Following the success of hypnotc single ‘Cosmic Agogó’, Brazilian DJ/producer BATHKE returns with his best material to date in latest EP ‘DADDY ISSUES’. This bold six-track project is packed with unabashed queer imagery, brazenly confronting themes of control, sex, and freedom while drawing inspiration from French philosopher Michel Foucault. Moments of unfiltered human experiences, centred around power dynamics and paternal relationships, are delivered through a multitude of mesmerising and progressive electronic sounds.
The EP reveals a full glimpse of what BATHKE has to offer: emotional resonances and danceable beats that encourage listeners to reflect on societal norms and their own personal connections to these themes. This project cements BATHKE’s place in the electronic music scene as an artist unafraid to challenge conventions and spark introspection through sound. Don’t miss ‘DADDY ISSUES‘, out on all streaming platforms this September.
Rodrigo Bathke, known professionally as BATHKE, first swapped his drum lessons with music production in 2017, and GarageBand was the platform that sparked his interest in creating electronic music. He would then go on to explore various other pathways in sound, studying piano and music theory and developing a sophisticated understanding of composition and sound design. Now, he stands as a rapidly emerging DJ and producer drawing inspiration from a broad spectrum of genres, including jazz, techno, and ambient music.
BATHKE is more than just a project; it is Rodrigo’s artistic expression—a platform where he creates music that forges forward-thinking and defiant sounds with deep emotional undertones. As a Brazilian performer, he has made a mark in the local music scene of Curitiba, performing at various events and building a reputation for his sets. With his latest project, ‘DADDY ISSUES‘, BATHKE takes a bold and complex leap in his artistry. To stay updated on what’s next from this BATHKE, fans can use the links below.
Listen / Stream / Download https://ditto.fm/daddy-issues-bathke
GETTING TO KNOW BATHKE : INTERVIEW
Introduce yourself and your project
I’m Rodrigo Bathke, but I go by BATHKE professionally. My journey in music began in 2017 when I traded my drum lessons for music production, with GarageBand sparking my passion for creating electronic music. Since then, I’ve explored various aspects of sound, studying piano and music theory, which helped me develop a more refined understanding of composition and sound design.
Today, I’m emerging as a DJ and producer, drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres like jazz, techno, and ambient music. BATHKE is my artistic voice—a space where I create forward-thinking, emotionally charged music.
As a Brazilian artist from Curitiba, I’ve become part of the local music scene, performing at different events and building a reputation for my sets. My latest project, Daddy Issues, marks a bold and complex evolution in my work, it dives into the complexities of power dynamics, reflecting human experiences where sex is used as a tool to unlock repressed emotions.
In this 6-track EP, I aimed to challenge conventions and explore the full spectrum of human sexual experiences. The provocative title, “Daddy Issues,” captures the essence of the album and serves as an invitation for listeners to engage with delicate and often underestimated themes in society.
Explain what musical genre fits you best
I would say that I move across different musical genres. I really enjoy composing danceable old-school house, but I also love soft synth melodies paired with strong techno beats.
Were you connected with music from a young age and did anyone inspire you?
I remember being a kid and getting obsessed with specific songs, listening to them repeatedly on my Discman and later on MP3 players. I would just get lost in a trance with my headphones on—it was so comforting. Later, when I discovered the work of self-taught producers like Arca and Grimes, it inspired me to study music as well
What kickstarted your music career?
Honestly, I was working in corporate business and started having a lot of anxiety attacks, and producing music became an outlet for those episodes. It reached a point where I made the decision to create music projects and perform in the nightlife scene in my city—and that’s how it all started.
Tell us more about your sound and how it’s evolved over time
It’s funny to look back at some of my older projects and see how my sound has evolved. One of the biggest changes is having a clearer direction for the music I’m creating, along with a better understanding of musical genres, tones, and beats that work well together. Another key aspect is mixing—knowing which instrument will take the lead and which others will play a supporting role, and how to blend these ideas so the music comes across clearly and with purpose.
For the Daddy Issues EP, I had a clear vision in my mind for each track, and that made the composition process much easier. I knew which songs would be more danceable and which ones would be more introspective, and that really added to the overall concept of the album.
