Decoded Magazine Presents: AFFKT – Interview and Exclusive Mix

At Decoded Magazine, there are a few artists who’ve consistently sat at the top of our dream guest list, true innovators whose sound and vision have shaped the underground landscape over the last decade. One of those artists is AFFKT. So, it’s with genuine excitement (and perhaps a little fanboy joy) that we finally welcome him to our series with a long-overdue mix and interview.

For over 10 years, AFFKT has been a name synonymous with cutting-edge electronic music, as the founder of the ever-reliable Sincopat Records, he’s been instrumental in cultivating a sound that’s both forward-thinking and rich in soul, a catalogue that Decoded’s very own editor, Damion Pell, has championed relentlessly over the years.

From his roots in Valencia to global acclaim, AFFKT’s productions have graced labels like Mobilee, Suara, Bedrock, and of course, Sincopat, earning him a well-deserved reputation as a producer’s producer, equally at home in a sweaty basement club as he is on the world’s biggest festival stages.

In this exclusive feature, we dive deep into AFFKT’s creative process, his approach to running a label that constantly reinvents itself, and what continues to inspire him after all these years in the game. Paired with a genre-spanning mix that’s as eclectic and expressive as the man himself, this is one for the true heads.

We’ve waited a decade for this one, and trust us, it was worth it.

Your latest EP, Bitters and Bread and the most recent ones  feels like a multi-layered narrative rather than just a collection of tracks. What sparked the conceptual framework behind these releases, and how does it reflect your current state as both an artist and a human being? In what ways has your sound matured or transformed since your earlier records like Son of a Thousand Sounds or The Big Picture?

Absolutely, there has been a clear evolution in my sound, and a lot of that comes from a more mature and grounded state of mind. Compared to The Big Picture, my recent releases like Bitters and Bread, Mystery Box, and the EPs on Polaris and Exploited reflect a more focused and intentional approach.

I’m less driven by the need to impress and more by the desire to express. The conceptual side comes naturally now, it’s about translating emotions into music without overthinking it.  Each track is part of a larger story, but I also let things flow more freely than before.

At the same time, I feel like my most primal influences, the ones that first pushed me to start making music, are more present than ever. There’s a certain energy and instinct that has come back in a new, more honest form.

You’ve always embraced a wide spectrum of musical influences. As you look ahead, are there any unconventional genres, instruments, or creative disciplines you’d like to integrate into your production work? Have recent travels, literature, or even visual art inspired new directions in your upcoming projects?

Lately I’ve been collaborating a lot, not only on my own music but also on other projects, and that constant exchange keeps opening new doors. I’m exploring new creation tools and approaches, which is really reshaping how I make music.

Life itself is a big influence too. Seeing the world through my son Alai’s eyes brings a fresh perspective that feeds directly into my creative process.

Looking ahead, I’m definitely drawn to more unconventional elements and to other artistic disciplines like photography, generative visuals or even storytelling formats outside of club music. I don’t see boundaries anymore, I just see new ways to express what’s inside.

You have a strong presence as both a solo producer and a trusted mastering engineer for others. Can you describe the mindset shift when you’re refining someone else’s music compared to sculpting your own compositions? Do you find that working on others’ music has subconsciously influenced your creative decisions?

Working on someone else’s music is a beautiful and enriching process. You’re helping bring their vision to its full potential, and that’s something I take very seriously. When I’m mastering or mixing for others, I tend to be more critical and objective, internal doubts or emotional attachments don’t cloud the judgment as much.

That shift forces me to open my mind, to really understand what the artist is trying to say, and figure out how I can help elevate it. And yes, without a doubt, that mindset ends up influencing my own music. It teaches me to step back and listen with fresh ears, something that’s not always easy when you’re deep in your own creative world.

Your studio must be an extension of your imagination. Can you walk us through the heartbeat of your production setup? Which tools, be it analogue synths, obscure plugins, or even field recorders, have become integral to capturing the essence of your sound?

This question could fill a whole book, to be honest, haha. But lately, since moving into my new studio inside Pobla Studios, my approach has shifted. I’m trying to use fewer tools, but push them much further, really go deep.

Analog synths like the Moog One have become essential for that, but also some plugins I love, like Knif Audio’s Knifonium or the new Serum 2, which keeps surprising me. It’s not about having a huge arsenal anymore, but about fully exploring the character of each sound source and how it connects to the emotion I want to express.

