Ruben Karapetyan [Interview]

Fresh off his first South American tour, Ruben Karapetyan has continued the avalanche of momentum which ran through his 2024 gig and release schedule. With performances alongside progressive house tastemakers Guy Mantzur, Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren, the Armenian born, Los Angeles based artist has been in a state of perpetual motion across the last calaender year. Also, as a fixture in Beatport's sales charts with breakout hits such as 'Cosmic Dot', a project recorded alongside Albanian phenom Maze 28, and released via long-standing imprint Mango Alley, Ruben's grip on the world of progressive music has only gotten tighter. Now, as we approach 2025's second quarter, Ruben is set to release his latest and much anticipated single 'Moai', alongside remixes from Hernan Cattaneo & Mercurio, Maze 28 and MakhmuriaN.

Progressive Astronaut caught up with Ruben to learn more about the release of 'Moai', his RKP imprint, DJing and much more. Enjoy.

Hi Ruben, thanks for catching up with us today. How has the start of 2025 been for you so far?

Hey Mitch, it's a true pleasure to be back! The year has started off on a high note—I've taken a few months off the road to be at home, and it's been nothing short of amazing. There’s something really special about spending quality time with loved ones before hitting the road again.

Now that we’re well into 2025, how was 2024 for you? I know you had some gigs with Hernan, Nick and Guy Mantzur, what events or releases of yours stood out in 2024?

Last year was all about the tour life—more DJ gigs, less studio time, but it was an unforgettable journey. I had the privilege of playing some incredible shows in breathtaking locations around the world. A few standout moments include being invited to close for Hernan Cattaneo in Los Angeles, opening for Nick Warren in Miami, and playing back-to-back sets with Guy Mantzur in both Armenia and Los Angeles. But if I had to pick the highlight of the entire world tour, it would definitely be the MA showcase in Sri Lanka and Pakistan—both were massive events that I'll never forget.

Let’s continue looking back on the year, what is a track or tracks which have come out in 2024 that has impressed you the most and why?

There’s an abundance of incredible music being released, so it’s tough to narrow it down to just a few tracks. Every piece of music is inspirational in its own way, and each one brings something unique to the table. Lately, I’ve been playing a lot from artists like Maze28, Dowden, HAFT—the list really goes on. Each of them has such a distinct sound that always keeps things fresh and exciting.

What is a song/track you’ve never stopped listening to since childhood? And why has it stuck with you this long?

Growing up in Armenia during the Soviet era, access to music was limited, and Boys by Sabrina (1988) was one of the first electronic tracks that made its way to us. It’s stuck with me over the years, and every now and then, I listen to it. It brings back happy memories from that time.

You’re about to embark on your first tour of Argentina, but what else do you have coming up gig-wise soon?

I’ve been eagerly anticipating the chance to play in South America for a long time. I received several offers last year, but for various reasons, things didn’t quite align. So, you can imagine the excitement when my management told me they had secured a headlining spot for me at Hernan Cattaneo's Sunsetstrip after-party. South America is truly one of the best places to share our sound—there’s an unmatched energy and passion from the crowds. It’s incredible to see so many people coming together, vibing to the music we play

Where are you off to next? And what does the rest of the year look like in terms of gigs?

I’m heading to Argentina at the beginning of March, then it’s off to Sri Lanka, Italy, Amsterdam, followed by Russia, Yerevan, and the list keeps growing. It’s shaping up to be another massive year of touring—less production, more shows—but I’m aiming to find a balance between the two so I can experience the best of both worlds!

What is a track or two which were getting the best reactions on the tour?

Two of my upcoming tracks have been a staple in almost every show I play. One is my collaboration with Guy Mantzure, which is set to drop mid to late this year, and the other is the first track from my upcoming EP on Meanwhile Recordings, titled Nostalgic Moments. Both have been making some serious waves on dancefloors worldwide, and the energy they’re generating is unreal.

You returned to music production after a long hiatus in 2020, what would be a release you’ve had since returning which really helped propel you to the success you’ve achieved today? And why?

Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of releasing well over 60 tracks and remixes. Each one has played a part in shaping where I am today. But if I had to highlight one that stands out, it would definitely be my remix of "Mindworm" by Rauschhaus. This remix really took off, becoming a global hit that was played by nearly every DJ I can think of. It dominated the charts for months and even made it into the "Best Progressive House of the Year" list. I’d say this release was a pivotal moment in putting my name on the map, more than any other track I’ve released.

What is a track that reminds you of your early days DJing and what event/club do you associate with it?

Back in the '90s, I was deeply immersed in the world of psy-progressive trance. One track that really brings me back to that sound is Frequency Formula, which was signed to Nick Warren’s The Soundgarden Label. It had that signature rolling bassline and all the hypnotic psy effects that defined an era. I remember when we were younger, we’d throw these legendary desert parties in California called Ambrosia. They were free, monthly gatherings that became iconic in their own right. Listening to that track takes me straight back to those unforgettable nights in the desert, surrounded by a massive sound system and the pure energy of the crowd. Good old days indeed!

You have a new single ‘Moai’ which is coming out later this month via your RKP imprint. This has been a big track for you over the last year, tell us a bit about it and what sort of vibe you were going for on it?

