Fifteen years ago, in the vibrant creative landscape of Valencia, AFFKT launched SINCOPAT with a simple yet powerful vision: to release music that moves, surprises, and stands the test of time. What began as a small family of enthusiasts has evolved into an international community that champions emotional depth and boundary-pushing sounds over fleeting trends.
In this exclusive interview, AFFKT opens up about the journey from those early Berlin adventures to building one of electronic music’s most distinctive labels. We discuss the challenges of balancing artistry with label management, the evolution of production techniques, the impact of AI on music creation, and how Valencia’s creative spirit continues to shape SINCOPAT’s identity. As the label celebrates this milestone anniversary, AFFKT reflects on pivotal releases, the transformation of the industry from physical to digital, and the exciting territories waiting to be explored in the years ahead.
1. SINCOPAT is celebrating 15 years this year – can you take us back to 2009 when you first launched the label? What was your vision then, and how has it evolved over these 15 years?
Wow, 2009 seems like another lifetime! When I started Sincopat, honestly, it all began out of a mixture of necessity, a rebellious streak, and, above all, the feeling that I had stories to tell in my own way. There was no grand strategy behind it; I just wanted the freedom to release music that really moved me, without worrying about record labels, trends, or what was supposed to be cool, and to give space to other artists who felt the same way.
I still remember my “adventures” in Berlin, trying to figure out how to start a record label… Those were the days! Back then, we were just a small family, full of enthusiasm and eager to do things at our own pace. The vision was always to release music that we thought was special, music that would still sound fresh years later, and honestly, that hasn’t changed one bit.
Fifteen years have passed, and although we have now become an international community and the industry has changed (and so have I, haha), what motivates me remains the same: surrounding myself with talented people, voices with something unique to say, and the drive to break the mold. The challenges and goals have changed, but the essence remains the same: doing things with honesty, enjoying the journey, and, whenever possible, surprising ourselves.
Letting the label evolve naturally without losing its original spirit is precisely what makes this journey so special.
2. What have been some of the most pivotal releases that shaped its direction?
That’s a very difficult question, because after fifteen years there is so much music that has shaped Sincopat’s identity and direction. But if I had to highlight a few, I would say that there are certain releases and moments that undoubtedly marked a turning point for us.
Some of my own EPs as AFFKT set the tone, defining that emotional and boundless spirit we wanted for the label.
James Harcourt, Darlyn Vlys, Upercent and Piek are other essential names, their EPs and albums took the label’s sound to new places and reached a wider audience, while remaining personal and honest.
Full albums like Son of a Thousand Sounds or Prince In The Rain helped us go beyond singles, fostering a more narrative and lasting relationship with listeners.
What all these releases have in common is that they weren’t just about current trends or genres, but about music that leaves a mark and stands the test of time. That has always been sincopat’s main goal: to release music that excites us and stays fresh, regardless of style, era, or artist.
3. As both label owner and artist, how do you balance your roles? Do you find it challenging to separate your creative instincts as a producer from your business decisions as a label head?
Balancing both roles is definitely a bit of a Juggling act. Being an artist and running a record label means I’m constantly shifting gears and feeling pulled in both directions all the time. When I’m in the studio, I allow myself to dive deep into creativity and just enjoy the process, which sometimes takes me down some pretty unexpected paths. Then, when I put on my label manager role. I have to take a step back and think about the big picture, what’s best for the label and for all the artists as a collective.
It’s not always easy: sometimes my artistic side wants to release the most experimental songs just for the sake of it, but over the years I’ve learned the importance of timing, context, and also listening to different opinions within our team. Having good people around me helps me a lot to maintain perspective and make better decisions for Sincopat as a whole.
I try to respect those two worlds by giving them separate spaces: if I’m making music, I allow myself to forget about label matters for a while. When it comes time to make decisions for the label, I try to approach each project with fresh ears, almost as if I were a music fan discovering it for the first time.
But the magic really happens when the boundaries blur a little: those moments when my creative instinct and the direction of the label feed off each other and bring something new to life. More than anything, I try to continue enjoying what I do, that’s what makes both roles sustainable and exciting.
4. Before SINCOPAT and your current success, what drew you into electronic music production and DJing? Can you share some memories from your early days in the Valencia scene?
Before Sincopat and everything that came after, I was just a kid from Valencia obsessed with all kinds of music. I started at the conservatory, learning classical music, but I soon realized that I was much more interested in inventing my own sounds than playing other people’s notes. That spark led me to electronic music, not because it was “electronic” at first, but because it was a way to shape my own songs with total freedom.
What really lit the fuse was discovering artists like Prodigy, Daft Punk, and the early releases from Warp Records. Suddenly, I felt like anything was possible. There was an energy in Valencia: people creating, clubs promoting new sounds, and the feeling that you could do whatever you wanted if you worked hard enough. I wasn’t old enough to experience ‘La Ruta del Bakalao’ firsthand, but its spirit of freedom and creativity was still in the air.
What really stuck in my mind were those first nights at the early raves in Valencia, feeling the adrenaline rush of new sounds and seeing all kinds of people getting carried away by the music. Back then, there were no stylistic boundaries. As a teenager, one week I would produce a breakbeat track in my bedroom, the next I would DJ deep house, and the next I would experiment with techno or electronica. That “anything goes” attitude is what has completely shaped my approach.
Looking back, it was never about chasing success, but simply about the need to express myself and keep learning. That feeling hasn’t changed.
