Strictly Rhythm

MEET...RICKY RIVARO

This year Strictly Rhythm celebrate 20 years in the business, and to celebrate they're throwing a host of parties at various prime locations around the world. One such place is the legendary Bloomingdales beach party in Amsterdam. We caught up with the events promoter and resident DJ Ricky Rivaro to find out exactly why he wanted to get involved...


Explain Ricky Rivaro's musical style...

I like to call it True House Music. It's what I feel when I am behind the decks and entertaining the people. It's a combination of different styles though; it can be vocal, funky, soulfull or bangin'. From Quentin Harris to Eric Prydz, it's in my CD-case. Not only do you DJ, you produce music and promote too right? Tell me about that. I like to see myself as a House Crusader. For me that means I grab every opportunity that involves telling the people that House music is still alive! I am a DJ, run my own record label and do my own parties and I also like to be in the studio every now and then.


How healthy is the House music scene in Amsterdam? What's going on and who is everyone talking about?

There are a lot of parties and the clubs do really good business but the definition of House over here is not really authentic anymore. Therefore, I always do my upmost to create as many chances as possible to do my own parties or work with Strictly Rhythm and Defected and program quality line-ups. There is a lot of talent overhere but only few of them get the chance to show the people what they are capable of. For the last few months, almost every DJ I know has been playing the latest two singles of Daniel Bovie & Roy Rox. After the big success of 'Stop Playing With My Mind', they recently dropped 'Love Me', which is gaining more and more popularity and plays as we speak. So, I'd bet all my money on these two for the tune of summer 2009.


Tell me about Bloomingdale...why is it so special?

It's like a little Ibiza! Really! Big terrace, great sound system, great audience from every corner from our country - it's really special. If I couldn't play at Bloomingdale anymore, I rather quit DJ-ing! From Simon Dunmore, Erick Morillo, Sandy Rivera, Axwell to Moby and DJ Tiesto, almost every icon from the dance-scene has played at Bloomingdale and I am very proud of that. What is about Strictly Rhythm that has inspired you to celebrate their 20th Anniversary? Like I mentioned before, it is actually all about House music for me. And where would House music be without Strictly Rhythm? I am honoured to work with the people that made House what it is today. And if I had to choose one stage to celebrate a 20th anniversary for Strictly, it would be Bloomingdale.


Tell me about some of the special Dutch artists that you have playing? What connection do they have to Strictly?

They all have a direct connection actually. Daniel Bovie & Roy Rox released 2 slammers in one year on Strictly, Shermanology did the vocals on the new Chocolate Puma which was also released through Strictly and Afrojack was responsible for one of Morillo's personal gems on his latest Strictly compilation called 'Radioman'. I am the only one who is not related as an artist but since we signed our sub-label deal between True House Music and Strictly Rhythm, I think I can make myself worthy in the line up as well. Besides that I am also the resident DJ of Bloomingdale from 2002 on.


Here your chance to talk about anything you want that's new, gigs, parties, productions or just get something off your chest... fire away.

What is really new? Well, our label is! True House Music is now officially a Strictly Rhythm sublabel! I am proud to present future releases from the likes of Daniel Bovie & Roy Rox, Haze, Shermanology, myself and many more! Check www.truehousemusic.nl every now and then, to catch the latest updates!

Strictly Rhythm @ Bloomingdales takes place on the 7th June