Exclusive Interview: Richie Olivo

This week in the Artist Spotlight we have Richie Olivo. Richie started his DJ career in Chicago just over three years ago and has been spinning around the city ever since. You may have seen him preform at our weekly #Afterlife party which is also where he celebrated his birthday earlier this month. Check out the interview we did with him below.

How did you first begin DJing/Producing?
Music in general has always been a big part of my life. I’ve had a love for house and electronic music since I was very young, but I only learned to mix properly about 3 1/2 years ago. Some friends of mine were spinning at the time and I would do my best to bring out friends and show support. In return they taught me to spin and allowed me the opportunity to practice on their equipment. I took to it immediately and practiced about every day for three weeks and played my first show on a Black Wednesday in Wrigleyville.

Who is your biggest influence(s)?
The Chemical Brothers! Especially there performances which bring you to a whole other place… I believe that is the essence of good electronic music!

What’s your favorite record of all time?
Pink Floyd ­ Dark Side of the Moon / If I had to pick an “EDM” album it would be Deadmau5 Random Album Title .. They are both beautiful and though provoking albums!

Who do you want to collaborate with in the future?
Someone French.

What’s the most embarrassing thing thats happened to you at a show?
I was playing in a club and in a moment of excitement got my foot caught in some badly placed cords. I fell flat on my ass pulling the cords with my foot and basically unplugging everything. Some ninja saved my laptop and I am grateful to this day. All of the wires were a huge mess in the first place and it took about 5 minutes, which felt like an hour, to get the music back on. As a gentleman I will not name this establishment!

What do you like to do when you’re not working on music/DJing?
I read a lot and I ride my bike. I live right near a forest preserve. I like to be outdoors as much as possible and I’m very much looking forward to summer in Chicago. I also love food!

What is your opinion on the current EDM scene?
I think it’s a huge money grab. Although with all the money we do have many awesome festivals to attend. After a few the shock of all the spectacle wears off and any critical person would realize that everyone is playing the same old, mediocre to just plain crappy tracks. I wish that the powers that be would have some true artists play on main stages, because I truly believe if real music were presented to the masses most people would realize “holy shit. this is much better!”

What do you think will be the next big thing in EDM?
I feel that music tends to go in cycles and I am really hoping for a revival of Acid House. Acid house is probably my favorite “EDM” genre, and sadly it does not even have a slot on Beatport’s genre list. I find that a travesty, considering that Acid House predates 90% of the genres listed. I would just really like to hear more production with the sounds and technology now available.

What do you think about all these “frauds” in the EDM scene using ghost producers, buying likes and purchasing their own tracks on Beatport?
I think it’s just plain distasteful! People paying others to make shabby tracks for them which then they inflict on us while not even mixing half the time. Its an outrage! If a dj puts on an amazing set no one cares who made the tracks, except djs and a fans who want to acquire them. Why the charade? Then someone will go and purchase these tracks that have their name on them that they didn’t even make just to boost their own status. It’s an ego war and it needs to stop! It’s hard enough to find good music without these shams flooding our ears with garbage, and people wonder why others say that “EDM” is not even music!

Is there any upcoming releases/shows we should keep an eye out for?
I recommend always seeing “Boys Noize” when he comes around.. He is always amazing and never puts on the same show twice. He is an excellent producer and his mixing is outstanding. He makes me feel inadequate sometimes as he plays four things at once that are perfect together. He will be playing in Chicago for Lolla and his BNR (Boys Noize Records) 10 year tour, which I’m hoping will be at Spybar. I would recommend checkin out the club set.

Richie Olivo – Facebook