Rolbac: "Every phase of life shapes my sound"

Feb 11

Rolbac is a renowned artist blending his musical roots with a unique sonic identity. Known for hard-hitting rhythms, compelling vocals, and intense buildups, he has made a strong impact in the Middle East and beyond. Recognized by industry peers, he continues to evolve, refining his skills and pursuing greater artistic heights.

Your new EP "Artefakt I: Noisy Thoughts" has gained a lot of attention. What inspired you to create this project, and how would you describe the evolution of your sound in this release?

I was determined to release with Senso, a label I deeply respect and have followed throughout my journey. With that in mind, I shaped my productions around the sound I knew would resonate with the label. It was an interesting shift for me, as I usually start with an idea and later figure out where it fits. This time, however, I had a clear direction from the start.

Senso Sounds is founded by Oliver Huntemann, a highly respected artist and producer, what was it like working with him and how did his support influence the final outcome of the EP?

Oliver has been supporting my music since 2015, playing many of my tracks in his sets worldwide— though we hadn’t met in person. Then, by chance, we crossed paths at a New Year's Eve gig in Beirut, where I had the opportunity to meet him and play his closing set. I also showcased some of my latest unreleased tracks, which immediately caught his attention. He was impressed and asked to hear more, which eventually led to him signing an EP.

You’ve built an impressive career, both as a DJ and producer, with your music being featured on renowned labels. How do you handle the pressure of having high expectations for your work and your live sets?

I use that pressure as motivation to push myself further each time. Living up to expectations can be challenging, but it also drives me to keep raising the bar and refining my craft.

Your music blends introspective elements with intense sounds and powerful rhythms. Was there a particular moment in your musical journey that defined this fusion of energy and reflection?

My music is in a constant state of evolution—there isn’t a single defining moment. Instead, every phase of my life and every experience I’ve been through has shaped my sound in different ways. This ongoing evolution is what brings versatility to my productions.

As an artist from Lebanon, how would you describe the music scene in Beirut, and how has your city and its culture influenced your approach to electronic music?

Beirut’s music scene is always evolving, but it has consistently been home to incredibly talented artists and a vibrant cultural movement. Lately, I’ve been focusing more on collaborating with local and regional musicians, as there are so many incredible acts that deserve more recognition. I believe we need to support each other to strengthen and grow the Middle Eastern music scene.