Robbie Akbal

About

Robbie Akbal grew up close to the dancefloor. Born in Mexico, he was surrounded by instruments, turntables and records through his father’s clubs, while his brother introduced him to electronic music. His own sound developed around deep, tribal and organic elements.

Building a musical home

He founded Akbal Music in 2006 as a way to release his own productions. In a 2022 Gray Area interview, he described how it expanded naturally from that starting point. The label became one part of a wider musical life that also includes Midnight Riders and a catalogue of collaborations. Moving to Berlin brought him closer to other artists and made travel across Europe and towards Asia more practical.

From Day Zero to the studio

His connection with Crosstown Rebels began with sending music to Damian Lazarus. After hearing Lazarus play his tracks, a visit to Day Zero inspired another studio session and a new batch of productions. They led to a signing in 2017 and an invitation to the London release party for Spirits.

His releases also appear on Get Physical, Sol Selectas, The Soundgarden and Kindisch, with collaborations including Audiofly, Kiki and Dance Spirit. On I AM YOU’s ALL OF US 001, he joins Nicaré for Ready To Dance feat. Alice Rose. The two producers previously worked together on Jungle Whisper for Sol Selectas, giving this contribution an established collaborative history.

“I started the label to release my own productions and then it grew organically.”