Any words you want to share to encourage other artists or producers?
I would say to let go of self-criticism and perfectionism, and just allow yourself to create. Usually, ideas flow much more freely without pressure. Also, writing down your ideas helps a lot, and over time, those ideas come together to form something meaningful. That’s when perfectionism can be useful—to refine and elevate the work.
How do you nurture your industry relationships?
Two important people in my career, who are now friends, are artists I met through the internet and the local scene. We shared common ideas and goals, and that was crucial in organizing local events and helping with the creation of my music.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank that’s been crucial to your journey?
I’d like to thank my friends who encouraged me to pursue my art and had to endure listening to my chaotic early demos at the beginning of it all, lol.
Name 3 songs you love and what they mean to you + Youtube links
Halcyon and On and On – Orbital
It’s pure ethereal electronic music, make me feel serene and powerful at the same time.
Vogue – Madonna
Iconic queer anthem, it says so much about freedom to be yourself.
El Bandido – Nicolas Jaar
Incredible production, contemporary house rhythm with disco touches—a total vibe!
What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software?
I’ve been really into the Circuit Tracks lately. It’s a sequencer with built-in synthesizers that allows me to upload samples. It’s perfect for taking to different places and stimulating creativity away from the computer, as I can create nearly an entire song on it. I also want to start using it in live performances!
Name your favourite club or festival and how it makes you feel
My favourite club has to be KitKat in Berlin. The atmosphere and decor are simply amazing. I love how people feel free and comfortable there, away from their phones—it’s really captivating. You can enjoy yourself in whatever way you see fit, and it’s truly an unforgettable experience.
Name an outlandish rider request?
Give me 10 puppies before the show, and I’ll perform 10 times better lol!
Favourite clubbing memory and who or what did it involve?
A recent memory that’s among my favourites was Arca’s performance at Primavera Sound São Paulo. It was the first festival I attended right after the pandemic, and if you know Arca’s sound, you don’t really know what to expect. The heavy industrial beats followed by soft, cute melodies completely disarmed me, and I felt like I was floating. She even ended the performance with a song by a Brazilian artist, which made it truly memorable.
What famous quote represents you best?
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. -Oscar Wilde
If you could play at any venue, where would it be and why?
I’d love to play at KitKat Berlin. There’s something special about Berlin’s clubs that makes people feel incredibly comfortable. I think it’s the fact that cell phones aren’t allowed—people are fully immersed in the moment and the music, and that creates a unique vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Music is….. (explain more)
Music is energy; you’ll notice there’s always a song that fits any feeling you’re experiencing. If you’re feeling sad, play a sad song and it will help you process that emotion. If you’re excited, a dance track will elevate your energy even more. It’s powerful enough to shift our emotions and senses.
One song you really couldn’t live without and why?
This was a tough one, choosing just one, but I think I’ve decided. “Six Blade Knife” by Dire Straits. I think it has a timeless vibe, something I could listen to at any moment, whether I’m having my coffee or driving down the road. It’s chill but deep, and I think that represents me well.
Namedrop your favourite 5 artists or DJs (past or present)
Nicolas Jaar
Noporn
Lana del Rey
Honey Dijon
Sophie
What was your first music memory and how did it fuel your fire?
My Dad had and old Vinyl record player in his office, one of my earliest music memories is trying all the different records and dancing to them in the room. I think that’s where my connection to music really began. Later on, discovering about electronic music and the possibility of creating sounds with just a computer inspired me to dive deeper into production. It fueled the fire in me to create my own music and explore sound in a way that felt personal and transformative.
Tell us more about your plans for the future
I’ve been working on my next project, and without giving away too many spoilers, I can say it’s going to take a very different approach from my last EP. It will have a western vibe, with organic sounds and a lot of groove. Expect retrofuturistic cowboy, I’m very excited.
Any worldly advice you’d like to share?
Be safe, enjoy life, trust the process and stay curious. Allow yourself to grow without being held back by fear or judgment. The beauty of both is in the exploration and in how we connect with the world and with ourselves along the way.
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