In today’s electronic dance music scene, where trends change overnight and styles often blur into one another, DJ Roko—real name Roland Kieff—is crafting a sound that stands out not just for its energy, but for its emotion. From a childhood shaped by challenges to a career on the rise, DJ Roko is living proof that music can heal, connect, and transform.
A Musical Escape from a Tough Start
Growing up in the West Midlands, Roko faced tough odds. With dyslexia and frequent bullying at school, he turned inward—and discovered a new world through music.
“Music was my escape,” Roko reflects. “When everything else felt overwhelming, I’d sit at the keyboard and just create. It was the one place where nothing else mattered.”
Teaching himself the keyboard as a child, he found comfort in melodies and rhythms. By the age of 17, he was DJing, and quickly realized he had a gift—not just for mixing tracks, but for understanding people.
“I discovered I had a natural instinct for lifting the mood in a room,” he says. “That moment when the beat drops and everyone connects—it’s magic. I live for that.”
Fusing Nostalgia with Modern EDM
Roko’s sound pays tribute to the past while fully embracing the now. Influenced by legends like Depeche Mode and The Human League, and driven by the energy of modern icons such as Calvin Harris and Tiësto, he blends synth-pop sentiment with modern-day festival power.
His tracks, including:
- “Velocity”
- “You Better”
- “Heaven”
- “By Your Side”
- “Your Life”
- “Feelings”
- “LMA”
…have been gaining momentum on major streaming platforms.
“I’m not chasing trends,” Roko says. “Every track starts with something I’m feeling. If it means something to me, there’s a good chance it’ll mean something to someone else.”
This emotional honesty is exactly what makes DJ Roko’s music so magnetic—it’s more than sound. It’s storytelling through basslines, synths, and soaring hooks.
Debut Album “Anthem” Drops June 27, 2025
This summer, fans will get the full DJ Roko experience with the release of his highly anticipated debut album, titled “Anthem,” dropping on June 27, 2025.
The 10-track project will feature a mix of melodic vocal and instrumental dance tracks, each carefully arranged and produced by Roko himself.
“I’m so excited about this project,” he says. “It’s been a labour of love, and I’m genuinely proud of the work I’ve put in. Every track reflects a part of my journey.”
Whether it’s a hands-in-the-air festival anthem or a more introspective instrumental, “Anthem” promises a wide emotional range—something increasingly rare in today’s EDM landscape.
Music with Purpose: Giving Back
Beyond the dance floor, DJ Roko is also using his music to make a difference. His upcoming single, “Eternally,” will benefit Cash for Kids, a Glasgow-based charity supporting underprivileged children.
“I’ve been through hard times, and I know how important it is to feel seen and supported,” Roko says. “This track is about giving back. If my music can help even one child, it’s worth everything.”
Proceeds from the single will go directly to the charity, reinforcing Roko’s belief in music as a force for good.
Family Life and Creative Drive
Now based in Glasgow, Scotland, Roko is balancing fatherhood, marriage, and music—a mix that brings richness and authenticity to his creative process.
“Being a husband and a dad doesn’t take away from the music—it adds to it,” he says. “There’s more heart, more purpose. It’s not just about the next gig; it’s about building something meaningful.”
The Future Is Bright
With a signature sound, a powerful personal story, and a growing fanbase, DJ Roko is emerging as one of the most emotionally resonant voices in EDM. His debut album Anthem is set to make waves, and his charitable work proves he’s as grounded as he is gifted.
