Robbie Rivera at DayGlow

Wednesday, 03 March 2010 00:00

I let myself bounce to the beat, and get swallowed by the vibrant flashing lights. The feeling is incredible.

“When the music starts to build and you start to lose control… Look up at the DJ, the master of your soul.”

By Gaby Izarra; Photos by Malou Ericsson and Juicy Music

He twists knobs and pushes buttons, creating a delicious blend of beats and melody. The crowd is vibin’.

“When the moment starts to come, and the music starts to build, take your ass out on the dance-floor if no one else will.”

DayGlow Gainesville exceeded expectations this year by booking producer and DJ Robbie Rivera. It was the ultimate ragefest!

INsite got an exclusive interview with Robbie, and excellent footage from the event!

How does it feel to be in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 poll?
It feels great to be on such an important list, but…..this list is also not accurate, as there are many DJs who cheat. That’s obvious by looking at some of the names on the list.

Living between Ibiza and Miami, Closer To The Sun (Ultra/Black Hole) seems an appropriate name for your album. Which do you like better—Ibiza or Miami—and why?
I cannot choose a spot, as I love living in both places. But, I must say that living for five months in Ibiza relaxes me. The way of life there is very slow and chill, but you still get things done. In Miami or New York or elsewhere in the States, everyone is in a rush.

Where do you spend the majority of your time?
In Miami.

What kinds of preparations are you doing for Winter Music Conference and your Juicy Beach party this year?
I am preparing my massive Juicy Beach party that I do every year at Nikki Beach Club. We expect more than 7,000 people, again, from 12noon to 5am. I will be playing Ultra Music Festival , as well, and a few pool parties that are more industry-related.

As a Miami girl myself, I know what the club scene is all about. Do you ever get tired of the constant party?
Well, I don’t really “party” anymore in Miami. On the weekend, I am in a different party, but I am also working.

Gainesville is primarily a college town. What was college like for you?
I had a great time in college. I went to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale for two years. After that, I did three years at Nova Southeastern University! Lots of studying, but I was making music in between. I visited the University of Loyola, where my wife, Monica, went. There was an awesome college vibe there.

Are there any DJs that really influenced your career, or that you look up to?
I grew up in Puerto Rico, so there were a few local DJs, like Ivan Robles and Pablo Flores that I looked up to.

What is some advice you have for amateur DJs trying to make it in the industry?
New DJs have to produce original music and release them on top labels to get recognized in the industry. There is a lot of competition out there, so you must be very original and focused. And don’t do drugs, as it messes your creativity.

I heard some podcasts of The Juicy Music Show on Sirius|XM Radio. What has the listener response been like?
I get a lot of feedback from fans about my weekly Juicy mixshow. It gets aired in the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Puerto Rico, France, Spain, Belgium and more. It’s also available on iTunes. It’s a great way to promote new music.

What’s your favorite dance music track out right now?
Right now, I love my buddy Dero’s track on Juicy Music, “1980.” We collaborated on that and it’s by Dero & Rivera.

Your tour dates are listed up to July. What are your plans for the remainder of the year?
There’s no such thing as an end to my touring! I am always touring. After July, I will start playing across Europe and Ibiza. It’s just that we have not yet posted the dates.

When should your fans expect a new album?
I don’t know, but there will be a Juicy Beach compilation and a Juicy Ibiza compilation, as well. Soon!

Check out Robbie’s Web sites at RobbyRivera.com and JuicyBeach.net.

The DayGlow Event was brought to you by Private Stock.