DJ Roko, born Roland Kieff, is not your typical electronic music artist. His work isn’t just about beats and bass—it’s a deeply personal journey woven into melody. Originating from the West Midlands and now making his mark in Glasgow’s EDM scene, Roko has crafted a sound rooted in resilience, emotion, and the pursuit of genuine connection through music.

Finding Music Through Life’s Challenges

Roko’s early life was shaped by challenges—dyslexia and bullying created barriers in communication and confidence. But where words fell short, music spoke clearly. Self-taught on the keyboard and drawn to production from a young age, he began DJing at 17, finding freedom and purpose in mixing sounds that expressed what he couldn’t always say out loud.

His musical palette is inspired by a blend of retro and modern influences—from the synth-driven tones of Depeche Mode and Human League to the high-energy sounds of Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and Tiësto.

A Sound That Lifts the Spirit

Roko’s music is defined by rich, melodic layers and a feel-good vibe. His 2024 track “Velocity”, available on SoundCloud, captures this essence perfectly—an energetic blend of classic synth textures and festival-ready momentum. Songs like “By Your Side”, “Heaven”, and “Feelings” build on this foundation, delivering uplifting, emotionally resonant tunes that feel both familiar and fresh.

Each track is crafted to be more than background noise—it’s music designed to move people both physically and emotionally.

The Person Behind the Projects

Now based in Glasgow, Roko balances his passion for music with a grounded personal life. His approach is rooted in integrity—focusing not on trends or algorithms, but on making lasting, meaningful music. His upcoming album, “Anthem”, set for release on June 27, 2025, promises a wide range of instrumental and vocal tracks, each carrying its own unique message and emotional weight.

Music as a Force for Good

Roko believes music should give back. That’s why his single “Eternally” will support Cash for Kids Glasgow, with all proceeds going to children and families  in need. All donations would be greatly appreciated and can be donated through the GoFundMe link found on all DJ Roko’s Social pages and website.

For Roko, music isn’t just personal—it’s also communal. His work is a testament to using creativity to uplift not only listeners but entire communities.

The Art of Creation

Roko’s production process is a careful balance of technical precision and emotional intuition. He begins with strong vocal elements—either original recordings or thoughtful samples—and then builds his soundscape through layered percussion, melodic instrumentation, and cinematic sound design. Each element is chosen to evoke a specific feeling, resulting in tracks that are both immersive and memorable.

A standout example of this is his track “By Your Side”, a collaboration with Florida-based vocalist Novaman. The song blends soulful vocals with house and funk undertones, creating a groove that’s both introspective and danceable.

Looking Ahead

With a growing presence in the UK and European live music scene, DJ Roko’s momentum continues to build. His focus remains clear: create music with depth, meaning, and joy—music that brings people together and leaves a lasting impression.

Coming Soon:

• “Anthem” — Full album release on June 27, 2025
• “Eternally” — Charity single benefiting Cash for Kids Glasgow
• Live performances and DJ sets across the UK and Europe
• New visual and creative content on djroko.co.uk

DJ Roko’s journey reminds us that the most powerful music often comes from the most personal places. Through beats born of real-life struggles and melodies shaped by hope, he’s creating more than just tracks—he’s crafting a legacy.