Richie Rich on Belfast, Sunshine People and Final Scratch
Author: Michelle Pirovich
Monday, December 22, 2003
"We chose to put on a Belfast party on NYE mainly from feedback from the punters, people were desperate for a cheaper, smaller more intimate option on NYE. It made more sense for us as the other events are all quite large and commercial, we wanted to do something smaller and more for the people based on what they wanted."
Once again CJ Bolland will be making his way back to Australia to help us bring in the NYE, an offer that CJ found difficult to refuse.
"It was easy to convince CJ to come back because this New Years is entirely different. He is playing an old-skool live set, which is most exciting. He was definitely the highlight for me last New Year at Welcome, his live shows are so energetic, pumping and his music is great party techno…"
Moving on to New Years Day and Sunshine People, which is taking on a more intimate feel with many Melbourne crews teaming up together, I ask Richie how important the collaboration between crews is for Melbourne's scene, particularly on days like New Years.
"I think it is very important. We are doing a small independent show. I think it's good to have some variety and a point of difference from other events. Working together is definitely a positive move and it is proving very popular ticket sales wise. The response has been great."
With an international line up that covers all genres; Richie hopes that Sunshine People gives people exactly what they want.
"It was a conscious decision to keep the music styles varied. We wanted to service the communities that aren't being looked after on NYD by any other events, so there was a need for something covering tech, electro, trance, hard-house and drum and bass etc.
We want people to leave feeling that they got exactly what they wanted out of New Years Day. That's all we are trying to put on. The event is totally based on feedback from the people. So it's all about the people."
Richie's New Years Resolution is to go on holidays next year, probably so he can use his newly found toy 'Final Scratch'.
Described as the most innovative piece of DJing technology around. Final Scratch allows DJs to mix both analog and digital files as they have always been accustomed.
"It is amazing that you can get bootlegs emailed to you from mates overseas and play them like a record. I have so much stuff on CD and now I can play it. I hate the CD players, you get to a venue and they are all different! At least every venue has Technics 1200's so you will be comfortable every time. Vinyl is getting more and more expensive, so MP3s are easier to get and sound just as good. There are loads of new plug-ins coming to enhance the sound and get the 100% vinyl type sound. It's also light, so great for DJ's that travel a lot."
As Richie explains Final Scratch has enhanced his DJing in many ways,
"Each time I play I have a full library to choose from. I hate it when you forget records and say to yourself "damn, I wish I had this record to play now". Because I play on-the fly and never have a set worked out and pre-rehearsed, it's good to have everything at your disposal. I also can get stuff that no-one else has, like Renato Cohen sent me a copy of his bootleg mix of Paperclip People's "Climax". It is killer, and only about 20 of us worldwide have it."
As far as disadvantages go, well there doesn't seem to be any.
"Only that setup time is about 2 minutes and the records are a bit thicker than normal, but they have released thinner "scratch" disks now, which are just like a normal record. Easy to scratch and play with. I haven't had any problems yet!"
For more info on Final Scratch go to ht Tags