InFocus: Rioleval’s four-year symphony of sound
UK electronic artist Rioleval (Valerio Fella) has emerged as a compelling voice in electronic music, blending lo-fi, jazz, and soul elements into atmospheric soundscapes. From crafting mixtapes at age eight to amassing 15 million streams and 220,000 monthly Spotify listeners, his journey reflects both artistic evolution and dedication to authentic creativity.
Photo credit: Rioleval – Official
Having released 17 tracks during lockdown, Rioleval’s latest project ‘InFocus Vol 2’ showcases his four-year musical journey through production and remixes. As he prepares for his debut studio album in 2025, he maintains a refreshing approach that prioritizes genuine artistry over algorithmic trends.
In an era dominated by digital platforms, Rioleval’s perspective on balancing social media presence with creative integrity, coupled with his ability to bridge atmospheric and dance elements, has established him as a notable figure in electronic lounge music’s contemporary renaissance.
EG caught up with Rioleval to discuss his creative process, the evolution of his sound, and his vision for the future.
EG: Hi, Valerio! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Rioleval: I’m doing great, thanks! Currently winding down and gearing up for another year of music in 2025. Right now, I’m splitting my time between Cambridgeshire and London.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your latest ‘InFocus – Vol 2’! How do you feel now that it’s out for everyone to listen? What has the initial reception been like so far?
Rioleval: Thank you! I’m really excited that it’s finally out and available for everyone to listen and enjoy. The feedback so far has been great, though I feel like music today needs more time to truly connect with the right audience. With the sheer volume of releases these days, it often takes a while for a track to grow and gain lasting impact.
EG: So, what can your fans expect to find in the second volume of ‘InFocus’?
Rioleval: It’s the story of my journey over the past four years, highlighting my production, remixes, and how I bring it all together as a DJ.
EG: Can you walk us a bit through your creative process while putting this one together? How much work goes into a mixtape like this one?
Rioleval: The creative process began with inspiration drawn from all kinds of music and life experiences, with emotions woven into every track. I started by mapping out the structures and key elements I wanted for each song in my studio. After that, we moved on to recording and final arrangements, with mastering done at a professional London studio. I had the pleasure of working alongside my producer, Erik Machado (big shoutout to Erik), who’s been my collaborator for the past five years. I’ve learned so much from him. The mixtape itself was the easy part. The most time-consuming part was creating all the music over a four-year period. This project includes around 23 releases, both independently via Bandcamp and through The SoSure Music label.
“‘The mixtape itself was the easy part. The most time-consuming part was creating all the music over a four-year period”
EG: How did you get into the concept of mixtapes, which is usually more closely associated with hip-hop & rap music?
Rioleval: I started recording mixtapes at a very young age. I’d sneak into my older brothers’ collection, borrowing (nudge, nudge) mixtapes, and record the tracks I liked onto blank cassettes—blending everything from Hip Hop and jungle to house music. Then, I’d take them to school and show them off to my friends (that feels like a long time ago now, haha). I’ve always felt strongly about keeping that mixtape spirit alive, even in the digital age, with mixes that tell a journey in that current moment of creativity.
EG: How would you describe your sound? Are you making the music that you thought you’d be making when you first started producing/mixing?
Rioleval: Good question! When I first started, I didn’t have a clear direction—I was just making the music that felt right to me, letting my emotions guide the process. Over time, it’s been categorized under various house subgenres, mainly Deep and Jazzy, even LOFI House, although some tracks lean more towards a straight-up House vibe. Ultimately, I prefer to leave it to the listener to decide where they want to place it in terms of subgenre.
EG: By the way, ideally, 2025 will see you releasing your debut studio album, right? Is there anything you can anticipate on that front?
Rioleval: Indeed, this is my current project, and I’m excited to see where this new wave of creativity takes me in the next chapter. That’s all I can reveal for now, though! The concepts are simmering in a big stewing pot, with all sorts of flavors, and I’m still adding ingredients to this recipe that’s slowly cooking up. Stay tuned!
EG: On to a hot topic now… how do you feel about the current state of the scene? Is social media too closely related to one’s ascension in this industry? What’s your personal relationship with social media like? Are we caring about the wrong things?
Rioleval: This is definitely a topic that could lead to a long discussion, but I’ll try to keep it short. The scene is constantly evolving, with both new and established talent having easier access to creative tools. Networking is more direct than ever, and reaching out to people is simpler, which opens up more opportunities.
When it comes to social media, it really depends on what you’re aiming for. For some, it’s just a way to share their passion for music alongside their day job, and that’s totally fine. For others, it’s about taking things to the next level, where marketing your brand becomes crucial in an industry that can feel tough to break into. Social media plays a huge role in that—consistency and standing out are key.
That said, I know many artists struggle with balancing the pressure of social media, and it can sometimes hinder their creativity. Personally, I let my journey grow organically, and I’m happy with the progress so far. Next year, I plan to focus a bit more on my socials, but I’ll always stay true to the music. For me, it’s all about the music and staying focused on that, while trying to keep social media in balance and not let it feel too overwhelming trying to keep up with others.
“‘For me, it’s all about the music and staying focused on that, while trying to keep social media in balance and not let it feel too overwhelming trying to keep up with others”
EG: Finally, what can we expect from Rioleval in the next few months? Where can your fans catch you next?
Rioleval: I’m actually about to take a long vacation to focus on writing my debut album. A change of scenery will be great for clearing my mind and avoiding distractions. As for DJing, you can catch me playing next year—dates and locations are still to be confirmed, but I’ll be back behind the decks, starting Feb 2025!
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Valerio! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
Rioleval: Thanks for having me! It’s been a pleasure answering your questions. Hope you enjoy the mixtape!!
Rioleval’s ‘inFocus Vol 2’ is now available on SoSure Music. Stream and download here.
Follow Rioleval: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram | Website
