The Mix
Talk us through the track selection of the mix.
"Except for one, every track in the mix is one of my own tracks."
Where and how was the mix recorded?
"The mix was recorded in my lab and since I incorporated a lot of my unreleased material, I created this mix digitally. That said, when I play out I always only play vinyl."
What are the musical influences that have allowed you to arrive at this podcast?
"Since almost every track in the podcast is my own, I wasn't so much inspired by music alone, but more by the meaning and purpose I tried to instill in the podcast. I want the podcast to take the listener on a journey through thoughts and emotions they never experienced before."
The Plug
What is keeping you busy at the moment, musically at least?
"You can always find me in the lab working on new tracks."
What is the update on your two labels - Harmoine Park and Bass Force Records - I know the latter has been quiet for a while now...
"Later this year I plan to release two more Eps on Harmonie Park. As for Bass Force, these days I'm not working so much on Ghetto Tech anymore, but eventually I do plan to release more material on that label."
I think if you were to mention the city of Detroit and music most people would think 'techno'. So, give us a little insight into the Detroit deep house scene as you've known it.
"Honestly, I don't really keep up with scenes so I'm probably not the best guy to answer this question. I simply make and listen to what I like and don't really concern myself with the happenings and outside perceptions of the industry."
You're playing Ibiza later in the season aren't you? Excited? What experience do you have of the island previous to this?
"Yes, I'm playing Ibiza in August (Channel Zoo) and I'm happy to be playing there. I've never been to Ibiza before so this will be my first time to the island."
Music aside, I guess the big news is that you're about to become a father again? Congratulations! Do you see this changing the way you work much with a younger child around, perhaps you'll raise the next breakthrough deep house artist in Detroit? Big Daddy Rick indeed.
"Yes, my wife and I are very excited to be expecting a new baby, but I don't really see it changing the way I work as I already have two sons; Ricky and Xavier. Perhaps one day the baby will be influenced by the music I'm playing and will start down the path of musical exploration."
Finally, you have a weekend off. What do you do? Where do you go?
"When I have a weekend off, I typically spend my Saturday nights watching Anime with my two sons, working on mobile game development and drawing. My wife and I also like to walk down to the park near my house and go to get ice cream."
Biography
The legendary Rick Wade hardly needs any introduction. The man behind Harmonie Park Records has been producing soulful, timeless grooves and tapping into the essence of deepness since the early ’90's. A stalwart of Detroit’s rich music history for the past two decades Rick has long been considered an underground hero - one of those guys we call a "producer's producer" or a "DJ's DJ". Appearing on over 30 different labels worldwide he pioneered the sound that has become synonymous with Detroit, Deep house. Developing a distinctive style that draws from soul, jazz, funk, disco and adds to it the loopy raw vibe taken from Detroit techno. Known for their universal appeal, the resulting tracks on labels such as Rush Hour, Laid, Moods & Grooves, Track Mode and Yore have become classics in the genre, secret weapons for discerning techno and house DJs alike. The very definition of underground, his music is deep, moody, and emotional with thick bass lines, incredible stings, and solid drum grooves.
As a DJ Rick garners a lot of respect and is known for blending music together in such a way that it emotes great crowd response and an amazing vibe. He earned much of his early respect DJing on various Radio Shows around Detroit like “Journey to the Land of House” on WCBN and “The Pulse” on 95.5fm while also playing some memorable nights at the Nectarine Ballroom- the club Jeff Mills made a name for himself at as well. In ‘93 he launched his own label, Harmonie Park and has since released on many other labels including a re-release of some of his standout works on Rush Hour. Unlike some of his counter parts who experienced early momentum that is subsiding now, Rick Wade enjoys a reputation as one of the premier house DJ / Producers in the world and one of the most sought after remixers in the business. Rick has steadily gained traction over the years and has held a consistent seat among the premier class of Detroit artists. Anyone who likes deep, funky vibes should definitely find a chance to see him play live. Put simply he’s a real Detroit treasure and is not to be missed.
