Argentine progressive house and melodic techno producer EKIS EKIS recently crossed borders once again, this time taking his signature sound to the airwaves of Japan. In a special broadcast on Honmaru Radio, hosted by Davis, the artist sat down for an in-depth interview followed by an exclusive, deeply immersive DJ set.
The interview also served as a platform to unveil his ambitious new project: the launch of his own record label, SudRadar. Set to debut with a cross-cultural collaboration featuring South Korean rock vocalist HU:MIN, the label aims to be a beacon for global talent, blending progressive rhythms with diverse, worldwide influences.
Whether it is conquering the Beatport Top 10 alongside collaborators like Kabir Khan, or delivering hypnotic 5-hour extended sets in his current base of Córdoba, EKIS EKIS continues to prove that music truly has no borders.
Listen to the full Interview & DJ Set on Honmaru Radio Here
Inside the Mind of EKIS EKIS: Full Interview Transcript
1. Journey into electronic music: “My journey started back in 2016. I come from Catamarca, Argentina, from a very small town called Mutquín with only 1,000 people. Today, I am incredibly proud to say I have released over 250 tracks across all five continents. It proves to me that music truly has no borders. As a kid, I was inspired by my dad’s FM radio, listening to tracks with synthesizers and Italo Disco, and later by watching videos of big festivals like Ultra. In that small town, I started to dream big.”
2. Support from legends (Cattaneo, Digweed, Nick Warren) & Philosophy: “It is a surreal and emotional experience. For example, seeing Nick Warren play my track back-to-back with Martin Fredes in Ibiza, or hearing my music on John Digweed’s ‘Transitions’ was a dream. Just recently, Hernán Cattaneo gave my upcoming track the highest rating and picked it as his favorite from the release. But honestly, this success hasn’t changed my core philosophy. I am deeply connected to my music. I don’t produce just to get played; I produce to express myself. That confidence in my expression is what allows me to experiment.
3. Beatport Charts & Importance: “My music has entered 7 different subgenre top 100 charts, mainly in Progressive House and Melodic Techno. I have reached the Top 10 twice in Melodic Techno, both times collaborating with my good friend Kabir Khan from the UK. The first time I hit the top 100 was in 2023. It was a turning point because I realized the power of global discovery. Since then, my growth has been almost logarithmic. Charts are important because they are the main tool DJs use to discover music to play in their sets. It helped me build relationships and create bigger EPs.”
4. Experiences with labels (Univack, Sound Avenue, Hz Recordings): “Releasing on Univack boosted my career locally and globally, as they are a Top 4 Progressive House label. Sound Avenue is another highly prestigious label where I maintain constant releases. And regarding Hz Recordings… Davis, I want to say this directly to you: I am extremely grateful for your work. You opened the doors of Japan to my music. It is an absolute pleasure working with you, and what makes Hz unique is your dedication.”
5. The vision behind the new label “SudRadar”: “SudRadar was born from my need for total artistic expression. The vision is to release cultural, thematic music blending Progressive and Melodic Techno with global sounds. My first release in July is an EP with HU:MIN, an amazing rock singer and guitarist from South Korea. We are breaking barriers! The name means a ‘Radar from South America’ looking for talent globally. In fact, I would love to invite Japanese singers to collaborate with me on SudRadar in the future!”
6. Memorable performances and mindset shifts: “My first big hometown event was magical—seeing my friends and my city dancing to my music. Later, playing at the ‘High Festival’, the biggest event in my province, was a dream come true. But the biggest mindset shift happened during a private event in Cordoba where I played a 5-hour set. It made me realize how much I love extended sets; it gives you the time to take the crowd on a proper journey and build the climax track by track.”
7. Message for Japan: “First, thank you so much for this interview, Davis, and thank you to the listeners of Honmaru Radio. We have a great new release coming out very soon. I send all my love to the Japanese audience, and I truly hope to travel and visit your beautiful country in the near future. Arigatou gozaimasu!”
