Q&A with Rick
What does DJing mean to you?
Mixing tracks with two decks is not the only thing for me, there’s always that feeling when you make people dance to your music and when it pays off. It’s about proving yourself.
How and Why did you become a DJ?
How: I was always a music freak, the late 90s I used to have a bunch of 5 CD’s and I got a chance to use them through a friend who got me introduced to a band, and that was it, it came to me that easy.
Why: When I heard people talking about the concept of DJing for the first time, the first thing that came to mind was, yes this is what I want to do, I definitely want to be a DJ
When did you start DJing and what was your first big DJ moment?
I started in 1998 and after struggling for a long time in 2009 I got a chance to share the stage with big international artists like Lady Gaga, Tom Novy, and a few more. It was a Formula 1 3-day event.
What and who were your early passions and influences?
I have always been a disco music lover. Grew up listening to Abba, Bee Gees, Donna Summer, etc. Later I started following DJs like Sasha, John Digweed, Dave Seaman, Nick Warren, etc
What are some of the main challenges for a DJ?
When You start the first challenge is to fight stage fear and you have to keep proving yourself, you’ll have to become master of your art.
What shows do you host?
Sufi Night – this is a show we started hosting during the pandemic lockdown, got an amazing response by the listeners as Sufi music works like magic to them. The most interactive show I must say.
Technofied – it’s my favorite show and it is all about Techno music and its sub-genres like Deep, Minimal, Melodic, Raw, Peak & Hard Techno, broadcasting on weekends we have different Artists from all over the world and of course local talent. It’s always fun to host your favorite music
How do you prep for a set?
Preparing my set, I follow my Influences keep listening to what they’re playing, sometimes I get unreleased promos from producer friends to add to my set.
Recommend a DJ which you feel deserves more attention
I would recommend not to miss sets by Sunny Trehan & Saahil. They’re versatile and trendsetters. They know how to spin their genres, have fun with it and there’s a lot about it. You always get a thing to learn. Highly recommended.
What’s the difference for you in playing at a gig and playing on the Radio?
Playing at a gig for sure has a beautiful feeling, you have people dancing, coming, interacting, making requests, offering drinks or two I mean it’s a party and us as DJs we play a major role to make it a success. Whereas playing music on Radio from your studio giving energy from one place to all across the globe. It’s like the world is partying through ur music.
Can you describe your state of mind during a DJ set? What supports this ideal state of mind and what are distractions?
My state of mind, I try to collect the best tunes for the gig I am going to play. I try to focus on the craft, make sure to give the best from what I have experienced through my journey. The anxiety before starting the gig I believe is the biggest distraction for me.
What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?
I feel love by Donna summer I’ll get it to play on my funeral for sure
What have you learned since you started out as a DJ?
We always play for different audiences almost every day, meet new people, learn new things and then implement to our lifestyle there’s a major change to when I started at a young age to what I am right now. I started respecting life
What advice will you give to aspiring DJs?
Believe in yourself, know your sound, Perform like a star, be kind, and celebrate. That my advice to aspiring DJs.
How did Electro Infected come into your path?
Ishan got me introduced to Electro Infected family, I played few shows initially and soon I became a part of it. Thanks to him and a big one to the music
What’s your vision for Electro Infected?
Electro Infected is the coolest radio for DJs as well as for the listeners, this is the future as proved during the pandemic when the whole world was shut but we didn’t. The idea of giving the best music played by different artists to your home, your basement parties, or to ur backyard anywhere anytime.
