Ricardo Rae
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When I think about Australia, I get visions of cricket, koala's and stoned surfers with funny accents talking about skewing things on barbies, whatever the hell that may be. What doesn't pop up in my mind though, is the land Down Under as a hotbed for underground house talent, yet a peep in many of today's most popular jocks proves that assumption oh so wrong. One of the most anticipated records of this year was made by Ozzie duo Lamanex. DJ Freestyle has been a staple name in the deephouse scene for quite some time, and, as my humble record collection goes on to show, there's a new Australian force to be reckoned with: Melbourne's Ricardo Rae. Responsible for one of the best Aroma releases yet - Where does the love go - and a handful of other essential records over the past two years, it's time we meet up with Ricardo (who happens to be one of the nicest people I've talked to over the years)
2006 seems to have been the year you established yourself internationally. Seemingly out of nowhere, you released a critically acclaimed EP on Tango followed by an absolutely massive single on Aroma. Where did it all start for you, and how did you end up getting in touch with Tony Hewitt and Raoul?
It all started when I made the transition from "musician" to "producer" during my time studying jazz bass in Queensland Australia. I was experimenting with recording musicians but I soon discovered the best way to get the sounds I wanted was to make them myself! I was involved with different types of electronic music before I put down my first house beats, but soon after starting I released my first record on NJ label "Phuturesole" with the moniker "Boulevard" . Not long after this In 2005 I met DJ Freestyle who introduced me to DJ Mes and Raoul, I decided to produce some tracks with those labels/sound in mind, the first ones were - "Beeps Sweeps n' Creeps" - "Hold On" - "Where The Love Goes" and "All Night Long".
You live in Melbourne , Australia . Could you describe what the state of house affair is like down under?
The house scene in Australia is still very very young. I will say that there is not enough support or awareness "yet" for our upcoming producers and DJs. Australia however is a country that's beaming with talent and potential and I think in the years to come we will really see solid scenes forming especially in the "underground" arena.
Your EP on Aroma featured Alyson Joyce on vocals. A lot of people loved the fact you created an dancefloor bomb with a proper singer, instead of relying on chopped up sampled vocals which seems to be an ongoing trend in the underground scene. I read somewhere you're quite the singer and songwriter yourself, any plans of producing tracks with Mr. Rae on vocals?
When it comes to production I am a songwriter first and foremost, I would not have it any other way. While what I love about producing is the crafting of sounds and interesting flavors I need structure and sensibility. I'm a bit "old school" when it comes to vocals or "tracks" in general, it's gotta have a hook and it's gotta be interesting and new while remaining accessible. I'm not really into re-hashing, usually if you hear a sample in my tracks it's probably not a sample! I always play my own parts in and loop them to make it sound like I sampled a 70s record If I'm going down that route!
Though it's a bitter pill to swallow for some, digitally distributing music is becoming more and more popular. It's relatively easy to set up your own digital label and create an accessible outlet for your music without having to deal with label owners, royalties, advances etc. Do you have any plans in this regard?
We certainly are living in strange times! I try not to worry too much about what other people are doing or the medium it's being distributed in. At this stage my current focus is to be able to bring more of the tunes I'm feeling into the scene on a much larger scale than before. Eventually I think I'll start my own label, but only when I can work out how it can contribute in a positive way!
You're known for using three decks when you play out and really working the decks while you're at it. How would you describe a typical Ricardo Rae set?
HaHa! When I started DJing after being a musician for so many years I got pretty tired with just "playing" tracks very quickly. I guess that explains my need to really work that setup and do pretty much everything I can to create a unique, one time only kind of experience. The thing I used to love about acid jazz bands and the movement was the musicians were constantly changing on the fly and pushing their music in new directions, I try to be like that when I'm behind the decks. If I want to make something new I'll play 3 tracks together and separate the EQs, If I want to solo then I'll scratch and cut.. a typical set for me is full of risks, and they don't always work out :)
Every DJ has his own personal darlings, those few special tracks that never leave the box. Is there one specific record like that you wish you'd made?
Funnily enough I've never been too precious about tunes in specific and try to keep moving forward. The things that I really love and might take a bullet for are more classic albums and works by guys like Quincy Jones and Trevor Horn.
Final question, have you ever been to Amsterdam ?
That's easy! No! But I really love what I see/hear so it's high on my list to visit very soon.
ΠΗΓΗ : http://www.purehousemusic.net.
