Built on restraint as much as rhythm, Areia uses narrative as an emotional anchor rather than a literal framework. Folkloric references surface through texture and sound design – organic percussion, minimal synthesis, and a focus on natural timbres preserve a sense of authenticity while allowing the track to move fluidly across global dancefloors. A steady four-to-the-floor kick and groove-led bassline keep the production grounded, letting character and atmosphere do the storytelling.

Behind the track is a tightly aligned collaborative process. Rather than dividing roles, J. Kordel, Riff, sone. and Falquiat worked collectively in the studio, shaping the record in real time and allowing a single creative vision to guide it from its earliest ideas through to completion. The addition of Elana Dara’s vocals marked a turning point, bringing immediacy and emotional depth, with Portuguese phonetics becoming part of the track’s rhythmic language.

To unpack how Areia came together – from its folkloric origins and regional influences to the practical decisions that keep it club-ready – we spoke with J. Kordel about the first moments in the studio, translating Brazilian identity for a global audience, and why the most effective collaborations often come from complete creative alignment.

Can you take us back to the very first moment Areia started? Where were you, and what were you trying to express before it became a finished record?
J. Kordel: We were at Trap Lab Studios in São Paulo. We tried to express a Brazilian vibe with a sauce from Pernambuco. The story is about a mermaid and a fisherman.

Brazilian music has deep emotional and rhythmic traditions. How do you translate that for a global dancefloor without diluting it? When did you feel the track had found its identity?
We had to keep the beat steady, following the current Afro house vibe. Four-to-the-floor kick, repetitive groovy bass.

With multiple producers involved, how did you divide roles without losing cohesion?
J. Kordel: By doing everything together. We were pretty tight that day – vibing and composing along.

How did Elana Dara’s vocals change the emotional weight of the record once they were added?
J. Kordel: Once she sang the first few words, I knew we had a strong tune.

What was the biggest challenge in keeping the track feeling organic while still club-ready?
J. Kordel: Easy – almost no synths were used. To feel organic and still be club-ready is about having the right sounds and using a club song structure.

How does language, Portuguese specifically, influence melody and rhythm for you?
J. Kordel: A lot. It’s all about the phonetics.

How did you navigate creative disagreements or differing ideas?
J. Kordel: I believe the vision for this track had everybody on the same page since the beginning.

Any funny or memorable moments in the studio?
J. Kordel: Elana is very funny – it was jokes all the time.

Do you envision live reinterpretations of Areia, with instruments or extended sets?
J. Kordel: For sure. Percussion and guitar would be great.

What can we expect from you this year?
J. Kordel: I’ve been in the studio for a while. Can’t wait to show what’s coming next.

As J. Kordel and collaborators continue developing new material, Areia feels less like a singular moment and more like a foundation. Equally suited to intimate listening and expansive dancefloors, it signals an ongoing exploration of how regional identity can travel globally without losing its weight. Quietly assured and deliberately paced, Areia leaves space for what comes next – and makes it clear that this is only the beginning.

J. Kordel, Riff, sone. & Falquiat feat. Elana Dara –  Areia is available to stream here.
Record Label: Batida de Todos os Santos
Release Date: 16th January 2026

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