Cover Stars
Franky Rizardo pays homage to the groove. From elrow to Music On and ANTS, Tech-House maestro talks music and legendary party vibes
Get to know Franky Rizardo: DJ, Producer and the founder of LTF Records
For years, Franky Rizardo has been integral to legendary parties like elrow, Music On, and ANTS, conjuring enjoyable tech-house vibes centered around a sparkly groove that goes above and beyond the traditional style of the genre.
He keenly believes in the idea that music should constantly renew us, which is why he started his own brand 'FLOW', a hugely successful events concept with attached record label LTF Records.
His discography encompasses a broad selection of house music's finest sounds. Over the past several months, Franky released the infectious single ‘Love Me Right’ on his imprint LTF Records, a contender for house music’s tune of the summer.
'Love Me Right’ immediately stood out from his acclaimed set for Music On Festival, sparking a massive response from the crowd. Additionally, he debuted on Andrea Oliva’s 'All I Need' label at the end of August with ‘Love Seeking’ and released an official Blond:ish x Madonna remix in July.
Mixmag Brasil has spoken to the fantastic DJ, producer, and label boss to find out precisely what he has been up to, what he’s currently working on and much more.
Hi Franky, thank you for taking a moment to talk to us, and welcome to Mixmag Brazil! How has this 2023 been for you?
Hello! It is a pleasure to meet you too! And thank you as well. 2023 has been a whirlwind so far, and I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively and experience various cultures and parties. The pace is high this summer, but I’ve enjoyed the ride.
A few standout moments for me this year include my first time playing the mainstage of Tomorrowland, performing at the Music On Festival, and shows at Pacha and Ushuaia in Ibiza.
Additionally, my enthusiasm during my shows in the USA and South America has been electric. It feels like a great time for house music in the States, and South America has always had one of the most passionate crowds in the world.
On the music front, I’ve been dabbling across the house and tech house genres. My latest ‘Love Me Right’, quickly became a staple in my sets ever since I played it for the first time at the Music On Festival.
I recently had the privilege to remix BLOND:ISH and Madonna’s single ‘Sorry,’ which has been an enormous honor to have been asked to remix. This year feels energetic and exciting for sure.
We are thrilled to present your musical concept to our audience. What do you think if we start talking about your first steps into electronic music, and why did house music catch your attention more than other styles?
I vividly recall the moment I first encountered house music on a music production software on a friend’s computer. It instantly hooked me, especially with the creative possibilities it opened up in music production.
House music’s tempo strikes a perfect balance for me – it isn’t overly fast or too slow and is immensely danceable. I was also drawn to the uplifting and positive vibes from the genre.
The summer season in Europe looks fantastic! We have seen you in the line-up of fabulous festivals and clubs like Tomorrowland, elrow, Amnesia Ibiza, ANTS, and Music On. How does that make you feel? What can you tell us about these terrific experiences?
I’m genuinely grateful for the support from these awesome brands in the scene. It’s exciting to witness the growth of the house and techno scene, even making its mark on the Tomorrowland mainstage. Naturally, performing there was a fantastic moment.
I’m buzzing about the shows I’ve lined up with Music On, Ants, elrow, and under my own banner, ‘FLOW’. Kicking off the summer with a set at the Music On Festival in May was absolutely wicked, powered by the energy of an audience that traveled from all corners of the world. The entire set has been recorded and is available on YouTube for those interested!
“It’s exciting to witness the growth of the house and techno scene, even making its mark on the Tomorrowland mainstage”
We know you are a beloved guest at Music On. How has it been for you to have the support of this tremendous festival and its leader, the great Marco Carola?
If there is one artist I hold in high regard, it’s Marco Carola. I’ve spent countless memorable nights dancing with my friends at Music On’s events.
For me, it represents the pinnacle of Ibiza nights. So, having the backing of the Music On crew is incredible. Their strong fanbase allows me to play the sound I love even more.
As a part of an incredible touring life, you are also an essential member of the most epic colony of ‘ANTS,’ which this year celebrates 10 years. What can you share with us about your experience? And How has it been to celebrate this milestone?
I have a lot of fun when I play for ANTS. ANTS goes above and beyond when it comes to show and decoration. Considering Ibiza’s competitive market, they will celebrate their 10-year anniversary this year, which is an incredible achievement.
The ANTS family is very close-knit, and it’s really amazing to see that a concept can thrive for 10 years based on that strength and still growing. Also, Ushuaïa Ibiza is a big part of the great experience.
