Emerging electronic artist PHATcontrolla is carving out a sound that blends groove-heavy house music with genuine emotional depth. Inspired by artists like Chris Lake, Dom Dolla, Purple Disco Machine, and Sam Divine, the rising producer is creating music designed not only for the dancefloor, but for connection.

We caught up with PHATcontrolla to talk about musical influences, balancing family life with an artist career, creative process, and what fans can expect next.

Interview with PHATcontrolla

Q: For people hearing PHATcontrolla for the first time, how would you describe your sound in your own words?

PHATcontrolla:
PHATcontrolla lives somewhere between groove and feeling. It’s house music at its core, but with a heartbeat. Think rolling basslines, textured percussion, and melodies that actually say something. It’s built for the dancefloor, but it doesn’t forget the human side of music.

Q: Your music blends soulful melodies with dancefloor energy — how do you balance emotion and movement in your tracks?

PHATcontrolla:
It starts with intention. I never want a track to just “work” in a club — I want it to mean something. The groove pulls you in physically, but the melody gives you a reason to stay. If you can feel something and move without thinking about it, that’s when I know it’s working.

Q: Artists like Chris Lake, Dom Dolla, Purple Disco Machine, and Sam Divine have influenced your style. What have you taken from each of them creatively?

PHATcontrolla:
From Chris Lake, it’s the precision — everything has a purpose. Dom Dolla showed me how powerful simplicity can be when it grooves properly. Purple Disco Machine brings that musicality and warmth, where every track feels alive. And Sam Divine, she’s all about energy and connection — that ability to read and move a crowd is something I really respect.

Q: What was the moment you realized music was more than just a passion for you?

PHATcontrolla:
It wasn’t one big moment, it was a slow burn. Late nights turning into early mornings, choosing the studio over everything else, and realizing I wasn’t getting tired of it. That’s when it clicked — this isn’t just something I enjoy… it’s something I need to do.

Q: Your artist name is unique — what’s the story behind “PHATcontrolla”?

PHATcontrolla:
It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, but also intentional. I was watching television with my son not long after he was born, and we were watching Thomas The Tank Engine. Around that same time, I had started producing and wanted a name that had something extra when people saw it. That’s where PHATcontrolla was born.

Q: When you’re creating a track, what usually comes first: the groove, the melody, or the emotion behind it?

PHATcontrolla:
The groove almost always comes first. That’s the foundation. But the emotion is what shapes everything after that. Sometimes a melody will come quickly, other times it takes hours, but it always has to feel honest.

Q: You mention wanting to create something your family can be proud of for years to come. How much does family inspire your music journey?

PHATcontrolla:
It’s everything. Family keeps me grounded and gives the whole journey a deeper purpose. It’s not just about gigs or releases — it’s about building something meaningful that lasts beyond the moment.

Q: Being both a devoted husband and father while building an artist career can be demanding — how do you manage that balance?

PHATcontrolla:
It’s about being intentional with time. When I’m with family, I’m fully there. When I’m in the studio, I’m locked in. You can’t do everything at once, but you can be present in each moment. That balance is what keeps everything sustainable.

Q: What emotions or experiences do you hope listeners feel when they hear your music?

PHATcontrolla:
Connection. Whether that’s joy, nostalgia, release, or just pure energy. I want people to feel like they’re part of something, even if it’s just for a few minutes on a dancefloor.

Q: From acoustic vibes to club-ready anthems, your sound covers a wide spectrum. Is there a style you feel most connected to right now?

PHATcontrolla:
Right now, I’m really connected to groove-driven tech house with melodic elements. Something that still hits hard in a club, but has enough character to stand on its own outside of it.

Q: What’s been the biggest challenge so far in your journey as an emerging artist?

PHATcontrolla:
Cutting through the noise. There’s so much music out there, so the challenge is not just making good tracks, but making something that actually stands out and feels authentic.

Q: How has your sound evolved since you first started producing music?

PHATcontrolla:
Early on, I was chasing sounds. Now, I’m chasing feeling. The technical side has improved, but more importantly, I understand what I want to say musically.

Q: Are there any personal life experiences that heavily shaped your creative direction?

PHATcontrolla:
Absolutely. Life experiences — both highs and lows — shape everything. Tracks like Takin It Slow especially carry emotional weight tied to real-world events, and that’s something I want to keep exploring -

"Takin It Slow - Signed to WOH Records and will be released with a Remix from Head Honcho Benny Mc"

Q: What does a typical studio session look like for PHATcontrolla?

PHATcontrolla:
It usually starts with a cool groove. Something that can get me bopping. I often come up with ideas on the run, and rather than sitting in a moody studio, I’m just sitting on the couch with headphones on. But it’s always about the groove.

Q: Do you approach making music differently when you’re creating for a live crowd versus personal listening experiences?

PHATcontrolla:
Yeah, definitely. For the club, it’s about energy, tension, and release. For personal listening, there’s more space, more storytelling. The goal is to find that sweet spot where a track can do both.

Q: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world right now, who would it be and why?

PHATcontrolla:
Chris Lake would be high on the list. His ability to make something simple feel massive is unreal, and I think there’d be a lot to learn in that process. But I also love the versatility of Diplo.

Q: What do you think separates PHATcontrolla from other artists in the electronic music space?

PHATcontrolla:
The intention behind it. It’s not just about making tracks that work — it’s about making tracks that last. There’s always a focus on both feeling and function.

Q: “Anything is possible when you want it enough” is a powerful mindset. Has there been a moment in your career where that belief carried you through?

PHATcontrolla:
Every time something feels like it’s not moving fast enough. That mindset keeps me consistent. It reminds me that persistence is just as important as talent.

Q: What can fans expect from PHATcontrolla over the next year?

PHATcontrolla:
More releases, a stronger identity, and music that pushes a bit further emotionally while still hitting hard. Definitely more consistency and more presence.

Q: Finally, what message would you give to aspiring artists trying to break into the music industry today?

PHATcontrolla:
Focus on your sound and your story. Trends come and go, but authenticity sticks. And most importantly, keep showing up. The people who last are the ones who don’t stop.

Follow PHATcontrolla

PHATcontrolla is proving that electronic music can still carry genuine emotion while keeping dancefloors moving. With new releases on the horizon and a growing identity as an artist, this is clearly just the beginning of the journey.

Stay locked in for upcoming music, releases, and announcements from PHATcontrolla.