Nigel Richards: Don’t TECHNO for an Answer
DJ, Producer, Entrepreneur, Ladies Man… this is Nigel Richards. Nigel has been practicing his DJ skills since 1988, when he worked for his college radio at the University of Rochester. Heavily influenced by the early sounds of Laurent Garnier, Richie Hawtin, and Terry Mullen, Nigel has toured the United States and much of the world entertaining small and large crowds alike. As a producer, his diverse style has been highly acclaimed, with releases on such labels as Extortion, Stickman, Blue Line and 611 being played, charted and licensed by Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, Samuel Sessions, Angel Alanis, Josh Wink and DJ Dan.
I think that Frankie Bones sums Nigel up best:
Nigel Richards is a man on a mission. From his dream of being the first kid on the block to own a trendy record store, to a DJ who spends lots of time in Airports, Nigel has always been in a constant whirlwind, moving across the country at light speed, playing a few records and moving onto the next place… Without Nigel’s input to the scene with his shop 611, I doubt the East Coast scene would have ever gotten as large as it did.”
I caught up with Nigel before he heads off to Burning Man and then to a gig in Malaysia on Saturday, August 30th. I wish he would pack me in his suitcase! *pout pout*
Your career began as a radio host and after graduation you then made the transition to promoter and DJ, and eventually to entrepreneur with 611 Records opening in 2003. Was this what you always wanted to do or did you see the opportunity and go for it?
I saw the opportunity and went for it. I never expected to own a record store… or even DJ for a living. I went to Germany fresh out of college to DJ and from there, I realized this was an amazing job and I wanted to do it for a living! Then as for a record store, I worked in a shop for three years of college supporting my vinyl habit so when I came back home to Philly and saw the poor selections at the local stores, I seized the opportunity. I spent my whole life, especially college, marketing and branding, so I knew I wanted to create a big picture company that would represent dance music culture.
What was the first record you bought?
No idea… Jimmy Cliff? U2? Gary Numan?
Out of all the tunes you have, which one “never fails”?
Hmm… depends on the gig and the year. I can’t say there is one, really… I get tired of hearing some so often so I seek new ones.
As a DJ, do you use the likes of Beatport now or do you still shop for vinyl?
I like both. I fought off the mp3 thing for years as I still had a physical store. Since I have closed the shop, I feel I am no longer cannibalizing my own livelihood. CDs suck, but it’s a lot easier to carry a book of CDs, I’ll admit that. I buy some vinyl, but right now, there is no where to shop in Philly. I also love to make remixes and re-edits and original tracks that I can produce on my laptop and play out the night I create them. That’s fun. The “hotel studio” before the gig and then play it live that night.
DJ, Producer, Entrepreneur - is there anything you can’t do?
Ah ha ha. I can’t do a lot of things but I prefer to keep those things private until I sort them out.
I’m also really into real estate development and helping people buy and sell. I’m a people person… a connector. I like to help facilitate people’s lives… make them easier. If I can profit from that, it’s a win-win situation.
How is life without 611 Records?
I very much enjoy the freedom of not having to babysit. I didn’t want to be a shop owner forever, that’s for sure. It was a blast and the late 90’s were some amazing, fun times. I worked my ass off and loved it. I’m older now and appreciate different things in life. It’s a simple transition. The good news is that a friend of mine is going to continue to push the brand on the web and with clothing - so 611 will live on! The model has changed but the engine is still there. In addition, I am considering calling our real estate development company the Six Eleven Development Group. This will be the name of the greener building company.
Have you ever thought about going back to radio?
Indeed. I’m actually producing a show on XM called Redux. I should be on the air in about two weeks. I love radio and am comfortable in my own self, so I can ham it up in a relaxed fashion. I still love to spread and share the music. I am obsessed with my podcast. It’s so fun to see people download them! :0
How is the studio work coming on at present? What’s been happening and what’s forthcoming?
I just finished remixes for this CD series called Japanese Anime Tunez 4. It’s a compilation of huge Japanime theme songs remixed in a dance music fashion. I have a slew of digital releases coming out soon, mostly on 611. I am just preparing a larger launch of multiple releases. I am very inspired and excited about the studio these days, though. That’s the ticket for success. Especially since I’m not releasing vinyl any more… you gotta keep out there!
You’re local to Philadelphia, what’s your favorite place for people to check out?
I recommend the Mexican/Cuban restaurant scene. It’s not a music scene, but dang good restaurants! There are some underground dance events such as a small one I played at last night at Triada Lounge in Old City.
Every time I talk to you, you are traveling somewhere. Any place in particular that you would like to visit next?
Well, I am excited because I am taking my first trip to Asia later this month. I still need to rock Australia too… especially in their summer season, our winter.
Links:
Nigel Richards website
Nigel Richards Podcasts
Nigel Richards on MySpace
611 Records
