As his debut drops on Yousef’s Circus Recordings, Rolbac breaks down his studio discipline and calls out the systemic industry barriers.
Middle Eastern electronic music producer Rolbac is poised to make waves with his debut single on Yousef’s Circus Recordings, set for release on 26 June 2026. Titled ‘Where Is My Love’, this track features the expressive vocals of Lara Kays and represents a significant milestone in the Lebanese artist’s career. The production, crafted during an isolated creative retreat, stands as a testament to the vibrant yet resilient Beirut underground scene amid ongoing regional conflict.
Rolbac’s Roots and Influences
Hailing from the picturesque mountain town of Zahle, Lebanon, Rolbac’s musical journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Surrounded by a family rich in musical heritage, he soaked up the eclectic record collections of his father, a drummer, and his uncle, a DJ. This early exposure to a medley of sounds—from the driving grooves of Rare Earth’s ‘Get Ready’ to the energetic pulse of rock and alternative music—shaped Rolbac’s understanding of rhythm and melody, laying the foundation for his unique sonic signature.
Challenges of Operating from Lebanon
Creating music in Lebanon comes with its own set of challenges. The continuous backdrop of regional conflict and economic instability poses significant hurdles for artists. Yet the underground electronic music scene in Beirut remains vibrant, embodying resilience and solidarity. Dancefloors transform from mere spaces for escape to communal sites of unity, echoing the determination of the local community.
“The scene is still very resilient, even in difficult times. There are always challenges, but the culture keeps evolving and adapting, and that energy carries onto the dancefloor. When I play, it reminds me how important connection is, especially when people come together despite what’s happening around them.”
The Art of Studio Discipline
To combat external pressures and the relentless demand for snippets of content, Rolbac has cultivated a rigorous studio routine. He treats his production hours as an essential commitment, logging countless hours away from distraction. Through systematic isolation from industry trends, he encompasses a creative breakthrough, honing his synthesis techniques which contribute to distinct sonic evolution.
This dedication culminated during a focused music retreat nestled in nature, where he stripped away commercial expectations to channel his energy into pure composition. The resulting environment nurtured the introspective mood that characterizes his latest works, ultimately catching the attention of Yousef.
Unveiling ‘Where Is My Love’
At the heart of these creative sessions lies ‘Where Is My Love’, set to debut under Circus Recordings. The track artfully blends futuristic synthesizer melodies with traditional house piano chord stabs, layered within a compelling club groove. Achieving this balance demanded weeks of meticulous adjustments, swapping synthesizer models to avoid clashes in the low-end frequencies, and revising drum structures for optimal sound clarity on club systems.
A prominent feature of the track is a heavily modulated synth sequence that emerges right after the main drop, giving it a unique texture. Rolbac’s collaborative process with long-term manager Lara Kays was instrumental in embedding emotional depth into the release. Kays not only managed logistics but also played a crucial role in shaping the track’s lyrical and vocal landscape.
“Lara has always played a role in the creative process behind a lot of my music. Beyond management, she was involved in brainstorming ideas, giving feedback, helping with or writing lyrics, and also recording vocals on several released and unreleased tracks.”
The ONE Podcast and Capturing Live Energy
In tandem with his single release, Rolbac is set to showcase his sound through the ONE Podcast series. Recorded live at the Moga Festival, this mix encapsulates his artistic philosophy, illustrating the nuances between studio recordings and live performances. While studio mixes follow a structured narrative, festival sets respond dynamically to audience energy.
The podcast features a selection of original material along with tailored regional edits designed specifically for Middle Eastern dancefloors. These tracks not only reflect Rolbac’s dedication to his roots but also aim to embed local motifs within a global electronic framework.
The Fight for Global Visibility
Despite his talent and drive, gaining international acknowledgment remains a challenge for artists from Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Systemic barriers—such as arcane visa restrictions and a historical lack of investment in the region—constrain access to major European and American festivals. Rolbac is an outspoken advocate for reform, urging global labels and organizations to create fair pathways for artists from the Middle East and Africa.
“There needs to be more equal access to platforms, lineups, and industry support for regional artists. It’s not just about exposure, but about building real long-term pathways so talent from the Middle East and Africa can compete globally.”
Expanding Boundaries: Future Aspirations
Looking beyond the interface of club culture, Rolbac harbors ambitions of expanding his engineering skills into various genres. He envisions writing live jazz scores, exploring hip-hop production, and composing avant-garde cinematic soundtracks. This multi-genre exploration is integral to his mission of leaving a genuine and lasting mark on the global electronic landscape.
Rolbac continues to represent his distinct Lebanese perspective within the international club scene, committed to musical authenticity over fleeting industry trends. His upcoming debut stands as a beacon of resilience, creativity, and the persistent drive to transcend barriers on the global stage.
