Contributing WriterARKADYAN return with Forever We Young, a collaboration with vocalist Yana Mann that blends their live Afro-house sound with subtle classical inflections, released via Africanism.
Known for fusing organic instrumentation with club-ready rhythms, ARKADYAN draw on jazz, reggae, and salsa to craft intricate yet accessible productions. Their performances at Tomorrowland, CHINOIS Ibiza, and Surf Club Dubai have cemented their reputation for live, improvisational sets that retain a strong dancefloor focus.
Following their earlier link-up on Esperanza, Forever We Young sees ARKADYAN and Mann reconnect. Her atmospheric vocal lines weave through the trio’s crisp percussion and melodic textures, creating a track that feels fluid and tightly structured in equal measure.
Released on Africanism—a label with deep roots in Afro-influenced house—the track nods to a rhythmic tradition while pushing it into new territory.
With the track out now, we asked Marina, Gabriel and Benjy to pick out 10 of the key tracks that influence ARKADYAN’s sound.
MARINA
Ethnica – Nico de Andreas, Vanetty
We love this track , because the sound is simple, original and gives a good tension. We created a trumpet track (it is not released yet) which has been inspired by Ethnica.
Eternity – Chris Avantgarde, Anyma (ofc)
Our masterpiece “Forever We Young” originally was inspired by “Eternity” because of its emotional breakdown and at the same time strong build up and modern sound. We just felt free and happy during this breakdown and build up, so immediately we called Yana Mann and explained that we needed to do a collaboration with the similar emotions in the middle of the track.
Les Gout – Rampa , Chuala
Of Course we have some inspiration from Keinemusik crue for their chilled – groovy and summer style. We did one unrelease African song with the same cool flow called “Zola”
“Captive of the Caucasus”
Lately we have been inspired by very old Russian movie. The melody is so interesting and just matching with our style. Obviously, we will not do exactly as it is in this song , but it gave us good inspiration and we will work on it to make it ARKADYAN way.
GABRIEL
Jestofunk – Say it Again
This 1995 track is iconic to me. In my memory, this heady melody was one of the first ideas which stayed in my mind for months. The groove of this track is timeless, I defy anyone not to dance on this banger!
Blakan Beat Box
Because they were the first or among the first to mix electronic music with Balkanic music…Almost 20 years ago they had this fantastic idea to combine those 2 different univers…today it’s our turn to make some good music with those spicy ingredients!
Notre Dame – Yumi
This success of 2022 shows perfectly the power of a good melody : a simple sentence can stay in mind and put you into a good mood for a long time…I think this track and its construction is the dream of every producer …the perfect example that sometimes, the simplest things are the best!
BENJY
Samin – Heater
This song 17 years ago was truly fresh and groovy, but most of all the proof that folklorical music can be mixed with house music and could make everyone happy. Is now in 2025 what we still do with ARKADYAN productions and live on stage.
Laurent Garnier – HTVI
Again, we believe that this anthem from Laurent Garnier stuck in our brain as a very good memory. A fantasy house music with live percussion that brings you smile when you focus on the lyrics. When we produce we always have a goal to make people happy with organic flow and a happy vibe.
Dimitri From Paris – Talking All That Jazz
This song opened our brain to mix jazz and house music, so groovy, so pushy, so happy. In our next album we wanted a few songs to pay tribute to jazz as well, and thanks to tracks like this one, we are never shy to explore mixing jazz standards from the past with electronic sounds, it’s in our DNA.