Riky EM is an Italian DJ and producer born in Carbonia in 1982. After experimenting with various musical instruments, he discovered his true passion in turntables. Known for his versatility in House Music, he seamlessly blends Deep, Funk, Afro, Amapiano, Organic House, and Tech-House, crafting immersive and rhythmic sets infused with Latin influences.
Passionate about new technologies, he integrates live percussion into his DJ sets, creating a unique and energetic experience. He founded the Origins project, collaborating with various musicians, including percussionists, saxophonists, and violinists.
For over 10 years, he was a radio host and DJ on Radio Luna, leading the House Revolution program. He has performed at major events such as Barcelona Summer Week and Winter Music Conference in Miami and was featured among the Top 100 Emerging Italian DJs by Trend Magazine. He has played in top Italian clubs and opened live shows for artists like J-Ax and Fedez.
Riky EM has collaborated with electronic music legends such as Frankie Knuckles, David Morales, Pete Tong, and Fedde Le Grand, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.
Connect with Riky EM on Instagram / Facebook / Soundcloud / YouTube
“Echoes of Sahara” is your latest EP in collaboration with UMAN, featuring a remix by Mattisix. What was the main inspiration behind this project, and how did this collaboration come about?
The inspiration came from my “family” roots I think, my paternal grandfather was born in Tunisia and therefore I think that these influences have poured over me, giving me some signs in the past years, and fully exploding within me. I am moved by ethnic, Arab and Afro sounds. The collaboration with UMAN was born a bit for fun on my part (he is a professional in musical productions). I had the desire to translate these sounds into music. He followed me in my evenings and now we have become great collaborators. Mattisix I admired his work, his passion was passed on to me by watching his videos, we immediately empathized.
Throughout your musical journey, you have explored various genres, from Deep House to Tech-House, Afro, and Amapiano. How would you define the evolution of your sound over time?
I was born with music inside me since I was little and experimentation is part of me. However, I am within well-defined musical lines. I am always in the process of growing. For me today is a return to the origins.
In your DJ sets, you combine technology with live instruments, such as percussion. How important is it for you to maintain a connection with live music, and how does it enhance your performances?
It’s always the connection to music “played” live with instruments that comes back to me. since I was little I have always played the keyboard, the accordion, the percussion and then the drums. Today I tie it to my DJ sets because I believe that a DJ with live music gives more “freshness”. this is the key for me.
You’ve shared the stage with legendary artists like Frankie Knuckles, David Morales, and Pete Tong. Is there a particular encounter or experience that has significantly shaped your career?
I would like to say yes this marked my career, but in reality it didn’t. I love music and I’m grateful for everything I’ve done, for the experiences, the artists I’ve collaborated with, the stages, the discos, any club. I am grateful for music and sharing.
You created the Origins project, collaborating with live musicians. How did this idea come to life, and what have been the most memorable moments from this experience?
The Origins project was born from my childhood, from the tools… Today I brought my roots back to my sets. I want to share the DJ set with my music, my drum and the musicians who accompany me, to combine today’s electronics with the live instruments born from the past. It must be perceived that what we do today is the result of a “maturation” process of “evolution”.
You have performed at international events like the Winter Music Conference in Miami and the Barcelona Summer Week. How have these experiences influenced your career and approach to music?
Well they gave me the opportunity to grow musically, performing in front of large audiences is always exciting. At the time I was following EDM, progressive. I have so much gratitude for my family, my parents, my wife and my son Gabriel… they are my biggest fans. Without them I wouldn’t be happy in what I do. I also thank and am grateful to Camping Tonnara di Calasapone, for giving me the opportunity to express myself in the event that I carry in my heart, called. We Had A Dream.
You were featured among the 100 best emerging DJs in Italy by Trend Magazine. How significant was this recognition for you, and what does it mean to be a DJ today in such a competitive industry?
I’m honest, it was wonderful to see my photo and the article, but in terms of evenings and career, you have to make it on your own. The music scene is full of good artists and unfortunately where I live (Sardinia) it is undervalued, so it’s hard.
Being a DJ in such a competitive sector for me means exciting, this is my mission. I get excited and the gratitude comes from the people who listen not only with their ears or with their body, it goes beyond, and I’m not just talking about clubs.
After “Echoes of Sahara”, what are your next projects? Do you have any new collaborations or musical experiments in the works to share with your audience?
Absolutely yes, there will be productions with my signature, the collaboration with Uman will continue, with Mattisix ditto, we have started this process.. I have the desire to make a thank you album to the musicians who work with me, called Origins, songs that recall Sardinian sounds etc etc… But I won’t reveal anything else.
Thank you!
