Day Zero’s inception celebrated new beginnings with the end of the Mayan calendar in 2012, its origin yielding one of the world’s most transformative and acclaimed parties. Bringing together the natural, mythic and euphoric, Day Zero will return to the mystical jungles of Tulum on January 9th, 2023.
Day Zero harnesses the power of performance and production to create its own storytelling universe, lasers spill through historic canopies, alien creatures from the future align with the ancient Mayans, and partygoers are offered new ways to think about and experience space and time. Each moment from sunset to sunrise is soundtracked by the world’s most forward-thinking live acts and selectors, inimitably curated by Day Zero founder Damian Lazarus.
Day Zero remains committed to honoring the sacred grounds it inhabits, collaborating with the local community and Mayan spiritual leaders such as Carlos “The Reindeer” Sanchez, and this year’s edition will be the first international festival to curate an all-Mexican talent stage in Mexico, known as ‘El Teatro’.
Ahead of his performance at Day Zero 2023, EG caught up with Robbie Akbal to learn more about what to expect, his future endeavors, ties to the festival, the Mexican electronic dance music scene, and more.
EG: Hi Robbie! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you based right now?
Robbie Akbal: Hello everyone! Thanks for having me. So now I’m based between Berlin, northern Italy, and Mexico. Always on the move. Always chasing the endless summer.
EG: So, congratulations on being a part of Day Zero Tulum this January 9th! You must be very excited about this experience. What can partygoers expect from your performance?
Robbie Akbal: I’m always into new sounds, but definitely keeping my tribal groove. Will mainly deliver some trippy music inspired by the sacred jungle.
EG: Do you usually make time to catch other acts at festivals? Are you looking towards any particular acts at Day Zero?
Robbie Akbal: Absolutely, I’m always looking forward to what Damian (Lazarus) plays, especially at that party because it is a big inspiration for me as the track of mine he signed to Crosstown Rebels was inspired by his set at the first Day Zero in Tulum. Also excited to check on Goldcap, Sabo, Theus Mago, Zombies in Miami, Bedouin, and of course always seeing Danny Tenaglia is a must. I will most likely try to enjoy the whole festival, so many good artists that would love to check them all.
EG: Also, you have a forthcoming release on The Soundgarden. What can you anticipate on that front? Have you had the chance to test it out in a club or festival setting?
Robbie Akbal: Yes, it’s a great track inspired by a trip to Thailand in a magical location where some beautiful nature and really good parties happen.
“I will most likely try to enjoy the whole festival, so many good artists that would love to check them all”
EG: What can your fans expect to find on this EP? Is there a particular concept running through this one?
Robbie Akbal: It’s a track that reflects a part of my sound and vision in music at the moment,
EG: You’re also behind your own label, Akbal Music. How is the label doing? Is there anything you can anticipate for next year?
Robbie Akbal: Yes, it’s doing really good. We’re always looking for new artists, constantly delivering music and we have been celebrating 16 years as we speak. But now also I’ve started a new label called Midnight Riders, focusing on a more indie & electronic direction, always with the Akbal Music special touch and magic. This project will be curated with so much love and always with a refined musical selection.
EG: How is the Mexican electronic scene doing? In your opinion, what could be done to improve?
Robbie Akbal: It’s doing well, getting better and better for the last 15 years, definitely, but I think we need more support for our national heroes. Sometimes they support the foreign artist, no matter if the local DJ was playing better that night. I think more clubs and collectives should unite more and support each other.
EG: What are your thoughts on the current state of the scene? What would you like to see more and less of?
Robbie Akbal: I think Mexico is doing amazing, so many great artists playing all over the world and releasing music on huge labels.
“[The Mexican electronic scene] It’s doing well, getting better and better for the last 15 years, definitely, but I think we need more support for our national heroes”
EG: How do you keep entertained when not in the studio? Have you checked out any good movies, series, books, or albums you’d recommend?
Robbie Akbal: Yes, for sure. I’ve been more and more into yoga these days, walking in nature & mountains. I also love to listen to and watch interesting podcasts. Some good series on Apple TV are ‘Shantaram’ and ‘1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything’.
EG: What’s next for Robbie Akbal? What particular milestones are you looking forwards to now? Where can your fans catch you next?
Robbie Akbal: Looking forward to releasing music I have been working on during the past months, plus making new field recordings from all my travels and arranging them in the studio next summer. I’m also very excited about traveling all around the world and catching up with friends, colleagues, and music lovers.
Here you can catch me on my upcoming dates:
Dec 16 – Wonderfruit Festival – Thailand
Dec 23 – Emperor’s Secret – Bangkok, Thailand
Dec 28 – Majahuitas – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Jan 7 – Do Not Sit on The Furniture – Miami, USA
Jan 9 – Day Zero – Tulum, Mexico
Jan 14 – Biergarten Riande – Panama
Feb 24 – Goa – India
Feb 25 · Hyderabad – India
Apr 26 – Akasha – Ibiza, Spain
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Robbie! We wish you all the best for the future.
Robbie Akbal: Thank you so much for having me. I wish you all the best!
You can catch Robbie Akbal and more at Day Zero Tulum. Purchase your tickets here.
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