Since 2016, French producer Roland Cristal has been building a distinctively quirky corner of the electronic music world, blending internet-era samples with cheeky humour and high-octane beats. After his track “VENDETTA” took the festival circuit by storm in 2022, he’s become known for his sweaty, electrifying live sets, where chaotic energy meets retro kitsch. We caught up with him for a quick chat about his musical evolution and what keeps him going.
Your sound is pretty unique—how would you explain it to someone hearing it for the first time?
I call it Regressive Tekno! There are some Mákina influences in there.
How did your music journey begin? Did you start young?
Yes, I started with classical piano and theory, then picked up jazz and guitar. I played in rock bands for about 15 years—none of them took off, though. At one point, my friends and I made fake DJ accounts on SoundCloud just for fun, and that’s how Roland Cristal came into existence.
What advice would you give to independent artists trying to stand out?
Work hard, get out there, and connect with people who can support your journey. And honestly—cross your fingers. In my experience, luck plays a huge role. Of course, none of it happens without dedication and help from others.
You’ve been performing across Europe lately. What’s the best part of being on stage?
Seeing people I’ve never met, smiling at me, wearing shirts with my face on them, and fully enjoying what I’m putting out there. That’s the best feeling.