I’m looking forward to seeing the expansion of ANTS events worldwide. There are numerous artists playing ANTS that inspire me, but Andrea Oliva, the central figure of ANTS, is the first to resonate. Watching him connect with the entire crowd at Ushuaïa through his energetic sets while hitting epic melodic notes here and there is inspiring.
How do you keep your authenticity in a competitive industry like ours?
I strive to interact with people in the same way I hope they’d interact with me. I make an effort to be aware of the psychological aspect of this scene and how being in the spotlight can impact one’s personal well-being.
I try to be conscious of my actions and thoughts. There’s always a two-sided aspect to every situation. With that perspective, I aim to stay motivated and maintain a sense of calmness.
You are well-known for delivering danceable rhythms and tons of groove in your sets, and ‘Love Me Right’ is no exception; what a tune! Can you describe the musical mood of the track and how it differs from your previous productions?
‘Love Me Right’ is definitely more vocal-based than some of my previous productions. The song represents a positive summer mood. It’s all about the good vibes.
“The ANTS family is very close-knit, it’s amazing to see that a concept can thrive for 10 years based on that strength and can keep growing. I’m looking forward to seeing the global expansion of ANTS."
This year, you also brought to life a remix of ‘Sorry’ for BLON:DISH and the Queen of Pop, Madonna. What happened there?
I hold immense respect for both of these artists, so remixing their work was truly enjoyable. While Blondish added a progressive touch to her original, I chose a 90s rave vibe, incorporating piano stabs and a driving bassline. It’s a mix that fits both intimate club settings and bigger stages.
Moving on to ‘LTF’ Records, what can you tell us about its approach? Is it to release your own music, or are you planning to release other artists? Are some artists on your radar now that we should be checking out?
My guiding principle for signing a track to LTF Records is simple: I need to have the desire to play the song.
Presently, we’re rolling out in-house productions and other artists’ EPs. We’ve recently onboarded Nacho Scoppa, JP Chronic, and Unknown 7 - exceptional producers who are definitely ones to watch.
‘FLOW,’ Congratulations on this! What was your vision for ‘FLOW’ when working on it? How would you like the audience to perceive your music?
FLOW is rooted in the concept of the ‘FLOW’ state of mind: being present, immersed, and forgetting the world around you. Our aim at FLOW is to get people into this state.
Our music is characterized by groove; we aren’t fans of breakdowns that disrupt the rhythm. The groove is vital because you don’t want to get off it once you’re on!
How is the new chapter of ‘FLOW’ coming? We know there are exciting dates.
We’re thrilled to have recently debuted in the USA with a stellar show in New York. The upcoming year’s schedule is already planned with exciting events in the UK, Ibiza, and the Netherlands.
In addition, we’re gearing up for a bigger version of our very own FLOW festival, and we’ll continue our signature shows at Musis Arnhem and Colorado Charlie Beach Club. We’d also love to plan some shows in South America.
How important has it been for you to balance your personal life and your life as a DJ?
I’ve just returned from a USA tour, and after busy stretches of shows, I always prioritize resting on the first day back. I eat healthy, work out, and spend some time in nature.
Although I live in Amsterdam, I’m on the outskirts, close to the Amsterdamse Bos, which is wonderful for balancing after hectic performances, travel schedules, and dealing with jet lags.
I also enjoy visiting family and trying to see my grandmother, who is almost 92. Balance is key, and I’m fortunate to have a partner that helps me maintain this.
“I strive to interact with people in the same way I hope they’d interact with me. I make an effort to be aware of the psychological aspects of this scene”
We always like asking artists for tips or messages to encourage those beginning their careers. What would you say to them?
If you want to pursue something go for it wholeheartedly. Keep tuning into what feels right for you, and have patience. Don’t let yourself be disheartened by comparing too much with others around you.
Observing your surroundings is good, but don’t treat it as a competition. Keep doing your own thing because things will happen when the timing is right. Staying true to yourself brings things back to you.
Additionally, it requires a lot of hard work. Be ready to make choices and communicate clearly to your friends and family about what matters to you in your journey.
Having a supportive team of people close to you is helpful, and it’s also your responsibility to take care of them in return.
To finalize, Is there anything else you’d love to share with us?
As I look ahead, I’m eager to release more music and plan a full album soon. Furthermore, I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me.
The support and love I’ve received drive me to keep pushing boundaries. Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for being a part of my musical journey!
