Rafael is one of Tel Aviv’s upcoming producers and he is starting to gain some serious worldwide recognition.
His acclaimed edits of tracks such as Jimi Jules’ ‘My City’s On Fire’, Eiffel 65’s ‘Blue’, and more, have seen support from industry heavyweights, including names such as Diplo, Carlita, DJ Tennis, Stephan Jolk, Camelphat, and Mita Gami.
Now, EG caught up with Rafael to learn more about the release of his new edit of Daft Punk’s ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’, his future endeavors, and more.
EG: Hi Rafael! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Rafael: Hi guys, happy to be here with you. I’m doing great, a lot of things are going on right now and I love it 🙂 . I just returned from my South and Central America tour. As for now, I’m in Tel Aviv, finally back for some studio time and playing in my hometown.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your new edit of Daft Punk’s classic, ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’. What has the initial reception been like? When was the first time you tested this one out live?
Rafael: Thank you, I appreciate it. I will start by saying that Daft Punk had a big influence on my development as an artist and obviously on the sound of the electronic music industry. In general, I love to make classic tunes accessible and to take them into my world, by that I’m able to deliver those iconic tracks into the dance floor in a new and interesting interpretation, my interpretation.
The first time I played the edit was in an open-air event for 1,500 people, It was on the following weekend when I finished the track, and the response was just as I expected, everyone was thrilled, and had that joyful look on their faces when they realized which song it is and some even recognized my sound signature. Since then, I have gotten a lot of support from artists like Carlita, Diplo, Camelphat, and many more. It turned out to be a key track for peak-time moments.
EG: So, what compelled you to take on such a bold track as Daft Punk’s ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’? What was your approach to this particular rework?
Rafael: I’m represented by Ritual Artist Agency, and as part of it, we’re having weekly meetings with the team. In one of the meetings with my agent, we talked about Daft Punk’s ‘HBFS’ and he came up with the idea that I should make an edit. I loved the idea and immediately got on the project. I think the courage to take on such a bold track came from my respect for the artists, but also from my hunger to deliver classic, iconic tunes through my sound.
As a first phase, I let myself listen to the original track multiple times just so I can comprehend it, feel it within, and come up with ideas for the musical direction I wanted to go to. The break was already set in the way of structure and sound, I added my sound and groove, and from that the whole track came together. I was able to play it just a few days after that session.
EG: This comes hot on the heels of other successful edits you’ve done, which include Jimi Jules’ ‘My City’s On Fire’, Eiffel 65’s ‘Blue’, and more. How can you tell which songs you can potentially leave a mark on?
Rafael: First of all it must always be a tune that I feel some connection with, and the second thing is that I need to understand if it’s a tune that I can make unique without damaging the original piece while contributing to the dancefloor. It’s important to me to create added value to the original. ‘My City’s On Fire’ Is the perfect example of my thought process. It actually started as a private edit because I loved the original track but felt I needed to translate it to my sound so it could work on my sets.
“First of all it must always be a tune that I feel some connection with, and the second thing is that I need to understand if it’s a tune that I can make unique without damaging the original piece while contributing to the dancefloor”
EG: And this edit is out via Adam Ten’s Maccabi House imprint. How did this come to happen? Did you approach Adam with the idea?
Rafael: Adam and I have a good connection including some future releases together, I released an EP at his label a few months ago and we are always sharing new music. He really loved the edit and with the label’s successful edit section, it was inevitable that I would release it via Maccabi House.
EG: Right now, social media seems to play a completely prominent role in the development of an artist’s career. What’s your stance on this? Is this bringing us closer than ever, or is it drawing our attention away from the actual music?
Rafael: I think that social media is a tool that every artist needs to nurture. By working with all the platforms you can create the best marketing strategies and reach out to a wider base of followers and turn them into listeners on a global scale. For me, it’s about staying authentic, people can feel when it’s fake because, in the end, it’s all about the music.
EG: By the way, Summer’s here. Are you looking forward to anything in particular?
Rafael: Every summer we have a family tradition to travel together. This is something I’m really looking forward to, it gives me peace from the everyday race and some quality time with my loved ones.
EG: How do you keep entertained when not in the studio? Have you recently found any good movies, books, or albums you’d recommend?
Rafael: My escapism is watching movies and TV series. Lately, I’m rewatching ‘Prison Break’.
“For me, it’s about staying authentic, people can feel when it’s fake because, in the end, it’s all about the music”
EG: Can you share something personal with us only a few people know about?
Rafael: Most people know me as Rafael, it’s my second name after my grandfather. My first name is Liav.
EG: What’s next for Rafael? Where can your fans catch you next? What new milestones are you looking forward to in 2023?
Rafael: I have some big releases coming up that I can’t talk about yet, also upcoming shows in Europe and South Africa. A lot to look forward to. Let’s catch up again soon 😉
EG: Thank you for your time, Rafael! We’re excited to see what’s in store for you. Take care!
Rafael: Thank you guys, It was a pleasure talking to you and I hope to see all you ravers on the dance floor soon.
Rafael’s new edit of Daft Punk’s ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’ is out now as a free download via Maccabi House. Grab your copy here.
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