Frankyeffe: "Respect the Past, Create the Future"

Finding your sound is one thing. Having the confidence to fully embrace it is another. For Frankyeffe, ‘Out of This World’ marks the point where years of musical exploration finally come together.

The Italian DJ, producer and Riot Recordings founder has spent more than two decades shaping his own path through electronic music. From his early days in progressive and techno to the emotionally charged blend of trance, techno and melodic sounds that defines his work today, Frankyeffe has never been interested in standing still. Instead, each release has become another step in an evolution driven by curiosity, craftsmanship and a desire to create music that connects beyond the dancefloor.

That journey comes into sharp focus on ‘Out of This World’. Across eight tracks, Frankyeffe captures the sound he's been working towards for years - powerful enough for peak-time sets, yet rich with melody and emotion. More than a new EP, it's a snapshot of an artist who has found his voice while continuing to push it forward. We caught up with Frankyeffe to talk about the creative process behind the project, the lessons learned along the way, and why this release feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Q: This feels like a special release in your career. What makes ‘Out of This World’ different from everything that has come before?

A: This release definitely feels like a milestone for me. ‘Out of This World’ is probably the most mature and refined project I’ve ever produced. Compared to my previous work, it’s much more focused on the trance side of my sound, while still keeping the energy that defines my music.

I spent a lot of time developing a fresh production approach, experimenting with new sounds, textures, and arrangementsto create something that felt modern but also emotional. Every track on the EP represents where I am today as both a producer and an artist.

More than anything, ‘Out of This World’ reflects my evolution. It’s a project that feels more professional, more intentional, and more authentic than anything I’ve released before.

Q: Let's start with the title track. Why did ‘Out of This World’ feel like the perfect way to open the EP and give the whole project its name?

A: ‘Out of This World’ felt like the perfect title because it represents the entire concept behind the EP. Musically, it’s different from what I’ve done before; it takes my sound into new territory with a stronger trance identity and a fresh production approach.

But the title also has a much deeper meaning. We live in a world surrounded by wars, hatred, and so much negativity that, sometimes, I genuinely feel like wanting to be out of this world. That feeling became the emotional core of the track.

The title track captures both sides of the project: the musical evolution and the message behind it. That’s why it naturally became the opening track and the name of the entire EP.

Q: Every track has its own story. Which one is the most personal, which one tested your patience the most, and which one came together the fastest?

A: Every track on the EP means something to me, but the ones I’m most connected to are “Out of This World”, “Love Is a Shadow”, and “I Want You”.

“Love Is a Shadow” was definitely the most challenging track. I spent a lot of time refining every detail, trying different ideas and making sure the emotion came across exactly the way I imagined. It really tested my patience, but in the end it became one of the tracks I’m most proud of.

“I Want You” came together much more naturally. Everything clicked quite quickly, and the fact that it has already received support from Armin van Buuren made it even more special. That early support gave me confidence that I was heading in the right direction.

And of course, “Out of This World” is probably the most personal track on the EP because it represents both my artistic evolution and the message behind the entire project.

Q: Your sound today sits somewhere between trance and techno, with plenty of melodic elements, but that's not where your musical journey started. Can you walk us through that evolution?

A: My sound evolved naturally over the years, but I think it really started to take shape with “Save Me”. That was the moment I began moving towards a style that blended trance, techno, and more melodic elements in a way that truly felt like me.

This evolution didn’t happen by chance. I spent a lot of time studying production techniques, diving deeper into synths, plugins, sound design, and songwriting. I wanted to create music that wasn’t just powerful on the dancefloor, but also emotional and memorable.

Today, my goal is to combine energy with emotion. Every new production is more refined than the last, with stronger melodies, richer textures, and a more professional approach. “Out of This World” is the result of that journey, it’s the clearest expression yet of the sound I’ve been working towards.

Q: Has there been one turning point in your career that changed the way you approach music?

A: Yes, I think the biggest turning point came early in my career, when I was around 22 or 23 years old and became a resident DJ at the Rashomon Club in Rome.

That experience completely changed the way I looked at music. It was the first time I truly understood what it meant to be a professional artist, not just as a DJ, but also as a producer. Playing regularly in front of a crowd taught me what really works on a dancefloor and how important it is to create music that connects with people emotionally.

From that moment on, I became much more focused on improving my production skills. I studied more, experimented with new techniques, and worked hard to develop a sound that was truly my own. Looking back, that period laid the foundation for everything I do today.

Q: If you had to pick one track that best sums up who Frankyeffe is as an artist today, which one would it be, and why?

