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10 Questions with ... Rich Pangilinan aka DJ Riddler
March 18, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Facebook: facebook.com/djriddlerfanpage & Twitter: twitter.com/djriddler
1) What inspired you to become a mix show DJ?
What inspired me to become a mix show DJ was listening to the Hot Mix 5 in Chicago, but particularly Bad Boy Bill. I wanted to be like him.
2) Do you remember the first song you played on your first mix show?
I believe my first song I played was Inner City, "Good Life."
3) Over time. the popular style of music always changes. You've seen a bunch of musical trends come and go ... but do you miss any of them?
Personally, I don't like to dwell or live in the past. I've never been one to play a classics set or do classics nights. However, if there was one era/trend that I have been enjoying as of late, it has been the late '80s early '90s New Wave, Synth Pop. Bands such as Depeche Mode, New Order and Information Society have been catching my ear for inspiration musically lately. I do think that even in today's music, you see and hear those sounds coming back.
4) Describe the experience of DJ'ing for the Country Music Awards; how did that come about?
I was asked by Big Machine Records three years ago to spin at their official CMA Awards Show Party. They wanted to recreate a "Dance Club" atmosphere. They enjoyed it so much that they brought me back the next year. It was a lot of fun and great to see even Taylor Swift get down on the dance floor.
5) With EDM being in the spotlight right now and with it attracting such a youth-driven audience, do you see any drawbacks for DJs who have been in the game for awhile now?
There are definitely drawbacks for the veterans in the game. How do you compete with a younger, good looking, more marketable artist who has all the time in the world to work in a studio and just focus on music? It's a constant battle of perception but fortunately, Dance music as a genre traditionally has no age, color, or sexual orientation boundaries --unlike other genres of music. EDM kids have no problems going to a festival and seeing 40+ DJs/artists such as Tiesto, Tommie Sunshine, Danny Tenaglia, Benny Benassi, etc. The key is to remain relevant and "hip."
6) What suggestions would you give a kid coming up today that is trying to get into the radio game?
Only do radio if you are "passionate" about it, because it definitely translates over the air if you are not.
7) You travel the world as a DJ/producer/remixer; what has been the best meal that you've ever had on the road?
Last year I was down in Sydney, Australia and had one of the freshest fish and prawns I've ever had.
8) When did you decide to get involved in the music/remix production game?
In 1997, I had the honor of co-producing the Jock Jam Megamix for Tommy Boy Records. The single peaked at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over 500,000 copies. It was my first time going into a studio to produce something. That experience gave me the inspiration to continue onto remixes, CD compilations, and original productions.
9) What DJs have been an inspiration to you and your career?
My first inspiration was Bad Boy Bill. The first time I heard him on the radio, I was in awe. Over the years, there have been many DJs who have inspired me, such as Steve Silk Hurley, Roger Sanchez, Richard Vission and DJ AM, but I love to be inspired by the new DJs who are out there today. Deorro, The Chainsmokers and Audien have been inspiring to me as of late.
10) Where does the music business go from here?
We are at a crossroads with the music business. Old models are being replaced with new ones and we are all trying to figure it out exactly. They say things repeat in cycles and I read that vinyl sales are up 32.7%. Pioneer just leaked pictures of a brand new turntable for future production. So it won't be too long before we see vinyl being used at these big EDM Festivals soon!
Bonus Questions
What song in your iPod/Smartphone that we'd be surprised to know is there?
I have on my iPhone -- Caught A Ghost "Sleeping At Night" -- all you TV Suits fans know what I'm talking about. :)
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