With a career spanning decades, Mr OFFBeat has been a defining force in electronic music, evolving through projects like Wagon Cookin’, Kyodai, and Bassfort. His deep house, jazz, and disco influences have shaped his artistic path and continue to drive his creative vision. As he prepares to release his latest single, Tangled Soul, under Appetizers Music, Mr OFFBeat reflects on his musical journey, collaborations, and future aspirations in this exclusive interview with feeder.
f: You’re about to release your new single, Tangled Soul, under Appetizers Music. How does this track reflect your artistic vision after so many successful projects like Wagon Cookin’, Kyodai, and Bassfort?
Mr OFFBeat: Tangled Soul is a reflection of my journey through different musical landscapes, blending deep house, jazz-infused grooves, and soulful textures. Each project I’ve been involved in has left a mark on my creative DNA, and this track encapsulates the essence of those influences while also carving out a fresh and personal identity. It’s about channelling years of experience into a single expression that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.
f: Your brother, Luis Nebari, has been a key collaborator throughout your career. How has your creative partnership evolved over the years?
Mr OFFBeat: Working with Luis has been an ever-evolving process. We started making music together as kids, and over time, our dynamic has naturally shifted with our personal growth. We’ve developed our own artistic identities, but when we collaborate—whether in the studio or on stage—there’s an unspoken connection that makes the creative process seamless.
f: Wagon Cookin’ is celebrating its 25th anniversary. What have been the highlights of this journey, and how did the transition to Kyodai reshape your sound and career path?
Mr OFFBeat: Looking back on 25 years of Wagon Cookin’ is incredible. Some highlights include international gigs, collaborations with amazing artists, and seeing how our music has resonated with different generations. The transition to Kyodai was pivotal; it gave us the opportunity to explore a more club-oriented, jazz-influenced sound that really connected with house and techno audiences.
f: Appetizers Music has been central to your journey since its founding in 1999. How would you describe the label’s current role in supporting soulful and genre-blending music?
Mr OFFBeat: Appetizers Music has always been focused on our own productions and collaborations. While we have released other artists, such as Juantxin Osaba, the label primarily serves as a platform for our projects—Kyodai, Nebari, and Mr OFFBeat. Wagon Cookin’ remains an essential part of the label, and we continue to sustain a strong catalog through our creativity.
f: You’ve performed at iconic venues and festivals around the world. What have been some of the most memorable gigs, and how do these experiences impact your studio work?
Mr OFFBeat: There have been so many unforgettable moments—playing legendary clubs in Berlin and major festivals in Japan, for example. These gigs teach you about energy, crowd interaction, and storytelling through music. Performing live greatly influences my studio work by helping me understand how tracks translate in different spaces and how to build moments that truly connect with people.
f: With deep roots in house, jazz, and disco, where do you see electronic music heading in the next decade?
Mr OFFBeat: I believe we’re entering a new golden era, where organic and soulful elements will play a more prominent role. The fusion of live instrumentation with electronic beats is growing stronger. Advancements in technology, including AI, will open new creative possibilities, but I think that authenticity and the human touch will remain at the core of great music.
f: What’s next for Mr OFFBeat? Can we expect more releases, collaborations, or live showcases to celebrate 25 years of Wagon Cookin’?
Mr OFFBeat: Absolutely! Tangled Soul is just the beginning. I have more solo releases coming, along with remixes and collaborations that blend various influences. We’re also celebrating Wagon Cookin’s 25th anniversary with special releases, including reinterpretations of our projects Nebari and Mr OFFBeat. Live performances are also in the works as we continue evolving while staying true to the essence of our music.