Natty Rico stands as one of the most unique and exciting live performers in the electronic music space, blending his unparalleled saxophone mastery with groove-inducing productions that prove as worthy for at-home and radio listening as they do for major festival stages. Having built an arsenal of globally-adored originals and remixes that put his saxophone talents front and centre, Natty now unveils the latest addition to his flourishing back-catalogue. “If You Were Gone” is available now across all streaming platforms via Natty Rico’s own label, RED EMPTION…
Welcome to DMC World Mag Natty, where in the world are you currently?
I’m currently at home in Las Vegas, but I’m about to leave on tour in Texas for 5 days!
For those of our readers who are not yet familiar with you and your music, could you tell us a little about yourself?
I would say that I’m the first DJ to incorporate live saxophone elements into my DJ sets. I’m a performer above anything else and I love to be in contact with people and give my energy to a crowd who gives it back! I also produce a lot and music – I try not to limit myself too much and produce in all styles, but through this, you can still hear my signature sound.
You’re an incredibly talented Saxophonist, at what age did you start playing and what is it about the instrument that you love so much?
I started playing the saxophone when I was just 7 years old and I feel like I just fell in love with it straight away. I was first introduced to the sax because I saw a friend of my parents playing it.
Your sound is very unique and recognisable, when was the moment that you began to think about experimenting with a live saxophone within a DJ set?
At first, I was only playing sax. I had no idea about house music or club culture really! I come from the Jazz and Blues, so I had to learn this brand new style and in fact I started to love it the more I delved into it. I then made the decision to also DJ since I could do way more doing both. I had to work my own skills, find my own tricks, scratch whilst playing sax, or using other parts of my body since I have only 2 hands to be able to press play while playing sax.. I created a whole new concept
You recently release your latest single ‘If You Were Gone’ with vocalist Chaz Mason. We’re a huge fan of the track. Where did the inspiration come from for this one and how long did the overall production take?
There is a funny story behind this track! I was with Chaz and we recorded a song together – very pop heavy. I came back to my studio, and I was listening to the acapella of Chaz and few sentences on the vocal really touched me: “If I wake up one day and you were gone” “Just hold me tight” “never let go” “One day” and I made a full new song out of this! Chaz was surprised at first but then he totally loved the idea.
You’re originally from France but moved to Las Vegas, what was the decision behind the relocation and how does the music scene there differ?
I’m originally from Nantes in France, and the music scene over there is very focused on Jazz and Classical. They do host a lot of festivals and concerts but sadly I’ve not been back for 2 years due to covid. Vegas is my favorite city in America, I am a resident every Thursday at the Cosmo and I love the vibe over there. There are so many people coming from all over the country to see my show and that is amazing. I also spend a lot of time in my studio in downtown Vegas and get a lot of inspiration there.
What can we expect from you going into 2022?
I have a lot of new music and cool stuff coming up this year which I can’t yet share with you. But I’m very excited about what’s to come.
Any final words for our readers?
Thanks so much for having me on the magazine! For those who are not yet familiar with my music, you can check out some of my tracks on Spotify and follow me on Instagram @NattyRico
