RAYZIR

For DJ and producer RAYZIR, music is more than just a career, it reflects his identity, culture, and passion. This year, as he gears up for his highly anticipated debut at Hï Ibiza, one of the globe's most influential dance music venues, RAYZIR's journey is set to reach a powerful milestone. A blend of cultural authenticity and raw energy pulses through his tracks, his DJ sets, and the unique platform he’s building, ZIRCLE. In this interview, we peel back the layers of RAYZIR’s approach to music, his philosophy on the power of cultural expression, and how he's shaping the future of electronic music with each beat.

Having spent over 15 years in the electronic music scene, RAYZIR's upcoming performance at Hï Ibiza is a moment of reflection, but also a new beginning. With such a long and colorful career, it’s not just about a culmination; it’s about the continuation of a story. When asked about stepping into the hallowed booth of Hï Ibiza, RAYZIR explains it’s a mix of pride and anticipation.

"It feels like a major achievement and the start of something even greater. It’s what I’ve been working toward for more than 15 years. It’s a moment to reflect on the journey and be proud of how far I’ve come, but also to embrace what lies ahead. With this set, I want to tell a story of rhythm, culture, and connection. A musical journey from where I began to where I’m going."

The anticipation surrounding his performance highlights the artist’s deep connection to the pulse of music itself, a theme that resonates with his longtime experience in the underground dance scene. This year is a year of debuts, also adding to his list this year, besides Hï, is his debut on Marco Carola’s festival in his hometown, Music On. After getting years of support from the boss himself, he’s now part of the much-anticipated festival. Here, he learned the importance of rhythm and energy, something that’s become integral to his style.

"The Music On crowd truly feels the music. They don’t just dance, they listen. That made me realize how important it is to build energy gradually and maintain a steady groove. It taught me to trust the flow of a set and to stay present, always watching how people respond. Marco Carola has always been a big inspiration for me in that exact way."

For RAYZIR, it’s not just about playing tracks; it’s about telling a story through sound, building a journey that transcends the music itself. But that journey isn't just his; it’s one deeply influenced by his heritage, something he brought with him when he released on Cuttin’ Headz, a label renowned for its uncompromising quality and global appeal. His debut EP under the label was a statement of cultural pride and emotional depth, blending Surinamese rhythms, salsa, soul, and electronic influences to produce a sound that feels both grounded in his roots and forward-thinking in its execution.

"This EP was deeply personal. It was built on the music I grew up with, blending Surinamese rhythms, soul, salsa, and electronic sounds. I wanted to share a part of my background and honor my culture. Through the music, I gave a voice to my roots, my childhood, and my family’s journey. With roots in South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, I represent a mix of the world, and I try to reflect that in everything I create."

Cultural expression, however, is often a double-edged sword. In a genre where experimentation is often met with the pressure to conform to trends, RAYZIR was cautious about how much of his identity to reveal. But it was the support from mentors like The Martinez Brothers that gave him the confidence to fully embrace his cultural roots without reservation.

"My girlfriend and manager, Sara, described my style perfectly. ‘Electronic music with cultural influences.’ And yes, I sometimes wondered if going too deep into my culture would be misunderstood or rejected. But I chose to stay true to myself. The Martinez Brothers gave me the freedom to express that side without holding back. They never asked me to change anything. They embraced my sound and encouraged me to go all in, which paid off."

RAYZIR paints the portrait of an artist deeply in tune with his roots and driven by a purpose greater than the dancefloor. His upcoming debut at Hï Ibiza isn’t just a professional milestone—it’s a spiritual checkpoint, a reflective pause in a journey spanning over 15 years. What’s striking is how he doesn’t see this as a peak, but as a launchpad for new horizons. There’s humility in his tone, but also a sense of earned pride. His vision for the set—a narrative built on rhythm, culture, and connection—reflects a DJ who isn’t there to just move bodies, but to move minds and hearts as well.

Equally compelling is RAYZIR’s understanding of the Music On ethos, where groove and patience take center stage. He captures the unspoken bond between DJ and crowd with clarity, noting how presence, flow, and subtle energy shifts shape his current approach. His admiration for Marco Carola is evident, not as a name-drop but as an acknowledgment of influence. It’s in these details that RAYZIR demonstrates his deep respect for underground values: discipline, sensitivity, and intentionality. This isn’t someone chasing trends—he’s cultivating something lasting.

Perhaps the most powerful element of the interview lies in how RAYZIR channels his cultural lineage into his music. His EP on Cuttin’ Headz is described with emotional weight, merging the rhythms of Suriname, soul, salsa, and modern electronics. Rather than presenting culture as a branding tool, RAYZIR frames it as a personal truth—one that required courage to express fully. The tension between self-expression and audience expectations is addressed with honesty, but also triumph, thanks to the creative freedom granted by The Martinez Brothers. In a scene that often demands conformity, RAYZIR’s refusal to dilute his identity marks him as a singular voice—one that reflects not just where he’s from, but where electronic music can go when it embraces its full, global spectrum.

