Ridney is 3 x winner of the prestigious “Essential New Tune” award on Pete Tong’s BBC Radio 1 Essential Selection. Ridney has worked with the biggest dance labels; including Defected, Azuli, Ministry of Sound, Hed Kandi, Size & Spinnin.
As a DJ, he has travelled extensively across Europe with highlights including Ushuaia, Eden, Hush & Space in Ibiza plus Ministry of Sound, Pacha & The O2 in London.
Can you tell us what you have been up to the last few years?
DJing since 1997, producing since 2001. Had 3 “Essential New Tune” tracks on Pete Tong’s BBC Radio 1 Essential Selection (Sunshyne, West End Girls & Forever), also releasing tracks on labels including Defected, Azuli, Ministry of Sound, Hed Kandi, Size & Spinnin.
What brought you to Ibiza in the first place?
House music, friends and the temptation of seeing my favourite DJs in the best clubs.
Can you tell us the story about your new projects?
With the latest track “Missing You”, Artful had been working on a studio session with Terri Walker & Donaeo and they had a working UK Garage demo of “Missing You”. During a separate studio session Mark played me the demo and I took the parts to turn it into the track. I road tested it at Cafe Mambo during Sept last year and Terri Walker added the vocal for the final mix.
Have also new tracks forthcoming with Inaya Day & Terri B!
Do you get to DJ much now?
Yes, lots of gigs in the diary. I played Pacha in London a couple of weeks back and have forthcoming gigs in Coventry, Essex & back at Ministry of Sound in London.
What DJ’s/venue/promoter are smashing/ pushing the boundaries at the moment?
I love Ushuaia, the idea of an outdoor venue is always better.
How do you define your sound?
Everything house music, with a certain lean towards French House.
Where do you think the music scene is heading in Ibiza/in general
I don’t know to be honest, it’s either deep or EDM. I prefer to ignore the trends and get on with playing what I enjoy.
Out of all your tunes, which one ‘never fails?’
Stardust “Music Sounds Better”
What other countries influence your music etc.
Everywhere I’ve been lucky enough to travel to. Two of my favourite productions, “Arrivals” & “Akaroa” we’re both written in a campervan whilst travelling round New Zealand with my wife.
Over the years what’s been your personal / professional highlight of your involvement with the island?
Playing Ushuaia for the Defected closing party and seeing Junior Jack & Kid Creme drop my track “Forever” towards the end to a packed crowd!
What does Ibiza have that other similar destinations don’t have to make it so special?
Sun, beautiful scenery, great food and fantastic music in such a small space.
What advice would you give to someone visiting the island for the first time?
Pick up the Spanish basics, find out where all the key places are.
How has the place changed since you first got involved with Ibiza?
The airport is now a bit nicer.
Where would you recommended someone to visit – beach, hotel, bar, club, etc – in Ibiza?
Visit the north of the Island, away from the touristy bits.
What is your Ibiza guilty pleasure?
A couple of cheeky beers in the West End.
Do you see the internet as a vital part in today’s electronic music scene?
Yes, completely essential.
Where do you think electronic music and the internet are heading?
I can’t say! Someone will rip off my idea 🙂
Does social media play a role in your music career? If so how?
Social Media lets fans know of new music and where they can see me DJ.
If you had to start all over again from scratch, what one piece of equipment would you use?
CDJ2000 Nexus & Nexus mixer
Do you miss vinyl records?
100%!! I recently did a multi camera mix on 3 turntables for a UK club. Actually felt quite liberating!
Do you think it is easier or harder for new DJs and producers to get involved in the electronic music scene today?
It’s so much easier as a 2nd hand MacBook is £500 on eBay
What do you think of the new dance styles like dub step that are growing in popularity today?
Fantastic for everyone and keeps innovation high – not to mention continued interest in electronic music.
After the 1990’s and 2000’s being huge for dance music do you think the dance music scene is still as popular and strong today?
It is but the music trends constantly change.
Web: http://ridney.tv
Twitter: @ridney
Facebook: http://fb.com/djridney
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/ridney
Extra Dry Records: http://extradry.tv
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