RPR Soundsystem Interview

Raresh drops in for a quick chat...

Raresh, Pedro and Rhadoo together make up RPR Soundsystem – three young producers and DJs from Romania who have been causing a stir across dancefloors in the last 12 months. With a residency at DC10 last summer, and artists such as Ricardo Villalobos and Sven Vath labelling them the brightest new talents on the scene, we don’t think it’s long before the trio are household names.

Despite all the well-deserved hype surrounding the three of them, RPR Soundystem certainly haven’t let it go to their heads. With no agenda for world domination, they just want to keep on doing what they do best – crafting sublime techno, mixing up a storm on the decks and promoting the best new Romanian talent in their A:rpia:r label.

We grab Raresh for an interview ahead of RPR Soundsystem’s headline set at The End for Waveform’s 6th birthday.

Endclub.com: This is the first time the three of you have played in London together as the RPR Soundsystem - are you looking forward to it?

Raresh: Yes, this is the first time that all three of us will play together in London, and we are very much looking forward to it. The End has always been a cool place for me to play…the audience is nice and energetic.

How did the three of you meet?

We’ve known each other for some years but this whole project started in the summer of 2006, and then we decided that we wanted to start the label and make a platform to release our music, and of course the music of other Romanian artists. The basic thing from the start was that there would be absolutely no commercial side involved…just a pure musical message.

How does it work when you all play together as the RPR Soundsystem?

We don’t really think too much about it - I believe it’s a matter of our musical tastes, which in part are the same but also different…we follow the same grooves.

Who's the boss - Raresh, Pedro or Rhadoo?

We think that there’s no boss between us, we are best friends! Everyone is equal and helps each other when it’s needed - teamwork is the key forever in every activity that a man could do and achieve.

What have you got planned for your A:rpia:r label next year - any hot new acts you're signing?

Of course like every other label we are planning new stuff, but we are in no hurry - there is all the time in the world! For the beginning of 2008 we have Boola & Demos and the young Dan Andrei – three very talented producers.

You've had lots of support from Ricardo Villalobos, Sven Vath, and Luciano among others. Have these guys been a big inspiration for you?

We are very thankful for the support from their part - we are all in the same family.

You were all regular fixtures at DC10 this summer - how was that?

DC10 is really a magical place where it’s all about the music and the good vibe of the people. That merit is 100% down to Andrea Pelino (Circo Loco / DC10 promoter) because he’s really into music and totally respects the artists.

Are you DJs or producers at heart?

It’s hard to say…all I can say is that of course all we do is guided by passion and love for music.

2007 was the year that the UK dance music press woke up to the Romanian club scene – what do you think about the hype?

We don’t know why there’s suddenly so much interest – but sometimes there is too much hype around new artists and new scenes, with people looking for the next special thing. We’re just doing our thing for music.

And is minimal techno the biggest sound in Romania right now?

Maybe it is the most popular sound at the biggest parties, but there are also a lot of other sounds going on – there’s a lot of diversity around.

What do you think of the club scene in London, or the UK in general?

It’s a nice country with a nice musical culture… you have so many talented artists who have always made good music… it’s a long list!! :)

What are your plans for world domination in 2008?!

World domination? Absolutely no! :) We just want to stay true to our spirit and continue in what we want to do.

Published: 7/01/2008