Aris Kokou is a multifaceted producer, musician and DJ from Athens, whose work bridges soulful depth, jazz-rooted harmony and Afro–Brazilian rhythmic tradition. With a career spanning more than two decades, his sound has evolved into a distinctive musical language — spiritual, emotive and deeply human.
Emerging from the vibrant evolution of the ’90s electronic scene, Aris built his foundation through studies in jazz piano and classical music, while developing an intuitive connection with a wide range of influences: from 60s and 70s soul, bossa and spiritual jazz to drum & bass, house, broken beats, reggae and dub. This diversity shaped a signature aesthetic that flows across tempos and genres without ever losing its identity.
In the mid-90s he formed the projects Intersperse and Eastern Strategy, releasing on influential labels such as Good Looking Records and Plastic City Suburbia — early milestones that positioned him within the global underground community. His debut album Seven Days in Heaven revealed a producer capable of blending musicality, emotional depth and forward-thinking production at a time when genre boundaries were still rigid.
A notable chapter in his career was his collaboration with Grammy Award-winning artist Jody Watley, contributing production and remixes that led to chart success on the Billboard Soul charts, further establishing his credibility as a creator of timeless, sophisticated music.
In 2014, Aris founded Deep Soul Space Records, an independent imprint dedicated to heartfelt, soul-infused electronic music. The label has since become a hub for like-minded artists — a community built on musicianship, authenticity and emotional expression.
Beyond his studio work, Aris is an engaging live performer and DJ, often blending percussions, keys and improvisation into his sets. He has also served as a mentor and tutor at SAE Institute, sharing his experience with emerging producers and helping shape a new generation of artists.
Today, Aris Kokou stands as a creator with a clear artistic vision: music that connects cultures, eras and emotions. His work is defined not by trends, but by a commitment to craft, depth and spiritual resonance. Through each project, he continues to expand his own musical language — one rooted in soul, rhythm and the pursuit of meaning.
