The Nocturnal Times Exclusive Interview: Robbie Rivera

Robbie Rivera recently sat down with The Nocturnal Times to discuss his This Is My Sound album and tour, Juicy Beach, early nightclub gigs, and more

We traveled back in time a bit with the legendary producer and DJ, Robbie Rivera, ahead of his This Is My Sound Tour stop at Marquee New York. The pioneering talent discussed his early days exploring electronic music and his first nightclub gig as well as his feelings towards his notorious Juicy radio show. Robbie’s Juicy Beach just celebrated ten years in Miami during Miami Music Week (MMW)/Winter Music Conference (WMC) this year.

In addition to his Juicy label and radio show, we spoke with Robbie Rivera about his latest studio album, This Is My Sound, and his coinciding tour of the same name. Find out what’s to come from Robbie later this year, his love for New York City, and where he sees himself five years from now our Nocturnal Times exclusive interview.

THE NOCTURNAL TIMES: What inspired you to to begin your journey with DJing and the electronic dance music world?
ROBBIE RIVERA: I was very young!  My first DJ gig was in 6th grade in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The first time I mixed two tracks together on beat I was hooked and I started to think a lot about music production. Then in 2001, performing my music to fans and seeing the reaction with my early releases really inspired me to make this a full time career.

You’ve produced a vast amount of music over the years, can you recall one of your earliest tracks that is really special to you?
RIVERA: Yes the track is called “feel this”. I was inspired by Danny Tenaglia’s dark tribal grooves so after laying down the grooves and finishing the track I knew I had something special. It’s a track that is still played this day specially with the techno DJs.  I remember speaking to Danny about this track after is was released on Strictly Rhythm. It was a great chat.

Can you recall one of your earliest nightclub gigs?
RIVERA: Yes it was for teachers and parents of my school. They had a dinner party and this was when I was in 6th grade. I had one turntable, 1 battery operated mixer from Radio Shack , one cassette deck and one speaker.  Yep it’s true! I had a great time and the people danced.  Obviously I did not know what beat matching mixing was. I just did what I could.

What can you share about the Juicy Show?
RIVERA: Episode 570 just passed and Episode 600 is coming soon. Do you have anything special planned? Well thanks for reminding me! The show is so much fun to produce as I can play whatever I want. It could be a deep house track or a techno tune.  I focus on the person driving to work or listening while they cook!

You recently just presented a decade of Juicy Beach during Miami Music week, how did that feel?
RIVERA: That was very special.  We worked hard on creating the best house music party during Miami Music Week and this last one at the Epic Hotel’s 16th floor was magical. I felt very happy. There are so many events in Miami this week so I am glad that Juicy Beach is still one of the best ones.

Aside from dance music, what other styles of music or artists do you enjoy listening to?
RIVERA: I listen to a lot of 90’s track and late 80’s mixed with today’s . A mix of latin, pop, electronic and alternative.  Examples: Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, Disclosure, New Order, Netsky, Metric, Imagine Dragons, The Killers, Walk the Moon, Robin Schulz,  Coldplay, Gorgon City.

What can you share with The Nocturnal Times about any upcoming tracks you plan on releasing? Any collaborations or EPs coming up?
RIVERA: My new single is the release of the new mix of my classic track “Funkatron” with Tom Staar on Axwell’s label Axtone. I am very excited about this one.   I also have a two deep house singles on Armada and Ego this summer.

Can you share your experience recording your latest album, “This Is My Sound?” What were the studio sessions like for you and how long did the album take to complete from start to finish?
RIVERA: It took me about 11 months to create this album. I went in the studio and started to produce tracks and grooves without being inspired by other music. I wanted it to produce proper house music for my fans and music lovers that sounded just like me. I am really happy with results and we are now releasing all the singles with remixes. The sessions were from 10 am to about 7pm. I would work on my home studio or on the road with my laptop.

You’re on your This Is My Sound world tour now, which stops at Marquee NY soon. How do you feel about your New York shows and what do you look forward to most when returning to the city that never sleeps?
RIVERA: I love performing in New York City simply because I have so many fans that love my sound. I have been playing in NY for over 10 years and people still love my tribal house sound and the new generation is feeling the house vibe so it’s great.

What can you recall your earliest New York City show?
RIVERA: Exit with Junior Vasquez

As an electronic music veteran, what was one moment or experience that was really special to you?
RIVERA: When my song BANG when number #14 not the national pop chart in London next to Madonna.  That was really special. I then got to remix Madonna 🙂

Where do you see yourself five years from now?
RIVERA: Releasing more music and touring. My goal is to produce a hit club track that moves to the pop world.  Let’s see!

For more information on Robbie Rivera, visit RobbieRivera.com.

Robbie Rivera is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.