Robbie Rivera can be considered one of house music’s living legends, working up a worldwide reputation since the late 90s. Hailing from Puerto Rico, residing in Miami, he’s released a string of club hits, EPs and albums since then, released on labels like Spinnin’ Records, Subliminal, Axtone, Dim Mak and his very own Juicy Music. Now the house master returns with ‘Organic’on Doorn, a real tribal feel for the dancefloor destined to make bodies sweat…
Interview with Dan Prince
Robbie a massive welcome back to DMCWORLD, where on planet earth are we finding you today?
What’s up old friend! I am home in Miami planning my weekend gigs.
Your favorite piece of music you have heard today?
Today I just heard this new track on Spinnin called “Where are you now”. There is no artist name but loving the house vibe. So happy house music is everywhere again. Good music never dies.
Well Mr Rivera here we are again. Another huge spine tingling tune from the house music maestro! This time it’s Doorn Records bringing us your music in the form of ‘Organic’, a real tribal number full of dark vocal samples and compelling synths. Talk us through the tune…I hear a glass of wine started proceedings for this tune that really doesn’t sound like anything out there right now…
You heard it right. I like to be original in my work and think outside the box. For this track I had a folder full of percussion loops and effects that I had never used. It was about 6pm so that’s happy hour in my studio. I was done talking to my agents and managers and setting up releases for the label so a glass of wine chills me out and puts me in the zone with a clear mind to produce a track. I did the track in about two hours. I basically kept it so simple like when I did “feel this” on Strictly Rhythm. I thought to myself , is this too simple for the new generation of fans? Well you know me I take risks on music and I felt the vibe on this one specially on the breakdown and the bassline. I tested it over the weekend and I loved it.
Did you have any nerves releasing the tune or was it just a case of ‘I cannot wait to see the dancefloor’s reaction as this builds’…
I sent it to Spinnin and told them to show this to Sander he might dig it. I was not nervous but curious if anybody would like it. Nervous in NY wanted the track as well.
How has 2016 treated you so far, where have been some of your stand out gigs outside of Miami?
This year has been cool and challenging as well. I rebranded the Juicy Label and did a partnership with Armada for the future releases. I signed with ATA Agency in the UK and signed singles to Spinnin, Axtone, Doorn and Armada . I also have Pete Gooding managing me so I am expecting a busy 2017. The re- releases of FUNKATRON with Tom Staar really took off this past summer. I also got to perform in Italy again which it had been a while and I love Italians. They love house music! I did Pacha Ibiza with Bob Sinclar and it was massive and I also performed at Cafe Mambo which I had not performed there since Subliminal Sessions so you can imagine how long it was!
And just how good is Wall Lounge at the moment in your home city?
Wall in Miami is a super cool venue because it’s small with a proper sound system. It is dark and sexy. Saturdays is all about house , tech house and techno.
Your favorite track of the year?
Bob Sinclar & Daddy’s Groove-Burnin.
Do you think 2016 has been a good year for house music?
I think so. Everybody wants to produce house music again. Even artists that do not produce this style of music decided to create their one style calling it future house but as I always say it’s all dance music to me. There are so many great producers keeping it real, down to the beats and sounds used. Even mastering tracks with older gear to make it sound authentic house. I like Mark Knight, CamelPhat, The Cube Guys, Herve, Bob Sinclar, David Tort, CID, Prok & Fitch, Todd Terry, Low Steppa, My Digital Enemy, Prok & Fitch, Oscar G, Sted-E & Hybrid Heights, Paige, NXNY, Claptone and many more.
What was the last album you listened to all the way through?
CHVRCHES-EVERY OPEN EYE. The songs and the tracks move me. Puts me in a good mood or make me think. That’s good music.
The last time you danced to a DJ…
Basement Jaxx at Pacha in Ibiza
Your favorite DJ to go back to back with…
I went b2b with Tiesto a few years ago in Ibiza and with Roger Sanchez in Miami but I honestly don’t have a favorite. If I had to pick a Dj to go b2b with it would be Bob Sinclar as we play similar sometimes.
What are the 5 big tunes in the Robbie box this weekend
1. Bob Sinclar & Daddy’s Groove-Burnin
I think the use of the vocal from Thelma Houston was brilliant and the happy chords and vibes work really well. Puts a smile on my face and the clubbers. FYI I just finished remixing this tune!
2. Robbie Rivera – Organic
I play this when I have the crowd already hypnotized with my set. This tune takes them somewhere.
3. John Gibbons -Would I Lie To You
John Ross x LPR mix-I don’t play so many vocals in a 2 hour set so I always look for those special ones. This track world very well.
4. Benny Camaro – Las Dos Lunas
Deep house anthem for me.
5. Groove Armada – Superstylin (Riva Starr edit)
All about the bassline and beats. Always been a fan of Groove Armada.
What would be a perfect 24 hours in the life of Robbie Rivera…
Waking up early, having breakfast and then working on music with no distraction. Only my wife and dog can distract me but everything else can wait! Including social media pressure!!!
The last time you got really mad at something?
This morning! I have a Yorkie and I am taking care of another one for a week and now both are upset and don’t want to eat. So dramatic these cute dogs.
A producer who is really doing it for you at the moment…
This one is hard because I like so many. At the moment I am really loving David Tort’s work. Good balance of house and tech house.
And finally, what is coming out next from your studio…
My next single is a collaboration with one of my favorite bands New Order. I took a track from their 80’s catalog and did my own version. It’s an instrumental melodic track with a memorable and beautiful string melody that only New Order can do. The track is called “your silent face” and it will be released on Juicy Music /Armada. I also have a new single on Armada called “Get Down” that’s a techy house banger with sick vocals. I must thank Fatboy Slim for the vocals as he gave them to me. Norman is such a nice man.
Robbie Rivera – ‘Organic’ – Out now on DOORN Records
Get it here: https://robbierivera.lnk.to/Organic!PR
