Step into his garden…
Hi Raphael. Good to speak to you.
I understand you are in the studio in your home country of Switzerland at the moment. Huge new debut album entitled ‘Niwa’ coming out in February on Joris Voorn’s and Edwin Oosterwal’s Green label – talk us through the tracks, some beautiful pieces of music – what songs stand out for you?
“The whole album to be honest Dan. The point about it is that it’s one complete piece of music. If you are going to push me however, track 2 ‘At Peace’ and track 12 ‘Randon Violence’ are very strong in their edit’s.”
How did you hook up with Joris Voorn and Edwin Oosterwal in the first place?
“We were playing in Rotterdam at the same party; we got on well, kept in touch with each other and respected each other’s music. We exchanged music over the Internet and when my album was near completion it was the obvious thing to do to send it to them. I made the first track quite quickly then my girlfriend fell pregnant and we had a baby girl, which obviously kept me busy () for a while, a couple of years later though the album was all complete.
You’ve been DJing around the world since 1993, scooped a Diesel U Music Award ten years later – what have been your favourite clubs you’ve played at around the world?
“Wow, so many great clubs. Favourites? The End in London, Panorama in Berlin – or any of the big parties in South America where the sun is shining and people are focusing on the music.”
‘Niwa’ has to be one of the most thoughtfully put album musically we have heard in a long time. It sounds like a journey of your life. And it’s timeless. A record that will be on people’s shelves for a long to come. ‘Niwa’ means garden in Japanese – talk us through the concept of this…
“I was sitting in the park one day, making music and the concept just came together. An album combining different elements. Somewhere quiet, some places like restaurants where there is life. I don’t really like the meanings of ‘garden’ is in England and France for instance, Japanese is more poetic. I have toured there twice and love it.”
The album has a pace that we don’t see much anymore, nothing is rushed – where in the world has been the most chilled place you have been to – where has been the best ever sunset?
“It all depends on the moment. I could be sitting somewhere alone, with some friends maybe, any one moment can aspire you or raise your spirits.”
Biggest 10 tunes you are into right now?
Ripperton (Perspectiv/Green) – Top 10
1. Four Tet – There is love in you – Domino
2. Ripperton – Random Violence (Joris Voorn Remix) Green Records
3. Jonny White & James Teej – Narcobalada (+ Chaton Remix) Perspectiv
Records
4. Craig McWhinney – Deep In The Hurt Locker (Christian Vance Remix) Haul
Music
5. Quenum – Nude B Runner – Sthlmaudio
6. Behling & Simpson – Tetch (+ October Remix) Perspectiv Records
7. Teeloo – Habitant (Ripperton Remix) – No19 Music
8. Larry Heard – Déjà-vu (Musaria Mix) – Alleviated
9. Ripperton – Leonor’s lanugo (Radioslaves Mixes) Green Records
10. Ryan Crosson – Metro Bunker – Eklo
What one artist would you like to get in your studio and make a record with?
“I am really liking Four Tet’s new album – they are amazing.”
Music you are into at the moment…
“Nina Simone”
So going back. A musical family, you were born in the 70s, was there someone in your household playing music that inspired you with their music?
“My parents loved their music, Pop music but also great US acts – I remember the D Train tunes so much.”
You have also released tunes on such celebrated labels as Ovum, Dessous, Rekids and your own imprint Perspectiv – what in your opinion has been your best ever release?
“Ha ha – I am sure everyone says this, the best is next to come. As an artist you always have to look to the future, not what you have already created. But I’m really proud of the Radiohead remix…”
What’s clublife like in Switzerland these days, are there big clubs?
“It’s not a good time now for Swiss clubs, it’s all gone a bit commercial. Sure there are big clubs, but the music has changed here at the moment.”
ripperton.com
myspace.com/raphaelripperton
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