In a time when music production is often dictated by the cold algorithms of streaming platforms, RAYZIR stands firm in his belief that true art is born from authenticity and emotional resonance. Whether he’s curating a lineup for his label, ZIRCLE, or selecting the perfect kick drum for a track, it’s the feeling that drives his decisions. For him, electronic music is not about chasing trends or likes; it's about cultural authenticity, depth, and storytelling.

"I follow feeling over trends. If a sound doesn’t move me emotionally or physically, I won’t use it. Whether I’m picking drums or booking artists, it has to be authentic. For me, it’s always about culture, storytelling, and vibe, not numbers or clicks. True quality will always last."

ZIRCLE, RAYZIR’s brainchild, is a testament to his belief in music as an ecosystem, not just an art form. The label is more than a collection of releases; it’s a platform that seeks to celebrate identity, embrace diverse cultures, and offer space for artists to express themselves without the constraints of industry expectations. ZIRCLE’s mission is clear: to push the boundaries of electronic music while creating a community built on authenticity and mutual respect.

"ZIRCLE was born from a need for more spaces where culture, identity, and music can thrive together. I’m building it with Kelamo (my close friend and fellow manager besides Sara), who has produced events for Circoloco, Keinemusik, Solid Grooves, No Art, and others. We saw a gap for artists who want to celebrate their roots and culture. Too often, artists feel pressure to hide parts of themselves to fit in. We wanted to create something different, a platform where artists can fully express who they are while honoring their heritage. Knowing where you come from helps you understand who you are and can shape where you're going. I hope ZIRCLE helps push the scene toward more openness, personal connection, and cultural authenticity."

RAYZIR’s journey also includes an exploration of his vulnerability. As both a producer and a singer, he’s ventured into territories that many in the electronic music world might shy away from. But for RAYZIR, using his voice wasn’t just a creative choice, it was a step toward a deeper connection with his audience. His vulnerability in vocal performance allowed him to showcase the emotional intensity that electronic music often lacks, bridging the gap between abstraction and human connection.

"Using my voice was scary at first. It’s personal, and there’s no way to hide behind it. But it also helped me connect with people on a deeper level. Singing in electronic music brings something human and real to the experience. I think it’s important to show that side of myself, even if it means being vulnerable. It also opened doors I didn’t have access to before as RAYZIR, the DJ and producer. My network and exposure grew quickly, and I used that momentum as a stepping stone for my career."

RAYZIR’s unique voice, both literally and metaphorically, has allowed him to stand out in an industry that often celebrates the anonymous. As he reflects on his evolution from Amsterdam’s local circuits to global stages, he sees electronic music as an ever-evolving force capable of uniting cultures and sharing untold stories.

"When music carries real stories, it becomes incredibly powerful. It can connect cultures, share emotions, and bring people together without needing words. It’s about building bridges and creating meaningful moments. I want to be someone who adds truth and depth to that bigger story. Through my music and ZIRCLE, I hope to inspire others to embrace their identity and share it with the world."

RAYZIR stands out as an artist who not only navigates the intricacies of electronic music with incredible skill but also possesses a deep sense of cultural consciousness. His journey is one of thoughtful exploration, where every step taken is both a reflection of his roots and an evolution of his artistry. What strikes me most about RAYZIR is his commitment to authenticity, an ethos that shines through in his productions, his performances, and his vision for the future of the scene.

As a DJ and producer, RAYZIR isn’t simply about crafting bangers that fit neatly into the latest trend or catering to algorithmic preferences. His work embodies a personal, emotional connection to the sounds he produces, there’s a distinct sense of identity embedded in his music. The way he weaves his cultural influences into electronic music isn’t just about adding textures or exotic rhythms for flavor; it’s a genuine celebration of his heritage, a narrative told through sound, and a mission to bring diversity and depth back into the genre. It’s not a risky move, it’s a revolutionary one.

The creation of ZIRCLE is a testament to RAYZIR's desire to create space for more than just music, it’s about forming a cultural ecosystem that nurtures artists and listeners alike, emphasizing the importance of personal connection and cultural authenticity. It’s rare to see an artist take such a bold step in redefining what a label and community should represent, and that alone makes RAYZIR a standout figure in today’s electronic music scene.

There’s something incredibly magnetic about RAYZIR's approach, his vulnerability in using his voice, his focus on real emotional connection, and his refusal to compromise his identity in an industry that often values trends over soul. He’s an artist who not only speaks to his audience but invites them into a space of shared experience, and that’s where his true strength lies.