In a career that spans over fifteen years, Robbie Rivera managed to build quite the House music empire.
His discography is teeming with acclaimed original productions and remixes, allowing him to be among the first to popularize the sexy Tribal House sound. Having remained among dance music’s elite for years, Robbie Rivera has either remixed of worked with a full range of pop icons and music superstars, including Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Basement Jaxx, Deadmau5, Tiësto, Kaskade, Ferry Corsten, Axwell and David Guetta.
Recently, Armada Music and Robbie started their extensive partnership. The Puerto Rican DJ, producer and label owner inked a deal with the Dutch record label, which not only has him join Armada Music as an artist, but also allows his Juicy Music and Juicy Traxx imprints to thrive under the wing of the Amsterdam-based label. We caught up with Robbie and spoke to him about this decision, his top highlights of 2016 and plenty more!
Paras – It’s the end of yet another year, how has 2016 treated you? If you had to choose 3 highlights of the year, which ones would they would be?
Robbie Rivera – Yeah 2016 was very exciting. My 3 highlights will be re-releasing my classic tune Funkatron on Axtone, signing Juicy Music with Armada in Amsterdam and doing a collaboration the the legendary bang New Order.
Paras – You recently collaborated with the Legendary UK Band New Order for a song called ‘Your Silent Face’. Tell us more about that collaboration.
Robbie Rivera – Since a child I would listen to New Order and one day I selected “your silent face” from a Spotify playlist on the band. I had not heard this track in a while and loved the main melody. I created my own version and sent it to their publishers and managers. They approved it and that was it. Pretty simple I must say.
Paras – Your labels Juicy Music and Juicy Traxx have recently partnered up with Armada Music, how did this come about?
Robbie Rivera – My two labels have been around for over 10 years and when I heard that Armada had interest in partnering I got really excited. They are one of the best so this is an opportunity to grow the brand, the music and the artists on Juicy Music.
Paras – What objectives do you have which you feel this partnership will help you achieve?
Robbie Rivera – I wanted to have a bigger presence on streaming and radio so we are working on achieving this for 2017.
Paras – Tell us more about the remix that you posted on Facebook which is coming out on Jango Music. When can we expect the official release?
Robbie Rivera – This a remix for the artist Peverell Bros on Jango. I heard the original and loved it. After being asked to remix it I took the vocals and took it to a techy house groove and I think it’s an anthem!
Paras – Production & touring wise, what are your plans for 2017?
Robbie Rivera – I just signed with ATA in London so I will be touring more in Europe for 2017 and then North and South America.
Paras – Name your top 5 tracks of 2016.
Robbie Rivera –
1. Robbie Rivera and Tom Staar – The Funkatron
2. T99 – Anasthasia (Friend Within remix)
3. Robbie Rivera and David Tort – Get Together
4. Robbie Rivera & Bob Sinclar – Move Right
5. Robbie Rivera & New Order – Your Silent Face
Paras – Name your top 5 artists of 2016.
Robbie Rivera – David Tort, The Cube Guys, Kryder, Bob Sinclar, NXNY
Paras – Who do you think is the artist to look out for in 2017?
Robbie Rivera – I have no idea!
