Superstar Rivera absolutely Roxing it as the Miami main man delivers again.
Welcomeback to DMC, Robbie. Well, you have been at the forefront/middle of the two massive waves of dance music’s emergence in the States. It looks now as though the Americans have finally embraced the sounds as mainstream pop. Is it fair to say that the Americans once again has the upper hand in the worldwide music bragging stakes and why do you think it has taken so long to happen?
Words: Dan Prince
“That’s right dance music is huge in America and I am happy to be involved again. This time it is great because radio is supporting EDM and there are so many festivals and clubs to dj at. People say Las Vegas has become the Ibiza of this side of the world except there are no beaches! Any given weekend in Las Vegas you have multiple DJs playing different venues. Whether its Mondays, Sundays, Thursdays, there is something going on everyday of the week. Similar to Ibiza, Miami is becoming like this as well; I love it! The reason i feel it has taken so long for America to get back into dance music is mainly due to the fact that radio in America supports Rock, Rap, Country Music, Alternative music. Dance Music was at the end of the list. When satellite radio (SiriusXM) took off and other companies like Pandora and I Heart Radio started adding mix shows and dance music stations, fans had more access. The festivals have also contributed to the growth. For example, Ultra Music Festival, Coachella, and Electric Daisy Carnival, move masses of dance music lovers. We are talking 50,000 to 100,000 kids per night. Some even more! We also have to thank David Guetta as his radio-friendly tracks have helped America’s love for EDM.”
New tune – new hysteria! Talk us through your ‘Roxy’ smash…
“Well, I was in my Miami studio and wanted to write and produce a happy track that you could listen when you wake up in the morning and say to yourself “I am ready to make this a great day”. I also wanted a track to play towards the end of my sets. I like to leave my fans with a happy, uplifting tune after experiencing my banging sets. I tested the track at Surrender in Las Vegas first, and loved the reaction. The track needed a title and my wife, Monica said to name it after our dog (yorkie) as she is always hanging in the studio and is a very, very happy dog! The track has taken off worldwide and now we have plans to add a vocal and make it a radio hit for summer.”
What else have you up your sleeve musically for the next twelve months?
“I have a bus tour all over America. We are rocking like 25 University campuses across the US! I am releasing my album, ‘Dance or Die -The Collection’ in March. Also doing Juicy Beach 2012!”
What is your current Top 10?
1.Robbie Rivera – Roxy
2. Duck Sauce-Big Bad Wolf – Dada Life mix
3. Robbie Rivera feat. Jes-Turn It Around – Nari & Milani vs Maurizio Gubellini mix
4. David Jones – Gigolo
5. Dero – Acid Door
6. Utra Nate – Save Me
7. Tony Arzadon feat Nikki Kay – Moments
8. Leventina – We Are Gonna Start
9. Robbie Rivera – Makes Me Feel Good
10. Tommy Trash – Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll
What are the plans for Juicy in Miami and Ibiza? Who, what, why, when!?!
“Juicy Beach will be March 22 at Nikki Beach. I can only tell you phase one of the line up! Robbie Rivera, Roger Sanchez, Bob Sinclar, Tommy Trash, Bassjackers. I have not planned Ibiza yet, but I will be there, like every year….”
What are your thoughts on Miami March month now that the camp has split into two with Ultra and WMC?
“Well it’s kind of annoying. Can’t we all just get a long!”
For someone living on planet Pluto and hasn’t had the joy of a Rivera Juicy session, how would you describe the Juicy sound?
“My sound is “tuff, sexy house music”. Energetic, uplifting and in your face!”
So when do you up sticks and settle down on your sunlounger in Ibiza for the Summer, you must be looking forward to it, everyone in the UK is muttering that this is going to be an incredible summer on the white isle…
“Yes last summer was amazing. I have had a villa there for the past 4 years and this summer it is gonna be huge!”
So we head back to your house after the club, what is the Robbie Rivera Back To Basics Top 10 you spin us to chill…?
1. Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved
2. Robbie Rivera – Closer To The Sun – Chill Out mix
3. Coldplay – Fix You
4. The Doors – Riders On The Storm
5. Guns & Roses – Paradise City
6. Deep Dish – Say Hello
7. Maxi Priest – Wild World
8. Cavin Harris – I’m Not Alone (Deadmau5 mix)
9. Mylo-In My Arms
10. Bob Sinclar – Love Generation
What new/up and coming producers have you spotted that we should be looking out for in 2012?
“I like Tommy Trash, David Jones, David Solano, Stefano Pain, Alex Cuesta, Tony Arzadon and Dero.”
Did you visit any new countries in 2011 that blew you away?
“I went to Fortaleza, Brazil and it was huge. 10,000 people going nuts to Juicy Music.”
What continues to be your greatest motivation in both making and playing music? Have you set new goals.
“The fans. Social media has made it so cool to interact with fans and it is a great feeling when you see them tweeting and posting songs that I have done 10 years ago along with songs that I just did the other day. My goal is to have a radio hit this year.”
What is the finest record you have ever played to a dancefloor?
“Faithless – ‘Insomnia’.”
You are great friends with Ultra Nate who keeps on returning with stunning vocal after vocal – what is it about Nate that makes her so damn good?
“The sweetness her voice has. It’s so unique and makes you feel good when you listen!”
What is the best album in your collection?
“Bob Marley – ‘Legend’.”
And finally, when you finally hang up your disco boots and headphones, how would you like to be remembered for your superb time behind the decks and in the studio by the people on the dancefloor…?
“Never had this asked before! I guess for always making people smile on the dancefloor…”
Check out Robbie’s new track ‘Roxy’ which is out now on Beatport! Link to Beatport-> http://bit.ly/w68mVU
Photos courtesy of rukes.com
