Dive into the world of trap, and the name “RE4L” (pronounced ‘real’) stands out with resounding impact. More than just a moniker, RE4L is an ethos, a testament to the authenticity that pulsates within the beats of Romanian-Italian music producer and DJ, Alex Calin. He’s not your typical trap producer. Rather, he’s an aural alchemist with a zeal for creating ‘unusual’ sounds, intent on leaving his indelible mark on Italy’s evolving music scene.
RE4L hails from Vigevano, a charming city in northern Italy, a stone’s throw from the bustling metropolis of Milan. This young musical talent’s journey began in 2019, carving out his unique brand of sound in the then-booming trap scene, profoundly influenced by the craft of Italian trailblazers such as Sick Luke and Charlie Charles. It was a mere “game” initially, but the lure of the loop and the rhythm quickly transformed into a serious vocation.
In a rapidly homogenizing industry, RE4L’s sound is refreshingly distinct. The audacious use of eclectic samples is a defining feature, creating an audacious and unexpected sonic landscape. His beats are experimental, playfully borrowing from various genres and sub-genres. They are an embodiment of RE4L’s own multicultural background and his eclectic musical taste. If you delve into the music he plays on a bustling Saturday night at the club, you’ll hear an intoxicating blend that is uniquely RE4L.
As a DJ, the thrill of watching the crowd groove to his beats is the ultimate high, a feedback loop of shared joy. His remixes, a salient part of his repertoire, have a way of unearthing a unique emotion in people, a testament to his prowess behind the turntable.
But RE4L’s aspiration isn’t confined to shaking up the dancefloor. His production ambitions are more extensive, revealing an unyielding desire to explore uncharted musical territories. Currently, he’s collaborating on a novel project: producing his first-ever album with another artist. This endeavor promises to be a game-changer for Italy’s music scene, foreshadowing a shift that might inspire a new generation of music makers.
A tantalizing hint of his forthcoming innovation is the genre he calls “Technodrill”, a potent fusion of techno and drill that speaks volumes about his innovative mind. Fans are already on the edge of their seats, awaiting a mixtape of Technodrill remixes set to drop soon. As the anticipation builds, one thing is clear: RE4L is on the cusp of redefining Italy’s music culture.
While he acknowledges the influence of the giants who came before him, he also aspires to collaborate with industry titans like American producer Scott Storch and, closer to home, his idol Charlie Charles. Such dream collaborations are undoubtedly ambitious, but if RE4L’s track record is anything to go by, they’re far from implausible.
RE4L’s energy and creativity are undeniable, and his infectious zeal for music is evident, whether you’re scrolling through his Instagram feed or tuning into his Spotify tracks. He’s a testament to the evolving, pulsating heart of music production in Italy, a passionate artist on a mission to push the boundaries of the Italian trap scene and beyond. A heartbeat at a time, a beat drop at a moment, RE4L is set to change the game. Follow him on his journey via Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, and Spotify. Buckle up, because the RE4L journey promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
