The Dutch superstar gearing up for ADE
Interview by Rob Chadwick
Hey Riva, welcome back to DMNCWORLD. How has the summer been for you, what sticks in your mind for the right reasons…?
Well, Defected @ Amnesia has definately been a big party this summer for sure…and another highlight has been the 3 hours b2b with legend and good friend DJ Pierre at Tomorrowland!
Do you get much music writing done in summer or is it more about partying?
Both to be honest. I make music all the time, when I travel is the time I get the chance to write down all of the ideas and then later finish them in the studio!
Tell us about your relationship with Defected?
Whats are your thoughts on the label as you play with the at ADE…
I’ve been collaborating with the guys since 2010 (I did a DITH MIAMI compilation and a few rmxs like the Dennis Ferrer – Hey Hey, Reboot and Arthur Baker’s one. We all share our love for house music and I feel like their parties are great for my style and there’s always a wicked vibe. ADE’s party is definitely one of their top parties too so really looking forward!
And same question Strictly Rhythm – is it a label that has inspired or influenced you much?
Well, it s a legendary label indeed! I reckon pretty much all the house DJs have been influenced or have played at least a couple of tunes from them, so it’s a nice combination for the ADE party!
What will you pack for the Strictly Defected party? What should people expect?
I get new stuff and edit all the time…stuff I do just for my sets and also music that I will release in the forthcoming months…so plenty of suprises and fresh cuts for sure!
And as a city, how do you like Amsterdam, any tips for anyone coming over?
Amsterdam is amazing. I personally like to get lost thru the canal’s paths or have a coffee or two at the local shops!!
How hard is it as an elder statesman to stay in peoples minds? You broke through with some massive hits, has it been hard to keep on cooking up the goods?
I suppose if you try hard to keep up with the hits then yeah, it could become really hard and frustrating. My way? I keep on doing what I like…that means you keep it true to yourself and make music that you like rather than make something that others might like! Sometimes it’s a big tune, sometimes it’s a cool DJ tool…I’m not obsessed with being the No. 1…
Generally what are your thoughts on the Dutch scene – they seem to have nailed the festival market…
The Dutch scene is very healthy, on the underground front also! I just signed for my label SNATCH! a new project called ANOTR (they just released for DFTD as well) – and yes, they have a lot of very nice festivals… they have a very professional way of doing things and I quite like their style.
What else are you looking forward to for the rest of this year?
I’m playing a few key gigs in the States also with my GENGHIS CLAN side project and I’m wrapping up the next 3 releases that should be out within the end of the year stay tuned!
Catch Riva Star at AIR Amsterdam during ADE
