How Onelight Built ‘Autobody’ Over Three Years of Hybrid Production

25 February 2026
Onelight by Gael Rapon
Onelight by Gael Rapon

After three and a half years in development, Autobody emerges as Onelight’s most focused statement yet.

R&B sensuality threaded through electronic architecture, warmth moving inside circuitry.

The record threads organic vocals into futuristic frameworks, balancing club-weight low end with intimate toplines and digital tension. Cinematic, slightly unsettling, deliberate in its contrasts.

Blending genres is what defines me, I think the mix of electronic sounds and R&B vocals is the most exciting combination.

Autobody refines the hybrid lane — experimental, immersive, structurally controlled.

That hot and cold contrast. I just love it and that makes the music interesting when you use vocals. It vibrates deeply to me. It is like bringing soul to the machines.

Autobody feels like a leap. What made this the moment for your most ambitious statement?

Thank you! It is my most accomplished work so far indeed, probably because I spent more than 3 years working on it. And also because I feel more confident with my vision and the vibe I want to bring after 10 years of producing music. I also have the chance to work with great vocalists that allow me to complete my vision fully!

Onelight by Gael Rapon
Onelight by Gael Rapon

You sit between R&B and electronic music. What keeps that tension creatively alive?

I think both musical styles are deeply connected and very creative these days. It comes from the BPM and the sounds we use, from synths to drums. They can be very similar. Maybe it’s not made in a conscious way by most producers but I always felt that connection since the 90s and it keeps inspiring me very much.

After three years of shaping the album, what changed most in your sound or mindset?

How my music age has always been a big concern for me, especially in our present times where everything goes so fast. Also because it’s a long process to make an album. I always worry about being outdated or out of trends somehow. But fortunately I’m being consistent with myself and the vision hasn’t changed in three years. It just became more ambitious, in a way that I want the album to be listened to on repeat mode. I also don’t follow trends that much, I do the music I want to hear and use some elements of every current trend to make them mine. In the end,  a good piece of music remains one in time when it’s made with heart I guess.

Onelight by Gael Rapon
Onelight by Gael Rapon

The record balances organic emotion and synthetic design. How intentional was that balance?

This balance is absolutely essential in my music. That hot and cold contrast. I just love it and that makes the music interesting when you use vocals. It vibrates deeply to me. It is like bringing soul to the machines.

You play with hooks and experimentation. Where do you draw the risk line?

I think I like when a vocal track remains catchy so a wide kind of audience can hear it and appreciate it. This is certainly the most difficult thing to do music wise. I think it has to stay catchy as much as possible.

Onelight by Gael Rapon
Onelight by Gael Rapon

How did you blend R&B vocals into futuristic production without losing intimacy?

That’s the goal, to keep the RnB vocals sensual despite the experimental electronic touch. I am lucky enough to work with vocalists who understand my music. JJ Singleton, Tristan Price, Nikkie Ariel, Donelle Valentine and Essjay TheAfrocentricRatchet to name them all on this album. I think we just have to remain open minded and vibe with the music to keep the intimacy. The love of music always prevails.

How did AI-driven visuals influence your sonic decisions?

AI  visuals came along at the very beginning of  the album process actually. I think it can be an exceptional tool to work with and expand your vision and creativity. Of course we have to get ideas first of all. It also opened my mind to that great team work between a human mind and a digital brain.

The album feels cinematic and slightly unsettling. How central was visual thinking to the writing?

My music is very visual since the first song I ever did. I get inspired a lot by movies and visual art. So maybe that’s an explanation. Creating mental images when I hear music has always been a part of me. 

Autobody feels more defined than past work. What compromises were you making?

I never make any compromise actually. This is the luxury of being fully independent. 

For first-time listeners, what do you want Autobody to leave behind — a feeling or a question?

It’s all about a feeling ! Music is all about feelings and vibrations. If it makes you feel good, even for just a few minutes, my mission here is complete!

©fm

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