongside his close friend Mattia. This adventurous spirit birthed his 2018 album It All Depends, a genre-defying record that further cemented his reputation as an innovator in electronic music. Over the years, Roderic has continued to push the envelope, delivering tracks and remixes across influential labels and refining his sound with each release. As the co-founder of Dafne Records, he not only advances his vision but also supports a community of artists committed to quality and authenticity.

In this exclusive article, we delve into Roderic’s latest work and creative philosophy with his upcoming third album, In Mind, set for release on March 20th. Through our in-depth interview, Roderic offers insights into the album’s creation, revealing an organic, intuition-driven process where much of the composition is rooted in acoustic and analog instrumentation. This commitment to authenticity is a cornerstone of his work, as Roderic explains how he resists industry trends in favor of preserving the unique sound he’s meticulously developed over the years.

A key highlight of our conversation is Roderic’s candid perspective on the role of independent labels in today’s music industry. Dafne Records serves not only as a platform for his music but also as a space where artistic integrity thrives beyond commercial pressures. Roderic’s vision for the label, shared alongside his partner Mattia, underscores a commitment to fostering a community where quality music can flourish, unaffected by fleeting industry trends. This ethos resonates deeply in In Mind, where Roderic balances technical mastery with emotional complexity.

As Roderic looks to the future, he remains focused on growth—both as an artist and as a community leader in electronic music. From expanding collaborations and integrating full band elements into his live shows to exploring new sonic territories, Roderic’s journey is far from over. In Mind represents both a culmination of his artistic evolution and a prelude to what promises to be an exciting next chapter in his ever-expanding musical narrative.

Roderic’s approach to crafting an album is always rooted in a clear vision, though the final result often takes shape through an organic and intuitive workflow. When discussing the sonic identity of In Mind, he reflects on the evolution of his original concept:

“The initial idea behind the album was quite different, more conceptual maybe, but the workflow naturally took me to this universe of sound. In Mind is, for me, an evolution of my sound, a bit more mature, but without losing the complexity of emotion. An aspect of this third album I find particularly important to mention is that its composition is 97% acoustic and analog.”

This commitment to analog and acoustic instrumentation highlights Roderic’s dedication to authenticity. It is a challenge to remain true to one’s unique sound in an industry where trends shift rapidly, but he has found a way to maintain his artistic integrity:

“I keep away from industry trends very organically. I feel like considering them would devalue all the work I have been doing to develop my original sound. I am not here to invent a new genre, but I want to present a different point of view. The authentic aesthetic of sound is for me the most important value in music art.”

Beyond his work, Roderic co-founded Dafne Records, a label that serves as an extension of his artistic vision and a platform for like-minded artists. The creation of the label was not just about releasing music but about fostering a community:

“It was the collision of two minds with their ideas that oscillate in the same universe of sound. Dafne is our way to give the music a space to blossom and to offer our support to a community of artists we love as musicians and as people. It’s a continuous journey of lessons and explorations on how to make quality music accessible to more people.”

In an era where streaming services and self-releasing platforms give artists more independence, the role of an independent label is evolving. Roderic and his label partner, Matti, view Dafne Records as a necessary force in an industry often driven by commercial success rather than artistic integrity:

Roderic: “Like a protest. Standing strong for the music, doing everything we can to keep good music alive.”

Matti: “ From a human perspective, I think it’s still encouraging to hear a music-forward label say: We dig what you’re doing, we’re right here with you, keep going. And more practically, the advice and relatively lean budgets we commit to our releases can impact an emerging artist’s career.”

Social media has undeniably changed the way artists connect with audiences, but it has also introduced new pressures. Roderic acknowledges the dual nature of these platforms:

“Oof.. It’s been very difficult for me to even think about how to position myself on social media. Now, I am open to the idea of having a more consistent presence, little by little, very carefully. I feel like it either enhances or dilutes, depending on the person. I see many artists who are very true and very coherent in their words and actions. But I have seen many that get lost in their self-image and in a more commercial approach to music—sell more, get more likes, more followers. It becomes an endless pursuit of quantity.”

Instead of curating an online persona, he focuses on the essentials:

“Publicly, I keep the focus on shows and releases, I don’t share about my personal life too much because I am not that way normally. I prefer to share my personal life with my close ones. With new people, too, but in specific moments, in person, not in a social media post.”

On the subject of microgenres and fragmentation in electronic music, Roderic sees this as an exciting development rather than a limitation:

“It’s the best opportunity in all the ways I can think of. It creates more layers of crowds, so it’s not just one taco for everyone; you have many different tacos—diversity is always good. Having this granularity gives life to more scenes that suit different tastes.”

Touring is an essential part of an artist’s career but also brings significant physical and mental challenges. Roderic strives to maintain balance:

“I try to find a healthy balance of sleep hours and food; it’s not easy, but it’s doable (sometimes!) The creative energy comes better when I am cleaner in all ways. I try to stay home some weekends so I can find that balance and work in the studio.”

