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Riva Starr, aka East-London based Stefano Miele, has long burned a mark on the night. Not simply a widely respected DJ, producer and the owner of Snatch! Records, his restless artistry has made a career from shrugging off genre constraints and expectations.
Starting out spinning ten hours sets in his native Napoli, Riva Starr was working up to Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hour rule long before it even existed. Capable of turning it out on any dancefloor he’s been invited onto the biggest stages, from Glastonbury to Fuji Rock to Tommorrowland,. Snatch! has hosted its own tent at Creamfields, while the Riva Starr touch has been sought to open for Jamiroquai in Ibiza and to work with artists as diverse as Horace Andy, Fatboy Slim or Arthur Baker – or to remix Wiley or London Grammar. Far from cashing in his chips for mainstream glory, however, he still beats to the pulse of the underground, throwing down back to back sets with DJ Pierre and Technasia, and rocking clubs like Warehouse Project (Manchester), El Row (Barcelona and Ibiza) and Cocoon, or heading his own label showcase at off Sonar.
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Hi Riva, thanks for the interview.
How did it all start for you, music-wise?
Hello, I was listening to live mixes from a local club in Naples on the radio on Saturday nights. I was around 13 years old and the DJs were talking live from the club every now and then, you could hear the crowd from the mic as well.. I always dreamt about being a DJ since then…
Explain your sound in 3 words?
Chunky, funky, unpredictable.
What does it feel like when you are up on stage?
No matter how tired or stressed I am.. once I get up on stage everything disappears and I’m suddenly loaded full of energy allowing me to play for hours!
Where does your love for music come from?
Good question, not sure. I’ve always been into it (as my mum says). I had the luck of meeting up with music lovers when I was young and that really helped to develop my knowledge and love for music. Also Naples (my native city) has always been a very musical city and lots of musicians live there. House and Techno have always been a big deal there!
Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you?
A wide range, from Kraftwerk to Afrika Bambaataa, Beastie Boys, early Chicago house, Detroit but also progressive rock and jazz.
Best stage/party/club you have ever play?
One of my favourite stages is always at Tomorrowland, but I have enjoyed a lot of other Festivals and clubs around the world… sometimes it doesn’t matter how big a stage or a club is if the crowd’s vibe is on fire!
What is the best part of life as a DJ?
The one where your in sync with the crowd!
Your top 3 festivals?
BPM
Tomorrowland
Sonar
How do you see the future for the dance music scene?
Bright! There’s lots of new producers and interesting music around.
What do you think makes The BPM Festival so popular?
Well it’s in an amazing location, everyone is getting to chill to everyone, you can meet up with all the djs (it’s usually very hard to have everyone in the same place at the same time) and also the fans can easily meet the djs on the streets or at the party. Soundsystems are fantastic and the locations very original.
What’s your motto or the advice you live by?
Stay true.
Any loves, other then music?
Family, friends, food, football, books (when I have time!)
Any future plans you want to share with us?
I have a new album on my friend Green Velvet’s label Cajual to be released in March. Another release on Hot Creations in April and possibly a new EP of mine on my own SNATCH imprint for the summer!
How important is Social Media for you?
It’s very important but sometimes I’m a bit lazy, I should do more! One thing I don’t really like is to use my private life to gain more following but so far I’m really enjoying it. I’m trying to connect more with my fans!
Where we can follow you?
All my socials have the /rivastarr address so it’s pretty easy!
twitter.com/rivastarr
facebook.com/rivastarr
Quick Questions:
Fav Food: PIZZA!
Holiday destination: South of Italy!
Favorite Track: TOO MANY TO MENTION!
Sports Team: NAPOLI!
Quote: EVEN A BROKEN CLOCK IS RIGHT TWICE A DAY!
Movie: SNATCH!
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