5. The electronic music industry has transformed dramatically since 2009 – from physical sales to streaming, from underground scenes to festival culture. How have you adapted SINCOPAT’s strategy to these changes?
The truth is, when I think back to 2009, I never would have imagined how much the landscape would change: from everyone buying vinyl in stores and sending promotions by email, to a world where streaming reigns supreme and algorithms decide what people listen to! In the beginning, we focused on physical releases and supporting local DJs and stores. Suddenly, the rules changed, and you either adapted or got left behind.
For me, it’s always been about embracing change and not getting stuck in nostalgia. At SINCOPAT, we try to stay true to our essence, taking risks and supporting the artists we’re really excited about, but without being afraid to try new things. That meant taking the leap into the digital world from the beginning, working hard on the label’s image and narrative, and constantly learning about new tools, new ways to connect with people, and new ways to release music.
But the most important thing has always been not to lose that personal touch; behind every release there are people, stories, and connections. I still enjoy searching for new music, talking to artists, and listening to my instincts, even though everything around me is changing very quickly. I guess that’s the secret: adapting whatever you need to, but without losing your DNA along the way.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to always stay curious and not be afraid to start from scratch if the world asks you to.
6. Can you walk us through your current production setup? Has your approach to making music changed significantly over the years, and what tools or techniques are essential to the “AFFKT sound”?
Honestly, my production setup has evolved a lot over the years, mainly because I’m always looking for new ways to translate emotions into sound without losing that raw, personal touch. Right now, my setup is a balance between hardware and software. I love my analog synthesizers, especially the Moog One, which I use a lot to get warm, organic textures. But I’m also very interested in plugins like Knif Audio’s Knifonium and Serum 2, which allow me to explore unique soundscapes and push boundaries.
I’ve learned to keep my setup minimal, focusing on truly mastering each tool rather than accumulating endless equipment. This helps me shape sounds with emotional weight, keeping the essence of the project intact.
Over time, my approach has matured from pure experimentation to more intentional and natural flows. I also include more organic elements, such as field recordings and vocals, to add life beyond the synthetic.
The AFFKT sound, if I had to describe it in words, has to do with color, depth, and storytelling. I want each track to surprise a little, to have a unique footprint.
7. AI is increasingly present in music production and the industry as a whole. What are your thoughts on AI’s role in electronic music, and do you see it as a tool, a threat, or something else entirely?
AI in music production is revolutionizing things, and I see it primarily as a tool, a new way to inspire creativity and explore sounds that might not come naturally. I’ve been slowly introducing and experimenting with AI in my own process, and it’s fascinating how it can open unexpected doors or speed up parts of my workflow.
The most amazing thing is that I don’t think we can yet imagine how AI will change our understanding of music creation in the coming years. It’s a new chapter that has just begun, and I’m curious and open to seeing where it takes us.
For me, music will always be about the human touch, the emotions, the mistakes, and the personal stories behind each track. AI can help with the tools, but the soul of the music will always remain with the artist.
8. Valencia has become increasingly popular for expats and digital nomads from all around the world. How has the local scene evolved since you started, and what role do you think the city plays in shaping your sound and SINCOPAT’s identity?
Valencia is an incredibly inspiring city, not just for living, but definitely for creating. Over the years, I’ve seen the local scene transform from a small, underground network into a vibrant hub that attracts people from all over the world. The energy here, the light, the Mediterranean spirit, all these things have a real impact on how I approach music.
What’s special about Valencia is that, despite this international boom, its creative soul remains intact. The city was once a true reference point for musical and artistic innovation in Spain, and that history and legacy have left their mark on me and on Sincopat. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s a feeling of creative freedom, the idea that you can blend genres, take risks, and still be connected to something bigger.
That old spirit of breaking molds and pushing boundaries is very much a part of the label’s DNA. Sincopat takes a lot from the city: its openness, its sense of community, and its hunger for innovation. For me, Valencia isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a continuous source of inspiration, a city that pushes you to look forward, experiment, and never lose your unique identity.
9. Tell us about your new EP, what was the inspiration behind it and how did the collaboration with Pysh come together?
Actually, the new EP isn’t mine, t’s Pysh’s, an incredibly talented artist whose work I truly admire. I had the pleasure of collaborating on one of the tracks included in his new EP. The inspiration for our collaboration came naturally, Pysh’s creative vision and his way of approaching sound are really inspiring, and it was easy to connect artistically with his project.
Working together was a joy, there was a lot of musical chemistry, and we shared the same excitement for experimentation and blending ideas. I’m proud to be part of this release and genuinely enjoyed pushing boundaries together with Pysh. Collaborations like this are always refreshing because they give new perspectives and energy to the music.
I think listeners will feel that spark when they hear the EP, and I’m excited for everyone to discover what Pysh has created.
10. How do you see SINCOPAT evolving in the next few years? Are there new territories, sounds, or concepts you’re excited to explore?
Looking ahead, I see sincopat continuing to evolve naturally while staying true to its core: championing music that moves us emotionally and breaks boundaries. We will keep searching for innovative music that never leaves us indifferent. The leitmotif of the label will always be to release timeless music that stands above styles and tags.
I’m excited to explore new territories, whether diving deeper into hybrid genres, more album-driven narratives, or experimenting with multimedia experiences.
The label will keep growing as a platform for artists unafraid to push their sound and approach. I’m also curious about how technologies like AI and spatial audio will open fresh paths for creativity, both for me as a producer and the label as a whole.
The challenge and joy will be to keep innovating without losing the human and emotional core of the music. Balancing tradition and innovation, we stay open to whatever the future brings.