Hearing health is another crucial concern for electronic artists, yet it remains an under-discussed issue:

“Great question, and no, it is not a common conversation, although it should be. I’ve had 50% less hearing than is normal from birth, my father was almost deaf. I use hearing aids for conversations only, I learned how to work with my naked ears when I produce and mix. I’ve tried to work with hearing aids, and it’s a disaster. But thank you for the reminder. I’ve been meaning to find the perfect pair of protective earplugs.”

For many artists, balancing DJing and production presents a challenge, as they require different creative mindsets. Roderic approaches them as separate yet complementary processes:

“For me, the two live in their own completely separate creative universes. I love them both in different ways. If I play some tracks I produced during a DJ set because they fit the moment, then the two briefly become intertwined, but not beyond that.”

However, the physical toll of DJing can impact his ability to produce:

“The physical demands of DJing sometimes impact my ability to focus on production. Having enough recovery time after gigs and long flights is essential, and occasionally, that means delaying studio sessions in favor of much-needed rest.”

Reflecting on his evolution from Perfect Mirror to In Mind, Roderic embraces the artistic uncertainties that come with growth:

“Uy jajajaj.. I am sure every artist can write a book about this. But yes, I think my relationship with music is maturing. When you’re exploring, getting lost and losing sight of the way is not just natural; it’s necessary. But I’m learning to refocus faster and with greater clarity when it happens. Like the art of Kintsugi, I try to rebuild myself and become stronger while appreciating the scars that tell the story.”

Looking ahead, he sees his sound evolving in new directions while staying true to its core philosophy:

“My philosophy is about accuracy and connection: I need to translate my ideas into sound in the most accurate way possible. I believe that music is a perfect mirror, reflecting one’s emotions, concepts, and feelings.”

The next decade holds exciting possibilities:

“I want to collaborate with a wider spectrum of artists. I’d like to do more full band shows, evolve that into an immersive show with visuals, and keep exploring other types of grooves. And, of course, more albums—I am already dreaming about the next one.”

Roderic isn’t just making music—he’s blurring the lines between sound and emotion. His upcoming album, In Mind, is one of those rare works that doesn’t just ask to be heard—it demands to be felt. It’s deep and reflective, yet it moves, breathes, and shifts with an energy that keeps you locked in. The rhythms pulse with life, the textures unravel like stories, and there’s an undeniable sense that this album isn’t just a collection of tracks, but a carefully constructed narrative of introspection.

There’s something uniquely magnetic about Roderic’s sound. He doesn’t rely on trends or gimmicks. Instead, he trusts in his craft, in his ability to channel emotion through sound in a way that feels both intentional and effortless. You hear it in the warmth of his instrumentation, in the way he layers organic elements with electronic precision. His Latin roots are not just an influence; they are woven into the DNA of his music, shaping the rhythms, the melodies, and the almost spiritual depth that runs through In Mind.

And then there’s Ráfaga—a track that, quite honestly, stops you in your tracks. Its introspection turned into melody, a masterclass in translating raw emotion into music. This isn’t just a song; it’s an experience. It moves like a thought process unfolding in real time, revealing different layers of vulnerability and strength with every listen. Few artists manage to create something that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, but here, Roderic nails it.

As the album progresses, tracks like Cielo Azul and Now take that same emotional honesty and give it a different dimension. There’s something ancestral in these compositions—an old soul speaking through modern production. The acoustic and analog quality of the instruments infuses the music with a kind of wisdom, a reminder of something timeless that we, in the rush of everyday life, may have forgotten. These songs feel less like creations and more like discoveries—messages that were always there, waiting to be translated into sound.

But what makes In Mind truly remarkable isn’t just its depth—it’s the balance. Roderic never lingers too long in one space. Just as he draws you into moments of contemplation, he lifts you with dynamic rhythms, playful contrasts, and an innate sense of movement. It’s this constant interplay between thoughtfulness and energy that makes the album feel alive, never static.

Listening to In Mind feels like stepping into Roderic’s world—one where humility and wisdom coexist effortlessly. He doesn’t try to overwhelm; instead, he invites. His personality shines through every note, every pause, every shift in atmosphere. There’s a quiet confidence here, an artist who knows exactly what he wants to say but lets the music do the talking. And the messages? They’re clear, powerful, and deeply resonant.

This kind of album stays with you long after the final note fades. It lingers in the air, in your mind, in your mood. It’s the type of record you return to, not just for the music, but for the feeling it gives you—the clarity, the nostalgia, the sense that you’ve tapped into something bigger than yourself.

With In Mind, Roderic isn’t just making music—he’s leaving something behind, something that will echo long past its release date. And in a world that moves too fast, where art often feels disposable, an album like this is a rare gift.