Montreal-based DJ and producer Akpossoul joins forces with French house veteran Manoo for ‘FORCE’, a new release on XPLR, the recently launched label from Rocco Rodamaal. Having spent decades helping shape the deeper end of house music, both as a solo artist and alongside Manoo in the influential Rodamaal project, Rocco’s new venture is all about exploring different corners of electronic music, with an open-minded approach that takes in house, techno and beyond.
For Akpossoul, the release is another chapter in a musical journey that stretches back to his childhood, growing up with a DJ and radio host father and an older brother already immersed in house music. Having spent far longer behind the decks than in the studio, his influences reach well beyond electronic music, taking in jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop and African music. He’s also the founder of The Journey MTL, an event series that reflects his involvement in Montreal’s electronic music community.
We caught up with Akpossoul to talk about working with Manoo, the music he grew up with, his approach to production and life in Montreal.
You grew up around music, with a father who was a DJ and radio host and an older brother already deeply involved in house. What were you listening to when you were younger that had absolutely nothing to do with either of their tastes?
Growing up, I was exposed to a lot of different music through my father and brother. But I was also curious about discovering my own sounds. Hip-hop, funk and soul became important influences for me, and I was always interested in exploring different genres.
You’ve spent considerably longer DJing than releasing your own productions. Has that made you particularly demanding about what a track needs to do, or do you find yourself breaking all those rules when you’re in the studio?
DJing for so many years taught me what makes a track work on a dancefloor. I pay a lot of attention to groove, energy and progression. But in the studio, I also like to experiment and break those rules. Producing gives me the freedom to explore ideas I might not necessarily play in a DJ set.
Montreal has a pretty interesting electronic music history, from its house and disco roots to the more experimental side of the scene. How much has living there influenced your own musical direction, and are there any local producers you think deserve more attention?
Montreal has a diverse music scene that has definitely influenced me. Living here has allowed me to discover different sounds and connect with artists from various backgrounds. I’m still exploring the local scene, and I think there’s a lot of talent here that deserves more international recognition.
Some producers start with drums, others with a melody, a sample or even a particular piece of equipment. What’s your usual way into a track, and how often does the finished result resemble what you originally had in mind?
I usually start with a groove or a particular atmosphere. Sometimes an idea comes from a percussion pattern, sometimes from a synth or a sound that catches my attention. I rarely know exactly where the track will end up. I like letting the process guide me and seeing where it takes me.
You’ve spoken about jazz, funk and soul being part of your musical background. Which records or artists outside electronic music have had the biggest impact on how you approach production? I’m interested in influences people might not immediately recognise in your tracks.
Artists like Fela Kuti, Quincy Jones, Manu Dibango, Kassav, Herbie Hancock, J Dilla…have had a big impact on the way I understand music. I love their grooves, their organic feel and the way musicians interact with each other. Even when I’m making electronic music, I think those influences come through in the rhythm and the overall feeling of my tracks.
“FORCE” covers quite a lot of ground musically, with elements of deep house, progressive and even techno. When you and Manoo were making it, were there particular records or sounds you kept coming back to, or did the direction develop entirely in the studio?
We didn’t start with a specific genre in mind. The direction developed naturally as we worked on the track. We wanted something deep and hypnotic, with a strong groove and a gradual build-up. We focused on the feeling of the music rather than trying to fit into a particular category.
What’s one production technique you’ve picked up recently that’s genuinely changed the way you work? And conversely, is there a piece of equipment, plugin or old habit you refuse to give up?
I’m always exploring new tools and techniques, but I think the most important thing is learning how to use them creatively. Sometimes a simple idea or an unexpected sound can bring a track to life. I try to stay curious while keeping the process focused on the music itself.
You founded The Journey MTL, which has given you another way to explore music beyond producing and DJing. Has running your own events changed your taste in music, and have you discovered any artists through those nights who’ve subsequently influenced what you’re making?
Running The Journey MTL has given me another perspective on music. It allows me to discover artists, explore different sounds and connect with people who share the same passion. Hearing music in a live environment also influences my perspective as a producer and reminds me how important the connection with the dancefloor is.
FORCE is out now on XPLR