A: That’s a difficult question because it’s hard to choose just one track. Every release represents a different stage of my journey, so picking only one wouldn’t really tell the full story.

If I had to choose a few that define me as an artist today, I’d say “Save Me”, “Touch Me”, and “Love Is a Shadow”.

“Save Me” and “Touch Me” were incredibly important because they received support from so many DJs around the world. Those tracks gave me a lot of visibility, but more importantly, they gave me the confidence to keep pushing my sound and believe in my direction as an artist.

“Love Is a Shadow” is different. It’s probably the track I’m most emotionally connected to. I love the lyrics, and I invested so much time into every detail of the production. It represents the level of care, emotion, and maturity I want to bring to my music today.

Together, those tracks tell the story of who Frankyeffe is: a producer who wants to combine powerful club energy with emotion and meaningful melodies.

Q: There are some great collaborations on the EP. What made these artists the right fit, and what did each of them bring to the project?

A: I chose these artists because I genuinely love their sound and felt they were the perfect fit for the vision behind the EP.

Working with Sarah de Warren, ReOrder, and York brought three different perspectives to the project, while keeping the overall identity of the EP consistent. Each of them has a unique musical style and years of experience, which added something special to every collaboration.

York is a true legend whose music has inspired generations of trance fans, ReOrder brought his unmistakable energy and production quality, and Sarah de Warren added incredible emotion and depth with her songwriting and vocals.

I think the chemistry worked perfectly. These collaborations never felt forced - they happened naturally, and the final result is something I’m really proud of. Each track has its own identity while still feeling like an essential part of ‘Out of This World’.

Q: Some tracks on the EP have a nostalgic feel while still sounding fresh. Do you ever find yourself revisiting the music that inspired you as a teenager, or do you prefer looking forward?

A: My musical roots definitely come from the ’90s. I grew up listening to trance and progressive music from that era, and those influences are still a big part of who I am as a producer. I think you can hear that background in my melodies, harmonies, and the emotional side of my music.

That said, I don’t like living in nostalgia. I carry those influences with me, but my focus is always on moving forward. I want to create something new rather than constantly looking back.

From time to time, I might do a rework or a re-edit of a classic track, but that’s not what defines me as an artist. I’d much rather write original music and build my own identity than rely on songs that have already been successful.

For me, the goal is to respect the past while creating the future. Music that inspired me will always be part of my DNA, but every new release is about pushing my sound forward and continuing my own journey.

Q: Long-time fans will definitely recognize your sound, but they'll also hear something new. What do you hope surprises them the most?

A: I think my sound is still very recognizable, and I hope long-time listeners will feel that connection straight away. But more than anything, I hope they’re surprised by the passion, the heart, and the dedication that went into every track on this EP.

I put so much of myself into this project, both emotionally and creatively. Every melody, every sound, and every production choice was made with a clear intention. I wanted these tracks to feel honest and meaningful, not just powerful on the dancefloor.

If there’s one thing I hope people take away from ‘Out of This World’, it’s the emotion behind the music. If listeners can truly feel the love and passion I put into this EP, then I’ve achieved exactly what I set out to do.

Q: If you could play this EP to Frankyeffe who was just starting out, what do you think he'd say?

I think he’d be proud. He’d probably be surprised by how far the journey has gone, but he’d also recognize the same passion that was there from the very beginning.

A: When I first started, I had big dreams, but I was still searching for my identity as a producer. If I could play ‘Out of This World’ to that younger version of myself, I think he’d say, “Keep going." All those hours in the studio, all the sacrifices, and all the hard work were worth it.

This EP represents years of learning, experimenting, and never giving up. I hope it also proves that if you stay true to your vision and keep improving, you can eventually create the music you’ve always imagined.

Q: Now that ‘Out of This World‘ is finished, what does it open the door to? Where do you want to take your sound next?

A: Now that ‘Out of This World’ is finished, I feel like it opens the door to the next chapter of my journey. I definitely want to continue in this direction, developing this sound even further, constantly improving, and bringing more emotion into my music.

My passion is still the same as when I started. I approach every new project with the same excitement and dedication, almost like it’s the first track I’ve ever made. That feeling is what keeps me motivated.

I already have some very important releases and collaborations planned for the future, projects that a few years ago I would have never imagined making. I feel that the level I’m reaching as an artist and producer is growing constantly, and I’m really excited to share what’s coming next.

My biggest hope is that people, DJs, and everyone involved in the scene can connect with this sound and appreciate the direction I’m taking. I’ll continue putting all my passion, energy, and dedication into this journey because this is what I truly love doing.

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