For well over a decade, Fadil El Ghoul, better known to the world as R3HAB, has remained an unstoppable force at the absolute forefront of the global electronic dance music scene. Emerging from the highly influential Dutch house movement of the late 2000s, the Moroccan-Dutch producer quickly established himself as a master of high-energy club anthems before seamlessly transitioning into a multi-platinum global phenomenon.
His extensive catalogue is characterised by massive crossover successes, from the global chart-topping resurgence of ‘All Around The World (La La La)’ to the dance-pop smash ‘Rock My Body’. Never one to stand still, R3HAB is now preparing to unveil his highly anticipated new studio album, Dream Inside A Dream, which is scheduled to drop on July 31st. Teased by recent standout singles like ‘Ghost Town’ and the introspective deep house journey ‘All My Life’, the forthcoming body of work promises to showcase a more cinematic and personal side to his musical vision, effortlessly balancing mainstage energy with deeper melodic textures. As the countdown to the album begins, we dive into the career milestones, historic successes, and the creative evolution of one of dance music’s true heavyweights.
The talented artist today joins us for our Where It Started series – diving into the songs that inspired and shaped his life and music journey. From pop music to the early days of EDM, R3HAB shares the stories behind the tracks that made him who he is today.
Tracy Chapman – Fast Car
I feel this record is the start of a journey. “You have a fast car, I have a dream to get us out of here.” I think that sentence is very beautiful because, in a way, it’s about the journey of having bigger dreams.
The Prodigy – No Good
This record got me into breakdancing. The video in the basement, black and white, with the electronic sounds, was something very special and different for me.
The Prodigy – Out of Space
I think this was one of the first electronic music records I ever saw in my life. Insane video with very strange editing, an ostrich, and just a very interesting vibe overall.
2 Unlimited – No Limit
Very big in Holland and very catchy. Also electronic music, and it slowly started getting me hooked on electronic music.
Snap! – The Power
I always loved that song as a little kid. Just the emotion of the male versus female synergy in the vocals. “Snap back or I will attack, and you don’t want that.” That always stayed with me.
Tiësto – Lethal Industry
I remember this record because Tiësto is from the same city as me, and that was a really big moment for me. Seeing that video and seeing him DJing made a huge impression on me. Tiësto is a legend.
Gigi D’Agostino – L’Amour Toujours
One of my favorite records to this day. I later found out it’s kind of like a male opera-style singer pitched up, which makes it even more interesting. The synth work and the riff are magical.
Swedish House Mafia – One
I remember hearing that for the first time and thinking, “What is this magical professor shit?” It was a real eye-opener for me. The production quality was insanely good.
R3HAB & Swanky Tunes feat. Max C – Sending My Love
This was one of the first times I felt like I could really make anything I dreamed of if I just put in the time. I spent a lot of time on that record, so it became very special to me.
Also, I remember Swedish House Mafia playing it in 2011 or 2012 before it was even released because they had asked for it. That was a very special moment in my career.
R3HAB is set to release
