14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHARKADYAN

ARKADYAN is a Dubai-based DJ and production trio renowned for blending organic and electronic sounds into immersive, high-energy sets. Their 2024 Ibiza residency at Beachouse, running from June to September, has seen them headline the ARKADYAN Voyage event series, offering a unique fusion of live instruments and global rhythms, from Afro house to jazz.

Known for their multidisciplinary approach, they create performances that integrate music, visual art, and dance. Recent releases feature a mix of tribal percussion and deep electronic beats, cementing their role as innovators in the electronic music scene.

Q: Please introduce yourself

We are two French guys and one Latvian girl: Benjy - percussionist/producer, Gabriel - trumpeter/producer, and Marina - DJ/producer. Benjy and Gab met Marina in Dubai in 2019, and the energy between the three of us matched so well. During Covid, all the stars aligned for us to create our electronic organic live act named ARKADYAN.

Before we met, we had each been in different parts of the music industry for almost 20 years. Gabriel was a trumpeter in the French Navy for most of his adult life, Benjy has been a percussionist since childhood, and Marina has been a DJ and music manager for over 10 years. 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

We would love to have coffee with Black Coffee. We just love his energy, both in life and on stage. He’s been our biggest inspiration in Afro House music, and let's say—he created the biggest hype around the Afro House style. So, we would love not only to have coffee with him but also to share a stage with him. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

A superpower to never get tired—on stage, in life, in the studio, and in creative moments. We need more energy and time to put all our creative ideas together, whether in the studio, on stage, or in life. 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

It would definitely be a happy comedy. Our music usually reflects a happy mood, full of smiles and joyful moments. In real life, the three of us are pretty funny, and we joke all the time, so we couldn’t imagine doing anything but a comedy. 

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?

Our first influences came from our parents when we were children. For example, Benjy's biggest inspiration has always been his father, who was a drummer all his life. Marina was also influenced by her father, who never missed a chance to play his guitar at any occasion.

For Gabriel, one of the biggest influences was Ibrahim Maalouf, for always finding new directions in music.  And then, of course, we met many good people along the way who inspired us, some from the music industry and others just smart, intelligent people. 

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

Hard work, trust in each other, and a strong belief in our project. There are three of us in the ARKADYAN project, so if one of us starts to lose motivation or trust, we quickly bring them back to believing. 

Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?

Like everyone, we have our ups and downs, but because we are three in the ARKADYAN project, if one of us starts to lose motivation or trust, we give them a few days to think, cool down, and then we quickly get them back on the right path of working hard and being creative. 

Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?

There are so many, to be honest, and we love almost all of our shows. But on January 1st this year, we had a performance at our own party, ARKADYAN Voyage, at Surf Club Dubai. It was an amazing night because of the people, the friends, and the magic of New Year’s Day. We also had an amazing lineup, and there was just a “magic in the air” during the whole party. 

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

At the beginning of our project, we started with an organic downtempo style, which was very sophisticated and intimate. Over the years, both our music and ARKADYAN have evolved from downtempo to up-tempo, but always with our signature percussive patterns, followed by signature trumpet melodies, keeping it recognizable.

We still love organic downtempo, but our happy up-tempo Afro-Balcanic style feels more fitting for ARKADYAN these days. 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

Our personal challenge for a club residency would be to produce and perform with a more solid house music base and avoid being repetitive every week.

One thing is certain: we’ll always try to keep our own identity, even if we switch to other genres. To be honest, this is part of why our project is so exciting—pushing the limits of our creativity as musicians. 

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

For Benjy, it was “Samim - Heater” (2007), a big Ibiza hit that made him realize how electronic music can blend with folkloric styles. It opened his mind to so many possibilities.

For Marina, it was “Bob Sinclar - World Hold On” (2006), a global hit that introduced her to mainstream sounds with a clubby electronic vibe.

Gabriel discovered the power of electronic music when he heard “Daft Punk - Around the World,” which showed him how repetitive music could captivate the world. 

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

In Latvia, it would be in Jurmala during the longest day of summer—summer solstice—because it never gets dark during that day.

In France, it would be in the ski resort of Les Arcs, as the name ARKADYAN comes from there. In France, if you’re from Les Arcs, you’re called an ARKADYAN (just like people from Paris are called Parisians). 

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

Our plan is to rest for a few weeks in October after a busy summer tour. Then we’ll retreat to the studio to create new music. Our Dubai residency at Surf Club will restart in November and run until May. We’re also planning our second-year residency in Ibiza, along with some collaborations with amazing artists. Voilà, that's what you can expect from ARKADYAN in the coming year ;-) 

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

We’re just as crazy and funny in real life as we are on stage :-D