[INTERVIEW] RSquared Talk Defected, Ibiza Virality, & Becoming 1001 Tracklists’ 'Future Of Dance' Artists

Formed by Ryan and Rory while studying at Bournemouth University, RSquared have evolved from local selectors into one of the UK’s most talked-about electronic duos.

Their infectious mix of disco-inspired grooves, rolling percussion, and 80s-tinged melodies has earned them releases on labels like Defected, In The Mood, and Knee Deep In Sound, along with heavyweight support from Jamie Jones, Hot Since 82, and Marco Carola.

Following the viral explosion of their track “Fantasy”, now signed to Defected, the duo’s momentum has skyrocketed. From being featured in 1001 Tracklists’ “Future of Dance” 2025 list to embarking on their first South American tour, RSquared are proving their ability to connect timeless energy with modern house innovation.

In this exclusive iEDM Q&A, they open up about their creative chemistry, viral moments, and how it feels to see their dream unfolding in real time.

Check out our exclusive interview with RSquared below. 

iEDM: You both met at Bournemouth University and quickly connected over music. What moment made you realize RSquared could become something bigger than just a university project?

RSquared: It was just about the music and parties at first, nothing serious. But after a few years of messing around together and hearing what people thought, we started thinking bigger. We left university in 2019, took the leap, and every year’s been better, with 2025 being our biggest year to date.

iEDM: Your sound has evolved from early tech house influences into a more refined, sample-driven style. How would you describe the RSquared sound today?

RSquared: When we first started making music, we were heavily influenced by Iglesias, who was a great mentor for us in the first few years. But after a while we realized we needed to go off into our own sound to really make an impact.

As we started experimenting, we quickly noticed that we were heavily inspired by disco and 80s music, but we still wanted to have that underground rave feel. This is how we managed to get to the sound we are at today.

iEDM: “Fantasy” has been one of your biggest records yet! What was the creative spark behind that track and its 80s-inspired energy?

RSquared: We originally found the sample online and were both vibing. We played around with the track and loved the drums we made but something wasn’t working with the bottom end. Rory ended up taking over 5 hours just to change it to perfect the bassline; it was definitely worth it in the end. 

iEDM: The Ibiza Final Boss meme brought “Fantasy” massive attention this summer. How did that moment impact your career and fanbase?

RSquared: It brought about amazing exposure for the track and just proves that sometimes people don’t know what they like until they hear it. We were doing around 1000 streams a day on Spotify before that famous video and within a couple of days we were up to 40,000 streams a day.

We were shocked at the exposure it got, especially as we originally released it on our self release label, RWorks, and then the cherry on the top was it being re-released on Defected. None of this would have been possible without that video.

iEDM: You recently released your two-track EP, ‘Bring That Heat.’ How does it build on what you’ve released before, and what vibe or setting do you envision either of the tracks being played in?

RSquared: This shows the other side to our production style, we have the 80s “Fantasy” style that we love, then also then underground rave style that we feel 'Bring That Heat' showcases.

We made these purely for a club, with Nicole Moudaber's label in mind. So we were ecstatic when she wanted to sign the tracks, and to see her massive support on this EP in the clubs was amazing.

iEDM: Getting signed to Nicole Moudaber’s In The Mood and Defected Records are major milestones. What have those collaborations meant for you as artists?

RSquared: Defected is the biggest label in house music, so when they contacted us to resign the already released “Fantasy” we were over the moon. It increased the exposure for us as artists x10 and we couldn’t be more thankful.

Getting signed to ‘In The Mood’ was another massive milestone and as a result of the release we had the opportunity to warm the room up for Nicole at her In The Mood showcase at E1, London. This was a massive accomplishment for us.

iEDM: You’ve been supported by legends like Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, and Hot Since 82. How does it feel seeing artists you once looked up to now playing your tracks? Which artist would you love to go B2B with, and why?

RSquared: Every time we get support from the biggest in the world, it still feels amazing and never seems to get old. We’d love to go B2B with Paco Osuna or Nicole Moudaber because they have been our biggest supporters so far, booking us for their shows and signing our music.

iEDM: From Fabric London to E1 and now a South American tour, your live sets are reaching new heights. How do your performances differ based on the venue and the country you are playing in?

RSquared: UK crowds are a lot different to the crowds in South America. In South America the crowds are crazy, limbs are flying everywhere and in the UK they are a little more subdued.

We still love playing in our home country just as much, though there is a noticeable difference in the cultures and crowds. Also, in South America they seem to love more infectious groove based music compared to the UK where it seems to be a bit more vocal based.

We still end up playing similar sets with minor changes because we feel the promoters are booking us because they like what we make, so why change our sets completely upside down due to the location.

iEDM: Congrats on being spotlighted in 1001 Tracklists’ “Future Of Dance” producers for 2025! What does that recognition mean to you?

RSquared: This was a major highlight to top off our best year to date. When you start to get the recognition after what you feel is many years of hard graft, it is an incredible feeling. It is not always about accolades but this one felt special.

iEDM: Looking ahead, what can fans expect from your upcoming releases and plans to break into the US scene — maybe even Miami Music Week 2026?

RSquared: Upcoming releases include the follow-up track to “Fantasy” on RWorks. This one's called “What U Need” so we are very excited about that after our last RWorks success. We have a four-track EP and a single signed with Manda Moors label ‘Moodchild’.

We are currently in the process of getting our O-1 Artist US Visa so we hope to have it secured by early 2026, so playing at Miami Music Week is a possibility. This opens up loads of new opportunities for us and a massive market that we have yet been able to take advantage of.

CONNECT WITH RSQUARED: SPOTIFY | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD

Photos courtesy of @mindofmoto.

Read more iEDM Exclusive Interviews HERE!

Upgrade your rave wardrobe with iEDM apparel and accessories. Check out our entire collection HERE!