Premiere: From Raw Rhythms to Hypnotic Beats – Saqib’s Remix of “Lies” on RIY

“Inspiration comes from the strangest and most unexpected places,” reflects Saqib, the Brooklyn-based electronic music producer whose journey has taken him from the intensity of heavy metal bands in Lahore to the hypnotic rhythms of late-night dancefloors. This ethos—of embracing surprise and unpredictability—drives his sound, blending percussive intensity with a genre-defying mix of influences. Known for pushing boundaries, Saqib has built a reputation on labels like Abracadabra and Sol Selectas and has recently launched his own imprint, Beats On Time.

Raised in Lahore, Pakistan, Saqib’s musical roots were born from the high-energy worlds of heavy metal and rock. These early influences left an indelible mark, shaping his distinctive sound today—a mix of chugging basslines, swinging drum fills, and bold, noisy textures that give his music a raw edge. Moving to New York City, he continued his evolution, embracing electronic production with a passion for the unexpected and complex rhythms that make his tracks unique.

Now joining forces with RIYthmica, Saqib collaborates with label head Francesco Mursia, who has a keen eye for music that resonates with audiences on an emotional and visceral level. RIYthmica’s vision is to cultivate a community of innovative talent, with its new sub-label, RIY, diving deeper into underground sounds. Francesco recognized both Saqib’s and Taylor Bradford’s creative edge, signing them for a release that channels RIY’s bold and unpredictable vibe. Taylor, a Brooklyn-based producer and Saqib’s mentee, brings his own energetic fusion of jazz, bossa nova, and electronic elements to the EP, setting the tone with his original track “Lies,” which Saqib transforms in a much darker remix. Undoubtedly a rhythm that pulls you straight to the dance floor.

In our interview, we speak with Saqib and Francesco about the vision behind the new EP, their collaborative dynamics, and the inspirations that continue to shape their journeys in music.

header photography by Veronika Khosroshvili

RIYthmica · PREMIERE: Taylor Bradford – Lies (Saqib Remix) [RIY]

Saqib, your remix of “Lies” brings a darker, hypnotic vibe to the track. What is your approach to making a remix?

It’s hard to predict, sometimes I have a clear idea of where it’s going before I start but in this case I did not have any idea where it was going to go. I think my approach to this remix can be summarized with the four letters FAFO: Fuck around and find out, haha!

Saqib: How does your background in heavy metal influence your electronic music, especially in terms of rhythm and intensity?

My basic understanding of rhythm was born from playing in heavy metal bands. I use these concepts in my music today. Chugging bass rhythms, big swinging drum fills and use of noise ( percussive and otherwise) are a big part of my sound. I think it’s definitely a part of what makes my tracks unique and my “sound”.

Saqib: What drew you to work with Francesco and the RIY team for this release?

I had been in touch with Francesco for more than a year, talking about running a label and discussing the inner workings of the label/distribution etc. with him. He asked me to recommend some artists who I think are making cool music and Taylor was one of them.

Saqib: As someone who knows Taylor’s sound inside out, was there anything surprising about working with “Lies” that made you see his music in a new way?

It was pretty cool to go through his stems and see how he put the track together. He has a very unique musical style. It’s busy, frantic and high energy. He puts beats together in very interesting ways and his arrangements are surprising!

“My basic understanding of rhythm was born from playing in heavy metal bands.” Saqib

Francesco, what stood out to you about both Taylor’s and Saqib’s music that made you want to sign them? And how do you see their work aligning with RIY’s vision?

Taylor and Saqib both bring a unique edge that perfectly captures the energy we’re channeling with RIY. Taylor’s style has this groove and depth, and you feel that in “Lies” with its bass lines and glitchy synths—it’s pure energy. Saqib goes in a totally different direction with his remix, bringing a darker, hypnotic feel that gives the track a late-night vibe. Then there’s “Mosholu Parkway,” Taylor’s closing track, drawing on jazz and Latin influences, brings in funky guitar riffs, bold synths, and quirky vocal samples. Lies EP is eclectic and captures the vibe we want for RIY: music that’s vibrant, unpredictable, and unapologetically ready for the dance floor.

Francesco: What vision do you have for Riythmica and RIY’s future?

With Riythmica, I see us continuing to build a community around fresh talent and music that resonates emotionally and gets people moving. Riythmica will keep exploring a range of music from new and emerging artists, to present them to wider audiences. RIY, on the other hand, is our chance to delve deeper into the underground, focusing on emerging artists and punchy music with a darker edge. Together, Riythmica and RIY cover a wide spectrum while staying true to our mission: quality music that keeps things exciting for both listeners and DJs.

Francesco: With RIY as a new sub-label, how do you plan to differentiate its releases from the parent label’s sound and style?

RIY is like the edgier, more underground sibling to Riythmica. While Riythmica is broader, touching everything from Afro, Melodic, and Progressive House to Indie Dance, RIY is focused on Melodic House & Techno, and Indie Dance and with more intensity and edgier; it’s for those darker, high-energy sounds. So, while Riythmica keeps its broader appeal, RIY dives into a more niche vibe with punchy, underground tracks that add a different flavor.

“Timing is key. We want each release to have its moment, so it reaches the right audience at the right time.” Francesco

Francesco: How do you decide on the right moment and setting for an EP release?

Timing is key. We want each release to have its moment, so it reaches the right audience at the right time. Our priority is to release complete EPs, and we work closely with the artists to line up remixers. Remixes might be released later as standalone releases, giving the original tracks more room to evolve in new directions. In 2025, we will have a regular release schedule to keep a consistent rhythm. We’ll be releasing our RIYthmica Travels EPs up to three times a year with two artists paired for each release. Alongside that, we’ll alternate monthly between Riythmica and RIY EPs.

Saqib: When you’re not in the studio or on stage, what are some of your favorite ways to recharge and find inspiration?

Listening to hip hop, jazz, and things outside of electronic music. Going to museums. I also really love learning about the stories and personalities of artists of the past like Prince, Rick Rubin, Jim Morrison, and others. Inspiration comes from the strangest and most unexpected places.

Saqib: What’s a piece of advice you wish you could give to yourself when you first started producing electronic music?

You have to make hundreds and hundreds of songs to find yourself. Be patient and ignore the haters (smiles)

Saqib: The most important Thing in life is?

LOVE

Thank you so much for your time!