IN CONVERSATION WITH RAYZIR
interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
photography BY ROX PHOTOGRAPHY
Numéro Netherlands Digital presents: RAYZIR, Amsterdam-based artist who’s redefining electronic music by blending it with rich cultural influences. With releases on Elrow, Boogeyman, Nervous, Microhertz, and CUFF, he now gears up for a milestone—his solo EP Guacamolly, dropping February 7th on Cuttin’ Headz by The Martinez Brothers.
Beyond music, he leads ZIRCLE, a label and creative community celebrating cultural identity through music and fashion. In this exclusive interview, RAYZIR dives into his journey, inspirations, and vision for the future.
Listen to “Guacamolly” here.
What kind of music were you into when you were growing up, and how do you think that shaped your sound today?
Growing up in a Surinamese household, my parents played a wide range of music at home. Before moving to the Netherlands, they primarily listened to traditional Surinamese music, along with American soul, R&B, and Latin music. So, imagine a home where Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Juan Luis Guerra, Buena Vista Social Club, Sabakoe, and Lieve Hugo all came together. Being surrounded by such a rich and diverse musical environment definitely gave me a solid foundation and a broad appreciation for different sounds.
Were there any DJs, producers, or artists you really looked up to when you were starting out? What stuck with you from their work?
I’ll never forget when my older sister, who worked at Off_Corso in Rotterdam, snuck me in at the age of 14 back in 2006. I remember hearing Benny Rodrigues and DJ Chuckie play, and I was instantly hooked. The rhythms and vibe of electronic music captivated me from that moment on. Watching those DJs, I noticed how technically skilled they were—it felt like they weren’t just DJ-ing but actually performing live, with a technical mastery the crowd could feel. That inspired me to take DJ-ing, turntablism, and live performance seriously. I saw it as more than just playing music; it was an art form.
What inspired you to start ZIRCLE? Was there a specific moment or idea that made you think, “I need to make this happen”?
After being active in the music industry for over 15 years, I encountered struggles in finding my place in the Dutch scene. But I’ve always focused on the positive, seeing challenges not as obstacles but as motivation to prove myself. I had long dreamed of creating my own label and brand—one that could highlight culture and identity while removing barriers for up-and-coming artists. ZIRCLE was born out of this vision, aiming to bring cultural elements into the electronic music industry through music, events, fashion, and panel talks. So, having our first sold-out event at BRET last November was an incredible milestone.
Being named one of the 101 ‘Future of Dance’ artists must have been such a proud moment. How did that recognition feel, and what changed for you afterward?
That recognition was definitely a career highlight. Being named one of the top 101 producers worldwide by an independent media outlet felt both validating and motivating. It pushed me to keep going, and the following year, I received the same nomination again.
You’ve played in so many amazing places around the world—was there one gig that really felt like a turning point for you?
Playing music and spreading joy to a crowd is always special, but doing it on a global scale is even more meaningful. Music truly is a universal language. However, a real turning point for me happened in my hometown, Amsterdam, when The Martinez Brothers invited me to be their only support act at the legendary BRET during the Amsterdam Dance Event. It was my favorite set of the year—like I had found my musical home. Over time, I’ve built a strong relationship with them, and they’ve supported me in numerous ways, leading to a solo EP on their label Cuttin’ Headz this January.
Your music has this really cool mix of electronic sounds and cultural vibes. How do you go about bringing those influences together?
Going back to my upbringing, I was exposed to a wide variety of music, but what always stood out to me were genres rich in percussion, like salsa, bachata, and Surinamese ‘kawina’ and ‘kaseko.’ These styles all have African roots, with captivating rhythms and grooves. I take elements from these sounds and blend them in a way that makes the music accessible, even to listeners unfamiliar with those genres.
You’re not just a DJ—you sing, produce, and bring so much live energy. How do you juggle all of that during your sets?
It’s hard to put into words, but when I’m behind the decks, I enter a state of hyperfocus while staying in the moment. I read the crowd by observing micro-expressions and reactions to the music played before me. After years of experience, much of it becomes second nature, which gives me the freedom to add live elements to my sets—whether it’s programming drums on the spot or layering vocals over multiple decks. When I’m in the studio, I visualize how the music I’m producing will fit into the story I want to tell through my live performances.
Fashion is such a big part of the music scene. How would you say your style reflects who you are as an artist?
Fashion is huge for me. I make it a point to wear something different for every show. I’ve always been fascinated by fashion as a form of expression. People like Virgil Abloh have inspired me immensely—he embodied creativity in so many forms. Fashion is an extension of my identity, an outer expression of my inner self.
Do you think fashion is another way to express your cultural identity, like your music does? Has traveling or living in Amsterdam influenced your style?
Just like my music, my style is a mix of different influences. In my closet, you’ll find brands like Heliot Emil, 1017 ALYX 9SM, Sandro, and ACNE, which I love to mix with vintage pieces I’ve picked up from around the world, as well as basics from brands like Uniqlo or custom-made pieces from one of my favorite brands, I.Simons.
What’s the feeling or message you hope people take away from your music and shows? And how does ZIRCLE fit into that vision?
I want to spread joy and positivity through all forms of my God-given creativity. I hope my work touches, inspires, and resonates with people in a way that brings happiness. ZIRCLE shares that same mission. With our first clothing line launching in the first half of this year, we’re bringing all these goals together—starting with a high-quality short-sleeved shirt inspired by the Surinamese school uniform. A significant portion of the revenue will go toward a school in Suriname, creating full-circle moments that tie back to our core values.
