Some follow trends, others set them. Award-winning music producer & live performer Rodriguez Jr., also known as Olivier Mateu, has spent 25 years in the industry. His vast experience in all genres of electronic music makes him the visionary of Melodic House and Techno that he is today.
Over the years he has gradually honed his style into the dynamic, colorful sound of beauty that can now be regularly found on Mobilee, Anjunadeep, Systematic, Armada and demanded for on remixes of Stephan Bodzin, Booka Shade, Eli & Fur, Röyksopp, NTO, Timo Maas and more.
Drawing inspiration for his live performances from the vintage synths in his Miami studio, Rodriguez Jr. relishes the opportunity to travel the globe and realize his project on stage and has amassed a devoted loyal fan base through the creation of his unique movement where the visceral emotional connection between Mateu and the crowd is becoming trademark. Last year marked the launch of his label and creative outlet, Feathers and Bones, which has already seen a slew of successful releases and remixes.
Ahead of his massive summer tour (with a stop in our home city at Stereobar, Montreal next Friday), we had the chance to sit down with this ingenious artist to discuss all things imprint, industry, immersive production, and collaboration. We’re also thrilled to welcome him to our Main Mix series with a seductively sublime hour rife with unreleased gems – think an NTO remix, new track with John Digweed, and Feathers and Bones offerings up until July. Enjoy!
WWD: Hi Olivier! Welcome to When We Dip. Thrilled to have you on the mix this week, just ahead of your Stereobar live set next Friday! Will you have some time to explore Montreal?
Hi guys! Always a pleasure talking with you. I am stoked to play at Stereobar soon. I will only be in town for a day so I unfortunately won’t have much time to explore your vibrant city, but I’ll get the best of it. You might find me in a record shop before the show.
WWD: Speaking of exploring, your summer tour schedule is pretty stacked! Do you prefer performing at festivals or more intimate venues? Anywhere on the list that you’re playing for the first time?
I need both! Of course the adrenaline when blasting music to a large audience is a powerful drug. But magical things happen in more intimate venues. This is where you can create a deeper connection with your audience and build an unforgettable moment all together. Clubs are the DNA of our music.
WWD: Let’s get technical for a sec – your last two albums were produced with Dolby Atmos. Can you tell us a little bit about the technology and how it affects your production/creativity?
Generally, I have always been interested in immersive experiments in the arts. Attending the immersive theater show ‘Sleep No More’ in New York was a life changing moment because this is where I understood art could be experienced from inside. I eventually started working with the Dolby Atmos technology on my album ‘Bliss’ back in 2020. It offers a whole different experience to the listener. I wouldn’t say it’s better but it’s definitely different. I create my music with shapes and colors in mind, like an architect, so this 3D approach fits my work flow very well.
WWD: Last year, you launched your own imprint, Feathers and Bones. What was the catalyst for starting your own label? What do you enjoy the most about running the show?
It’s basically a way to move faster and get more freedom. I must constantly come up with new material for my live sets so I am excited to share more of this with my audience on a monthly basis without having to please any A & R. It’s just a great feeling to have a direct connection with my fans without any other input.
WWD: Does it enhance your creativity knowing that you’ll always have a home for your musical meanderings?
The label is still young and I just started feeling those positive side effects of developing my own platform. But yes, it definitely enhances my creativity.
WWD: Can you tell us a bit about your recent collaboration with Jan Blomqvist, ‘Destination Lost’ ? How did it come to be? What was the best part about working with him?
Jan and I have been sharing the same passion for emotional, deep, melodic electronic music for such a long while. I always had the feeling we were somehow telling the same stories but with different words. I originally sent him a first idea a couple of years ago while I was working on my album Feathers & Bones and we carefully selected each ingredient together.
‘Destination Lost’ is a great example of how producing a song with Jan is pretty much like shooting a movie: it’s all about the story, the set, the lights, the contrasts…it’s an experience that goes beyond sounds. Each sentence is a different snapshot painting a vivid mosaic of our human experience, revealing the beauty found in the intertwining of emotions past.
WWD: You’ve been in the industry for over 25 years and have seen it all (we’re sure). What are some positive changes you’re seeing?
It’s a great time for electronic music! This scene has very much evolved in terms of inclusivity and it’s never been so easy to record, produce, and release music. Also everyone has access to every genre now through streaming platforms whereas I remember being limited to what a tiny record shop had to offer in my small village. That’s a massive evolution and it’s interesting how it translates into new fusions. The new generation don’t have the same boundaries we had when I started producing in the 90s. They basically blend anything and do their own stuff.
WWD: Lastly, when you’re not touring or in the studio, where can you be found?
Family time is precious so I’ll be most probably enjoying Florida life with my loved ones.
WWD: Awww, as you should! Thanks for the chat, Olivier!
Rodriguez Jr.: Facebook // SoundCloud
Tracklist:
Kiko, Rodriguez Jr. – Miller
M.E.M.O – Loca
Jan Blomqvist, Rodriguez Jr. – Destination Lost
Rodriguez Jr. – Calypso
Francis Mercier, Salif Keita, Nomos – Kabe
Darque, Thandi Draai – Yonke (Rodriguez Jr. Remix)
Rodriguez Jr. – Rubbo Swingo
NTO – Loving You Like Always (Rodriguez Jr. Remix – Edit)
Rodriguez Jr. – Twilight Language
John Digweed, Nick Muir – Heaven Scent (Rodriguez Jr. Remix)
Rodriguez Jr. – Alraegadir
Rodriguez Jr. – Atlantis