REX STAX
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
I’m REX STAX, though some might still remember me as Mr. E. My journey started when I was eight years old, watching my cousin spin vinyls. Something clicked instantly — I knew I needed that world in my life.
I delivered newspapers, saved every coin, and at 13 I finally bought my first turntable and vinyls. By fourteen, I was already DJing Hip Hop for adult crowds as “Mr. E.”
Later, I went to the US, where I connected with rappers and worked with artists like Talib Kweli, The Diplomats, T.I., D-Block, and Mobb Deep. These collaborations became my “We Run This” series on Spotify — raw, exclusive music straight from New York and Atlanta.
Everything shifted when I moved to the Caribbean. The rhythm, the colors, the lifestyle — they shaped my sound. “Eternity Collide” was born there and reached over a million listeners on YouTube.
Living between the Caribbean and Brazil, I fell deeper into House music, blending tribal drums, African percussion, island influences, and my Hip Hop background.
That journey eventually led me to Africa and the Middle East, where I discovered new voices, instruments, and stories. I’m fascinated by how different cultures sing — the tones, the emotion, the identity.
From this exploration came Salam, Ya Leel, and Lies on Café De Anatolia — Afro House infused with Middle Eastern soul. I’ve collaborated with incredible voices like Idd Aziz from Nairobi and Stevo Atambire from Ghana, artists who carry their heritage in every note.
Wherever I go, I look for connection — cultures, musicians, voices.
For me, music isn’t just sound; it’s emotion, escape, and a moment of freedom.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, especially in electronic genres?
It started at eight, watching my cousin behind the decks. It wasn’t just music — it felt like controlling energy.
Music is therapy, a way to teleport people out of their everyday world. Electronic music gives you limitless space to experiment, blend cultures, and build moments that connect everyone.
When I see people smiling, losing themselves in the rhythm — that’s when I know I’m exactly where I belong.
How would you describe your style and sound?
My sound is Afro House at its foundation, shaped by the raw edge of Hip Hop, the pulse of the Caribbean, and the mysticism of the Middle East.
Every track is a story told across cultures.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release. What’s the story behind it?
I spent time in Hatta, a mountain region in the UAE near the Oman border. I became obsessed with creating Arabic-inspired Afro House — influenced by street musicians and live performers in small local venues.
I already had a collection of Arabic instrument plug-ins, so I locked myself in the studio. From that creative burst came three tracks: Salam, Ya Leel, and Lies.
Each one blends cultures and languages:
- Salam includes vocals in Tamil by an artist from South India
- Ya Leel carries Hebrew vocals
- Lies brings in an African singer in English
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take from this release?
I want to transport people.
To give them a world to escape into — even for a few minutes.
If it makes someone smile, feel connected, or forget everything around them, then the music has done its job.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
I started by experimenting with different Arabic instruments and recording melodies.
Then I built the drums, added bass, and layered percussion and textures until the sound felt alive.
Once the instrumental was complete, I arranged the track, mixed and mastered the beat, and then added vocals. After everything was recorded, the full project went to the studio for a final professional mix.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
This project was born in the desert and mountains, surrounded by Arabic melodies from everyday life.
That atmosphere pushed me to blend the spirit of the Middle East with Afro House energy in a deeper, more emotional way.
INDUSTRY & PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What is the biggest challenge for artists in electronic music today?
Protecting your artistic soul in an industry that often values numbers more than emotion.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
Events let me feel the energy of the crowd — that pure connection that reminds me why I create.
Collaborations open new worlds and show me music through someone else’s spirit.
Working with Cafe De Anatolia has been one of those defining moments — a label that understands the spiritual side of sound and brings it to a global stage.
Every event, every artist, every label that believes in the vision shapes not just my career, but the artist I become.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Never forget why you started.
Your passion is your compass when everything else becomes noise.
LOOKING AHEAD
What can your fans expect next?
I’m working with an incredible Afro House artist from South Africa — the voice is pure soul, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.
We’re also preparing the Salam Remix EP with Cafe De Anatolia, releasing on December 19th, 2025, featuring remixes by Diego Druck, Max Doblhoff, and other amazing DJs.
Soon, I’ll release a DJ video mix featuring several Cafe De Anatolia tracks, recorded deep in the jungle of Sri Lanka.
And of course, I’ll continue performing around the world, sharing these sounds and stories live.
“Lies” by REX STAX released via Cafe De Anatolia Rec. (2025)