From the explosion of AI-assisted production to the revival of modular synthesis, the landscape of electronic music is in constant flux. Where do you believe the scene is heading creatively, and what shifts excite, or concern, you the most?

What fascinates me most right now is how the concept of being an artist is evolving. With the tools we have today, I’m no longer limited to just making music, I can create my own videos, shape full narratives, and explore new dimensions of expression. That’s incredibly exciting.

At the same time, I do worry that with all this tech, the artist’s ability to craft something truly unique and personal might get pushed aside. The scene is moving fast, and while I love innovation, I think it’s crucial we don’t lose the emotional core, that human touch that makes art resonate.

Your label, Sincopat, it feels like more than just a platform; it’s a philosophy. How has running the label deepened your understanding of the scene, and what do you look for in artists you sign or mentor? Has the role of curator and guide changed how you view your own musical identity?

Thanks so much for your words about Sincopat. With the label, we’ve always tried to push boundaries, not driven by ego, but from a genuine need to explore new territory.

When it comes to signing artists, we look for people with a strong personality, someone with their own voice, something unique to say. That’s what makes a project special.

As for the curator role, it definitely changes you. I’m like a sponge, constantly learning and being influenced by the artists shaping the label. And honestly, that’s what keeps it exciting. Otherwise… how boring would it be, right?

Your remix of GusGus’ Simple Tuesday is an atmospheric reimagination of the original. What’s your philosophy when reworking tracks, do you treat them as collaborations with the past, or as fresh canvases for reinterpretation? How do you balance honouring the source material with injecting your own narrative?

When I approach a remix, the first thing I do is dive deep into the original, really try to understand its purest essence. Once I feel I’ve connected with that, I start adding my own colours, shaping textures and moods that feel natural to me.

It’s like a dialogue between the original and my own universe. I don’t see it as just reworking a track, but as blending two perspectives into something that stands on its own while still honouring where it came from. Then I throw it all in the blender… and voilà.

Valencia, your hometown, has its own cultural pulse. From architecture to Mediterranean rhythm, how has your environment fed into your music over the years? Do you think place still matters in a globalised digital music world, or does it matter now more than ever?

Of course Valencia influences my music and who I am,  it’s deeply rooted in my sound, almost like part of its DNA. The city’s rhythm, light, and energy have shaped me in ways that still resonate today.

Even in a globalised world, I truly believe the place where you’re born and grow up continues to define you. Maybe now more than ever, it gives your music a sense of identity and origin that can’t be replicated.

Looking back on your journey, are there any collaborations, live performances, or studio moments that proved pivotal in reshaping your trajectory or deepening your commitment to the craft? Can you share one that still lingers in your mind creatively or emotionally?

There have been so many moments that it’s hard to pick just one. My career has gone through different phases and transitions, and what really stays with me is the people I’ve met along the way and all the places I’ve been lucky to discover through music.

That said, maybe because I’m returning to Barraca soon, a club where I was once a resident and that had a huge impact on my path, I really cannot avoid remembering several nights there that still give me goosebumps. Those moments remind me why I fell in love with this in the first place.

If you could step into the studio with any artist, living or no longer with us, for a day of unrestricted collaboration, who would it be, and what kind of project would you imagine making together? Would it be a meeting of textures, philosophies, or pure experimentation?

There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with, past and present, it’s really hard to choose just one. I’ve always been drawn to people who create their own universe, regardless of genre. Artists like Chemical Brothers, Röyksopp, Trentemøller, Unkle,…Miles Davis come to my mind, fearless visionaries who constantly reinvented themselves.

If I had the chance, I think it wouldn’t be about a specific genre or goal, but more about sharing philosophies, exploring textures, and letting the process lead. For me, collaboration is about learning, growing, and getting out of your own head for a while.

Tracklisting

1. Althoff & Predex - Stronger
2. Siavash - Lost Kid (Alican Remix) 
3. Jimi Jules & Black Coffee - Trippy Yeah 
4. 2FA (Adana Twins x Digitalism) - Liquid Bodies
5. Kalipo - Alles (Club Version)
6. Joyce Muniz - Hack The System Feat. Futuradora	
7. Cabizbajo - Hive Mind 
8. no_ip - Hold On
9. Dino Lenny - House Of Magic 
10. Hardt Antoine - Free 
11. Guy J - Million Years from Now
12. AFFKT - Umukai	 
13. Marc Romboy & Rafael Cerato - Feel the Heat			 
14. AFFKT & Island Hill - Bitters and Bread

Related