We recently caught up with Rich Wakley, known for his infectious tech house hits, which he has recently released a two-track EP on Hector Couto’s label Roush. We spoke about what releases he has upcoming, where his prefered DJ set is, as well as having a quick-fire questionnaire at the end, plus loads more…

Whats your relationship with Roush’s record label, how did the link up take place with you and Hector Couto?

I actually had my first Rich Wakley EP released on Roush so the connection has been there since the start. Hector Couto has always been an inspiration to me and my music and I’m proud to have an established artist like him support me.

Where were your highlights of your 2017 summer?

It was awesome to get out to Ibiza this year and play for the Faction crew at Eden a few times. Ibiza is always a special place and both parties had a great vibe. The Faction lads worked proper hard all summer and it was great to be involved with such a professional party. I also played in Santa Cruz, Bolivia at the start of the summer which was awesome. The atmosphere in the club was awesome and the people had a great energy for electronic music.

What releases do you have in the pipeline?

I have EP’s forthcoming on Twisted Fusion, Be One, SOUP, Happy Techno and Incorrect for 2018 so things are looking solid already.

Where has been the most magical city you have performed at and why?

I would say my favourite city so far has been Buenos Aires in Argentina. I love the passion the people have for music and the parties are always special. I played at Pacha, Buenos Aires which was one of the best venues in the world before it closed recently. I also spent a lot of time in the city. One of the best things I experienced was a Graffiti tour which was a great way to get a cultural and historical view of the city. I would recommend this to anyone who visits. Put it on your list!

Do you prefer working in the studio, or out on the road performing to crowds?

I love them both equally, but one without the other would leave me feeling incomplete. They are both inextricably linked. There is nothing better than playing your own music that you have spent hours creating and experimenting with to thousands of like-minded people. Sharing energy and positive vibes. For me, that cannot be beaten. But you can get that same buzz sat at home in the studio as well, however that is usually the anticipation and excitement you get from the moment you get to share your creation with the world.

When you first started out, which DJ was you looking up to and why did they influence you? 

I think my first experience of electronic music was probably Pete Tong and Judge Jules on BBC Radio 1. But once I had been clubbing and decided I wanted to start DJing my favourite DJ was always Carl Cox. He is the ultimate professional and has been at the top of his game for so long with no signs of stopping. Absolute legend!

How long had you been producing before you signed one of your tracks to a big record label? 

In terms of my Rich Wakley project, I consider most of my first releases being signed to respected record labels. Hector Couto’s ‘Roush’, Andre Crom’s ‘OFF’, and Leftwing & Kody’s ‘Lost Records’ were my first releases.

What kind of vibes are you currently playing in your performances? 

Peak time, jackin tech house with a nod to the old school flavours.

Quick Fire Round:

Sex or Alcohol? 

Sex

House or Techno?

House is my roots – Techno is my passion

Dubstep or Drum & Bass?

Drum & Bass

Dream b2b?

Carl Cox

God or Science?

Science

Tea or Coffee?

Tea

Short Haul or Long Haul?

Long Haul

What games do you have on your mobile?

Doom, Mortal Combat, Street Fighter, Marvel Heroes and Words With Friends

First DJ set:

Rosies in Solihull

Festival or Intimate Club

Intimate Club

Beer or Wine

Wine

Ketchup or Brown Sauce

Heinz Ketchup

January 15, 2018