Sandy Rivera Interview Nov 2015
As one of the most highly regarded producers of his – or any other – generation, Sandy Rivera’s place in house music history is already assured. Recording under both his own name and his legendary ‘Kings of Tomorrow’ moniker, Rivera’s unparalleled creativity and gift for forging timeless house records have placed him in a league of his own and without him, the house landscape would boast a far less richly coloured vista.
For many, Rivera will be best known for the seminal ‘Finally’, Kings of Tomorrow’s magnum opus and a record that stands as one of the finest vocal house record ever made. Released on Defected Records – a label with which Rivera has enjoyed a staggeringly fruitful relationship over the years – ‘Finally’ still resonates more than a decade later. However, to only know ‘Finally’ is to merely scratch the surface of Rivera’s exemplary catalogue.
We caught up with the man himself ahead of his cup day eve party at Alumbra in Melbourne about the summer season and what to expect in 2016.
Hi Sandy,
What and where has been the highlight party of 2015 for you?
Southport Weekender Festival in Croatia was a great gig for me. The crowd and energy of the people for Soulful house music was magical. Everything just felt good and the music was amazing from everyone.
What’s been the one track that sums up 2015 to you?
Martin Ten Veldens – Guitarra G Remix is one of the most underrated remixes around. It’s a house classic and it goes off at venues for me all over the place.
What city/party scene in the world do you see really pushing boundaries when it comes to clubs and events?
It’s not just one place for me. I could say Ibiza, but that is not the case from what I have seen this year. The UK is a great place to party and the amount of good acts you get is better than what you can get in Ibiza. Of course an Island is a better place to be and enjoy, but when you have some good solid names at an event and not many people in the venue. That says a lot and not in a good way. I am happy to be playing with Todd Terry in Australia twice. I never played with Todd Terry in Ibiza and you would think we should.
Which DJ’s should we be keeping an eye out for on the 2016 festival and club listings?
I am not sure. How Festival book DJ’s has changed so much. The indutry was alway going to grow and with that growth comes change, but some of those acts have ghost producers, so they don’t even make nor write anything of their tunes. 15 years ago it was so different. You knew the act playing or DJ was really in studio and writing and supported them for the music they make and how the music they made moves you. I see new acts and I am not sure what think anymore?
Are you looking forward to playing Alumbra and what should we be looking out for, any new tunes that you’ll be unleashing on your Aussie fans?
I have a few new tunes to drop for sure. On my last 3 gigs in Asia I was playing a lot of good old house music and was taking back on how great the response was. People are back to wanting good tunes with good songs again. It’s great for the club scene around the globe to have such a great amount music being played in clubs again.
If you could ask another DJ or Artist that you’re a big fan of, any questions what would it be?
Do you really produce your own music or have someone do it for you? 🙂
When: Monday 2nd November (Cup Eve)
Doors: 9:00pm ->
Shed 9, Central Pier 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Buy Tickets: here
More like thisRelated
Top Things to Know About Getting a Student Visa to Australia in 2025
Visa-Free Countries for British Passport Holders
Indonesia Travel Warning for Australians
Sports Bar at Paragon Hotel Sydney
