IN CONVERSATION WITH REGAL AKA ACIDBOY

Regal has emerged as one of techno's most exciting and in-demand talents. As the visionary behind Involve Records, his name resonates throughout the electronic music landscape, leaving an indelible mark worldwide. Known for seamlessly blending strong, rolling rhythms and enchanting melodies, Regal has captivated audiences from the hallowed halls of Berghain to the pulsating heart of Fabrik, performing at legendary festivals like Awakenings and Tomorrowland.

Your new album, The Final Chapter, revisits the roots of Acid Techno while offering a modern twist. What was your main inspiration behind this project, and what story are you trying to tell through the music?

The main inspiration for The Final Chapter was my earlier self—the Regal from 2012—and the original sound of my label, Involve, which featured early releases from artists like Boston 168 and Z.I.P.P.O. I also drew from the great tracks of the '90s and 2000s that shaped the Involve sound and inspired me to pursue music. With this album, I wanted to create something pure, deeply rooted in my musical beginnings, but with the modern touch and maturity I've developed over the past decade.

You mentioned The Final Chapter is for a “patient and cultured listener.” What makes this album different, compared to your previous releases?

This album isn’t just for cultured listeners; there are plenty of tracks that work on the dancefloor and can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter the venue or crowd. However, it includes sound design details and homages to timeless tracks that a more seasoned listener might appreciate. It’s less focused on the masses, but still works in that context. The album is made for a patient listener—it's not about quick drops or short, viral moments. Instead, it has a more classic feel, with slow builds, meant to be experienced from start to finish.

Why did you decide to release this album under your ACIDBOY alias, and how does it differ from the music you produce under the Regal name?

Regal is versatile, covering a wide range of styles—from classic techno to funky powerhouse, bouncy techno, trance, and harder grooves. It's my main alias, allowing me to explore all the music I enjoy and want to play. ACIDBOY, however, is more focused. It's an evolution of my early Regal sound from 2012-2016, heavily influenced by acid techno and late '90s trance. Releasing music under ACIDBOY lets me return to those roots and offer a platform for that specific sound.

The sound of The Final Chapter goes against the current trend of harder dance music. How did you balance staying true to your roots while also pushing creative boundaries?

I don’t see a conflict between pushing creative boundaries and staying true to myself. The real challenge was deciding whether to follow trends just because they sell tickets, but that’s not who I am. If I don’t like something, even if it’s popular or works well, I won’t do it. For me, the most important thing is to stay true to my sound and do what I genuinely enjoy, regardless of trends—even if it means sacrificing potential success.

Tracks like ‘The Final Chapter’ and ‘Make Regal Great Again’ have a nostalgic yet innovative feel. Can you talk us through your production process for these tracks and how you merged old and new sounds?

The production process for these tracks felt natural. I started with the percussion, as I believe it's key to creating groove and power. Once the percussion stands strong on its own, adding other elements becomes much easier. For both The Final Chapter and Make Regal Great Again, I experimented with different 303 bassline patterns until I found ones I liked. I’m not a fan of typical or easy patterns, so I try to make them more melodic, which I think adds the innovative touch. Sometimes, I’ll take a melody that would usually be played by a synth and play it on the 303 using accents, slides, and the arpeggiator.

You’ve been an integral figure in the Acid Techno revival through Involve Records. What role did the label and your collaborations with artists like Boston 168 and FJAAK play in shaping The Final Chapter?

Involve Records played a huge role for me—it was my platform to release music, host events, produce merch, and release some of my most successful tracks. It was also a space to showcase new talent like Trym, Alignment, and JKS, who had their first releases on the label and are now key figures in the scene. Over the years, the sound of the label and many of its artists evolved, and I felt that Involve had accomplished its mission. It helped shape a certain techno sound and contributed to the scene, but now it's time to move forward and explore new directions.

Your latest work distances itself from quick-hit tracks designed for social media. How do you feel about the current influence of platforms like TikTok on electronic music, and what role do you see for more traditional, long-form music in today’s scene?

Platforms like TikTok are a double-edged sword. They’re great for reaching new audiences, making music discovery quick and easy, unlike when I had to wait hours to record tracks from the radio. However, they've also lowered the value of music, with people skipping through tracks instead of listening fully. The focus on short clips has shortened attention spans, leading to tracks without proper intros or outros, designed to grab attention quickly and last only 2-3 minutes for replays. It's a bit sad to see this shift in how music is consumed and produced.

The title of your EP Not Another Summer and The Final Chapter album leaves room for interpretation. Are these releases signalling a shift in your career or a “farewell” to a certain chapter of your musical journey?

I won't lie I have thought about quitting. I will make some clarity about what these prophetic titles stand for in a few months. Let's see.

You’ve spoken openly about the pressures of touring life and the toll it took on your mental health. How has your personal journey through therapy and recovery influenced the music you create today?

It's been a long journey, and I’m still in the middle of it. The more progress I make, the more I realize there’s still work to do. But I highly recommend focusing on personal healing to anyone struggling—it can truly change your life. It takes time to understand yourself and manage emotions, but it's worth it. Right now, I'm prioritizing my health through therapy, mental health exercises, a healthy diet, and staying active. Producing the album felt like self-therapy, and as I’ve improved, I’ve become more productive and happier with my music. Health always comes first.

Preorder the album here!