Plastik Funk—known offstage as Rafael—has long been a staple in the global electronic dance music scene, but his story is still unfolding in new and unexpected ways. In a recent conversation with Aron from Nexus Radio, the charismatic DJ and producer opened up about his creative rebirth, his personal sanctuaries, and the next chapter of the Plastik Funk sound.
Though Rafael has spent countless hours in major cities around the world, it’s not the hectic energy of nightlife hubs that fuels him most—it’s the quiet moments far away from the noise. “Inspiration truly hits me away from the bustling city,” he shared. “Give me a quiet beach, and I find my muse there.” This duality between high-energy festival life and serene beach escapes is central to his creative rhythm.
Splitting his time between Germany and Spain’s sun-soaked Ibiza, Rafael finds comfort and clarity in the landscapes that surround him. “I love having a house right at the beach in Ibiza. It’s my happy place,” he said, highlighting how deeply environment shapes his music and mindset.
One of the most exciting revelations of the interview was Rafael’s stylistic shift back to his house and tech house roots. After years of exploring different sounds across the EDM spectrum, he’s returning to the genre that first ignited his passion. “I’m going back to where I came from, and that feels refreshing,” he said—a move that has already captured the attention of major tech house labels and industry heavyweights.
Fans will also be thrilled to hear about a special release coming this December: the 10-year anniversary re-release of one of Plastik Funk’s biggest tracks. The song recently resurfaced thanks to a viral bootleg blowing up on TikTok—an unexpected twist that rekindled Rafael’s connection to the track. “We cleared it, and I’m excited to share it this December,” he announced, hinting at a renewed chapter for the beloved anthem.
During the fun and fast-paced “Take Five” segment, Rafael opened up about the creative forces that inspire him outside the EDM realm. His top choice: Pharrell Williams, whose cross-genre genius he considers endlessly motivating. Rafael also revealed his desire to improve his guitar skills someday to incorporate more live musicianship into future performances. It’s just one more example of his continuous evolution as an artist.
Ranked #72 in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs Poll, Plastik Funk remains a powerful presence in the scene—driven not by trends, but by authenticity. With major collaborations, label partnerships, and new tracks expected throughout the coming year, Rafael’s evolution shows no signs of slowing.
His philosophy, shared with a warm smile, remains simple: “Follow the sound that resonates deeply with you.” And for Plastik Funk, that sound continues to grow richer, bolder, and more inspired.
Don’t miss the full interview below for an even closer look into Plastik Funk’s journey, creative rebirth, and what fans can expect next.
