Kiko Dubz, an electronic music producer, has been making waves in the underground scene with her unique approach to riddim. Known for blending various influences and pushing the boundaries of the genre, Kiko’s journey as a producer began in 2014. "It took me a few years to find my groove and get things together, but by 2020, I really started to hit my stride," she reflects. Now, almost a decade into her career, she continues to evolve and inspire.
Getting into Riddim
Kiko’s love for electronic music was sparked in 2011 when Monstercat releases were making a big impact on the scene. From there, her musical journey led her through genres like glitch hop & neurofunk before diving into the world of riddim, influenced by artists like Infekt, Al Ross, and Chibs. “What drew me to riddim was the energy and the community. I love how the genre allows for creativity and self-expression.”
Influences and Mentors
One of the most significant moments in Kiko’s career was connecting with Infekt, a key player in the riddim scene, through Patreon. "Working with Infekt helped me gain knowledge I didn’t even know I needed, This mentorship, along with friendships with producers like Oolacile and Bandlez, has been pivotal in shaping Kiko’s sound and production style. “We’d play Counter-Strike together and talk music—it really helped kickstart my journey.”
The Riddim Community
For Kiko, the riddim community is more than just a collection of artists; it’s a family that supports growth and learning. “I’ve been influenced by so many talented people around me—Subterra Collective, Tsun, DJ AP, Vlad, Khold, Sakuro, Minima, Pryzd, Solo—all of whom are passionate about sharing knowledge and pushing the genre forward. I hope that spirit of community continues to grow.”
The Future of Riddim
When asked about the future of riddim, Kiko sees the genre remaining true to its roots while welcoming new faces.
“Riddim is going to stay riddim. It’s like milk—it’ll always be milk, but it’s about keeping it fresh and exciting.” She elaborates, “It’s like pulling a carton of milk to the front of the shelf—same old milk, but it’s still good and refreshing. That’s how riddim is. Even though it’s been around for a decade, it hasn’t fundamentally changed, but the flavor of new artists keeps it interesting.”
Kiko believes that the genre will continue to thrive, not by transforming into something completely different, but by embracing new talent and maintaining its underground roots. “Innovation is necessary, but riddim will always be riddim. Whether it’s being shared among a few hundred people or gaining more mainstream attention, the essence of the genre remains the same. That’s what makes it special—being part of an underground community that’s passionate about keeping the vibe alive.”
Advice for New Producers
Kiko’s advice to aspiring producers is to dive into the genre that excites them the most.
“Find a genre you love and immerse yourself in it. Watch tutorials, learn from others, and don’t be afraid to experiment. If you’re already familiar with your DAW, focus on mastering the basics and building your skills from there. Community is key—being around like-minded people will help you grow faster than anything else.”
Tools of the Trade
Kiko uses Ableton 12 as her go-to DAW and incorporates various plugins, experimenting with tools like Vital, Serum, and Reason Rack.
“I start with a template that has everything I need ready to go—sidechain routing, subbass, drums, and FX. Then I build around the drop, working from the center out.”
Challenges as a Producer
Like many artists, Kiko has faced challenges in her career, especially when it comes to finding her unique sound and managing multiple ideas.
“Figuring out my style and branding took time. Having a manager to organize my thoughts has been crucial because, like a lot of producers, I’d make five tracks in a day and none would be finished. Now, I’m more focused on setting goals and working on one project at a time.”
Recent Release: "Disappear" on Electrostep Network
Kiko’s latest track, “Disappear,” was released on September 24th as part of Electrostep Network & Friends Presents: Discord Squad Vol. 1. This track showcases a more introspective side of her music, featuring a jazz-inspired riff that serves as the backbone of the composition. Kiko shared the emotional inspiration behind the song:
“I struggle with social anxiety and mental battles, and this track is about the overwhelming feeling of wanting to disappear, not exist anymore. I don’t usually say my tracks are personal, but ‘Disappear’ was written during a very bad mental state. I just wanted to disappear.”
YouTube: Electrostep Network YouTube
Website: Electrostep Network
SoundCloud: Electrostep Network SoundCloud
Instagram: @electrostepnetwork
TikTok: @electrostepnetworkesn
X (Twitter): Electrostep Network
Spotify: Electrostep Network Spotify
Facebook: Electrostep Network
Discord: Electrostep Network Discord
Connect with Kiko Dubz
For more on Kiko Dubz and to explore her latest releases, you can connect via the following platforms:
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