After returning home from an extensive world tour, I was incredibly inspired to create a track that would capture all the emotions from the electrifying dancefloors and the beautiful places I had the privilege to experience. That track became 'Moai.' It's my signature deep, dark sound with a massive buildup and rolling basslines. The response has been overwhelming, with support from every major figure in the industry.

You’ve assembled an all-star remixer cast with Hernan Cattaneo & Mercurio, Maze 28 and MakhmuriaN, what was this selection of artists the right fit to remix ‘Moai’?

I’m beyond honored to have Hernan Cattaneo & Mercurio on board, as well as my little bro Maze28, also excited about the remix from MakhmuriaN, one of the most talented artists I discovered last year, who’s also been joining me on selected tour dates around the world.

Each remixer was carefully chosen for their unique sound, bringing their own spin to 'Moai.' Every remix offers a fresh take on the track, and each version is truly exceptional in its own right.

This is a massive pack, and I’m confident it will connect with music lovers around the globe.

I’d also like to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this release. I’m truly thankful for their trust in me to present their music to the world through RKP Records.

Being a label owner, how do you decide which of your new tracks to shop around to other labels and which ones to release on RKP? Is there something specific in terms of sound you want to present with your own productions through RKP?

It’s a tough one—when you own a label, the temptation is always there to release everything you’ve got, since you have full control over the release, PR, premieres, artwork, etc. But deep down, I know that's not the right approach. I started RKP to give talented up-and-coming producers a platform, not to use it exclusively for my own music.

The vision I had for RKP when I started it two years ago remains the same. You’ll see artists like Hernan Cattaneo, Maze28, and Kamilo Sanclemente alongside someone who’s making their debut release. I don’t focus on names—I focus on the music. If your music speaks, it doesn’t matter how big or small you are, I’ll pick you up and do my best to push your release as far as I can.

The label sound, however, remains consistent—deep, dark, and driving progressive house. I stay away from anything that feels driven by 'sales'—no cheesy or commercial vibes. The focus will always be on maintaining that signature sound, which never changes.

We interviewed you about two years ago when RKP had just recently launched. Looking back over your time running the label so far, how has your vision and/or approach for it shifted? Or has it at all? And what has been instrumental to the label’s relatively quick success?

One thing I never fully realized until I started running a label is just how much time and effort it really takes. If I had known how much of an investment it would be—both timewise and otherwise—I might’ve had second thoughts, hehe! But I’m honored to share that the label recently hit #1 on the Progressive Hype sales chart and has been supported by every major name in the industry.

The sound and vision behind RKP have remained unchanged, and I believe the reason the label keeps growing is because of the careful selection of music. I approach each release with the mindset that it could either make or break the label. That's why I take my time with every track I sign, often testing it on the dancefloor before committing. DJing has been a huge help in this process—playing these tracks live helps me understand what works and what doesn’t in real-time, making it easier to curate music that resonates with the crowd."

Also, big thanks to you & to Release Promo for your ongoing support of the label. We truly appreciate it!

Having been a DJ for around 30 years, how has your approach to the craft changed? And what challenges does it present today that are different from when you were playing vinyl?

Djing has evolved over the years, from vinyl to CDs to USBs and computers, but for me, it’s never been just about the equipment. DJing is about storytelling, and no piece of gear can do that for you—it's about programming and creating a connection with the dancefloor.

I see a lot of posts online where people debate the use of sync buttons, software, or hardware—what’s right and what’s wrong. But for me, it’s never been about the tools; it’s about the feeling. It’s about having an ear for good music, programming with keys and melodies that complement each other, and boosting the energy to take the crowd to the next level. DJing is like reading a great book to someone, but with music instead of words. It should have meaning, a story that resonates with people, and creates memories they’ll hold onto long after the night is over.

Current Top five favorite tracks?

Ruben Karapetyan - State Of Progression (Original Mix) [UV]
HAFT - Flow [Meanwhile Horizons]
Lio Q - Renacimiento (Original Mix) [Hoomidaas]
Alex O'Rion - Tunnel [Meanwhile]
YADEK - Arrakis (Anton Make & Fonarev remix) [RKP]

What would be your dream job outside of the music industry?

Carpenter, love building things with wood!

What’s something people do not know about you?

I own and maintain a large reef tank and have extensive knowledge of saltwater biology.

What TV series have you been enjoying recently and what are some of your all time favourites?

I haven’t come across much lately that really grabs my attention, and honestly, I haven’t had much time for TV. But one of my all-time favorite shows is Queen of the South. It’s a perfect mix of romance and drama, and it’s definitely a standout for me.

What can we look forward to from you for the rest of 2025? Any releases or gigs you guys are looking forward to?

I’m hitting the road again in March with confirmed shows in Argentina, Sri Lanka, Italy, the Netherlands, and Armenia. I’ve also got new releases coming out on The Soundgarden, Mango Alley, and UV, so it’s shaping up to be another busy year. But I love what I do, so bring it on! :)

Keep up to date with Ruben's latest tour dates and releases here: https://linktr.ee/rubenkarapetyan