14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHEKOBOY

Ekoboy is Vangelis Kostoxenakis, an innovative producer with a quirky signature style that has taken him to labels like Dirtybird, Moon Harbour, Toolroom and North Of Neptune. Returning to the latter imprint following his 2024 ‘Voices’ single, Ekoboy unites with Athens-born talent Frantikk for the first time on their ‘Gotta Have You’ EP. Frantikk is a fellow rising tech house artist with a hybrid style that has come on the likes of Circus Recordings before now.

First up, 'Gotta Have You' lands with a warm, inviting thud thanks to rubbery kicks and balmy pads, as an old-school bassline brings some classic New York vibes next to the smooth, soulful vocals. 'Love Is On The Way' is another loved-up, romantic house groove with just the right amount of drive and deepness. It's wired up in bubbly chords and velvet pads which heighten the feels, while closer 'My Body' sees Ekoboy go solo, drawing for punchy drums and sensual vocals above a killer bassline that reverberates next to daubs of neon synth and gooey pads.

Q: Please introduce yourself

Hi, thanks for having me. I'm Vangelis Kostoxenakis DJ/producer from Athens/Greece 

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

Ooh, that's a tough one, but I think Michael Jackson is at the top of my list as I grew up with his music, and I consider him one of the most influential artists of our time. 

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

I'd say the ability to stop and manipulate time. Who doesn't want a second try? 

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

I'd choose anything that has to do with space. I'm a total sucker for the universe. So maybe Interstellar, even though it'd be impossible to top the score of Hans Zimmer.

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

I'd say anything from the old US house scene, such as Roger Sanchez, DJ Sneak, Erick Morillo, Kevin Saunderson, and Harry Choo Choo. Their soul and groove were impeccable to me.  

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

I put out my first record in 1999, so I'd like to consider myself still relevant since I'm actively releasing on some of the best underground labels in the industry. I'm a soldier and a very hard worker, constantly trying to reinvent myself while pushing my sound. I never give up hehe.

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

Accept it and move on.  

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?

Derrick May, Miami WMC07 or 08. Crowd was literally off (me too) yelling one more track at the end of his set while bouncers were next to him ready to jump in case he took another record.  

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

Producing music is an art which you have to continuously push boundaries. I was always into house. That’s what counts. Sometimes deep, sometimes was raw and dirty. Now it’s minimal and quirky but soulful :P  

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

I think cinematic. I find it extremely intriguing creating music for films. 

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

Snap – Rhythm is a Dancer

Marky Mark and the funky Bunch – Good Vibrations

Prodigy - Firestarter

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

The Acropolis! Fuck that would be awesome! 

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

This year, I'm planning to focus more on my personal platform, Bacchic Records and release most of my music there whilst continuing to put some EPs on labels that I have great relationships, such as Lee Foss's labels, Rawthentic, Under No Illusion and Cuff.  

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

Not sure if it's funny, but I'm super weird about keeping my synths clean. I can't start working if there's a single speck of dust on a key. So if you're with me in the studio, make sure to take off your shoes.