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Richie Blacker is a DJ and producer forged in the underground Irish club and rave scene who has ushered in the most exciting new sound in years. Creating something modern but giving a nod reminiscent of the 90’s rave scene. A collision of early 90’s house, techno and rave records merged to create an elusive and original sound of their own. The 90’s rave culture and the DIY spirit of the acid house scene have always had a huge influence on Richie and his music from a very young age. “Rave music culture is in my blood.”
Richie has broken into 2021 with releases like Nothing Else Matters, Anjunabeats, Of Unsound Mind, as well as garnering support from BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong and Danny Howard, cumulatively leading to his signing to Atlantic Records in late 2021. With Coming from the likes of Sasha, John Digweed, Adam Beyer and with numerous Radio 1 works under his belt, he’s a new rising star on the electronic dance scene and has already secured some massive releases for 2021.
Richie Blacker, just signed to Atlantic after a breakneck year, launches straight into 2022 with the hypnotic original ‘Space Cadet’ and vinyl release on Scotland’s Limbo Records. Creating something modern but giving a nod reminiscent of the 90’s rave scene. ‘Space Cadet’ revels in the melodic house, techno and early 90’s rave sound. Featuring releases from the likes of Of Unsound Mind, Anjunabeats & Nothing Else Matters under his belt and having received BBC Radio 1’s Future Fire Artist of the Year award, Richie Blacker is someone to watch.
We have had the pleasure of speaking with him and this has been the result.
Can you tell us a little about your experience? Where are you from / how did you get into music?
I’m A DJ / Producer from Belfast in Ireland. I got into electronic music through my older brothers at a young age and later on got into DJinh. I started out running my own illegal raves in old art galleries, small abandoned warehouses & skateparks. Then a few years later I landed a few residences around Belfast. I have a new residency I Belfast starting soon in an iconic club in the heart of the city! More info soon. Keep an eye on my socials!
How is your sound evolving? What artists and genres do you enjoy mixing right now?
I love lots a different sounds and artists. I try not to pigeon hole my sound or style. Although I’m known for ma and playing 90s rave, acid house and euphoric trance!
How do you feel that your music influences or impacts your listeners?
It still blows my mind when people tell me how much they like my music. So it’s very flattering but hard to wrap my head around as I make music for myself and it’s a bonus that other people like it.
What projects are you working on right now? What can you tell us about your last job?
I used to be a plumber. But I have that up at the end of last year to focus on music full time. I have a new studio in Belfast City Center that I can go to everyday and work on new music. I have a new limited edition vinyl project with Limbo Records due for release the first week in February. Also working on my first mix compilation with a big record label. Can’t announce who the label is just yet. Also have lots of new music to release as well as a collaboration with Skream!
Where are you and what have you been doing now?
Currently sitting in my new stupid answering these questions and working on new music!
Has that sound changed a lot in recent years? What is your musical criteria?
I used to make a lot more progressive and melodic house. Now days I’m known for making 90s rave, acid house and euphoric trance. But to be honest That’s the sort of music that’s always interested me.
Do you feel safe now to play a more experimental sound?
As a DJ it’s our job to experiment with new sounds and styles that interest us. That’s what keeps the music scene exciting for me. I’m known for playing an old school 90s sound with my own stamp on it that I experiment with! That’s what keeps in interesting for me and keeps me going.
We all know that the digital revolution has affected sales, but has it affected creativity?
For me not at all. I always find ways to be creative! I’ll leave the sales for the record labels to worry about! I’ll focus on making the music lol.
