Meet VON RIU, a Paris-based DJ and producer who has rapidly ascended the ranks of the electronic music scene. Co-founding his label Jerry Horny with Maté in 2020, VON RIU has become a prominent figure with a distinct, omnivorous sound palette. His productions traverse a wide array of styles, from cinematic gloomy atmospheres to incisive trancy techno, clubby bass & break music, and modern progressive trance. Transitioning from a passionate dancer to a master behind the decks, VON RIU’s deft mixing skills and adventurous electronic sets have earned him acclaim.
His label, Jerry Horny, stands out with its corporate-businesscore vision, utilizing self-improvement and growth hacking techniques to bring together top names in the electro, break, and bass music scenes through a series of well-received compilations and EPs. We’re lucky to be able to connect with him, who’ve put together an incredible blend of tracks for our MIXED BY series, and have answered a few questions.
INTERVIEW
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music production?
Back in the days, in Orléans, my hometown all of my friends was into music production, they were all buying hardware gear to make music. So I had to buy mine, I got a Korg Electribe, a Boss DR-550 and a Korg Monologue to begin my music journey. It was in a kinda raw and naive way to do it but at the same time i really learn how to handle and understand the basics, that has been very important when I got into computer production.
What are some of the biggest influences on your music? Are there any artists or genres that particularly inspire you?
I would say that im influenced by a lot of different inspiration, I use to dig a lot of type of music everyday and try to pick some details of all of that big stew to shape my music. I shifted a bit in my productions, taking a lot of elements of some 00’s UK tech-house, old tribal progressive records, trying to get a sharp techy and trancy modern sound.
Your “Von Cristeuf” series has received great feedback. Can you talk about the inspiration and creative process behind this project?
Going for a collab with Cristofeu was pretty obvious. Its a good friend from Paris, we have same tastes in music and we had in mind bringing something super Ibiza, blended with some wet basement tech. We’ve been stuck to the studio for like 1 week, everything has been super easy and flowly. It was the first time for me working on a collab with somebody where everything got smoothly operating.
How do you balance the technical aspects of production with the creative process? Do you have a specific workflow you follow?
Music production is always kind of a struggle, now I feel confident with my music and mixing skills, but you always struggle with legitimacy. Sometimes I can wait like 6/7/8 months doing nothing but shit. Then on one weekend I’ll be getting back the inspo and producing 2-3 tracks on that same weekend and getting back confidence to it. We have to be very lenient with ourselves !
You’ve released a variety of tracks on label such as Discoteca, Jerry Horny or Nehza Records . Is there a particular release that holds special significance for you?
Hmm, I would say the Oil Spill track I released on Nehza Records got me on a different level. Like I knew that track was going to be played and stuff, but I was impressed how good it has been received. Few of my oldest tracks now sounds a bit outdated, but I think that one could get older and still sounds kinda fresh, and I like the fact that the track can be played in a lot of different type of mixes.
You’ve performed at various venues and events. Is there a particular performance or venue that stands out as a favorite or most memorable?
There’s a lot that comes in mind ! Playing at Kodefervo in Rio De Janeiro for the carnival was something, going to Shenzhen and playing at legendary Oil Club was a blast too, and I have so much memories of The Office in Yerevan, Armenia, that is one of the best club I played. Of course there’s a lot more but these are my highlights.
Collaboration seems to be a significant part of your work. How do you choose your collaborators, and what do you look for in a collaborative project?
Socials are like unavoidable nowadays, its a pitty but if you wanna live with your music, you have to play the game. With my label Jerry Horny, we chose the form of humor and sarcasm to communicate. We feel like in the scene, we all sacralize too much the DJs being too serious behind the decks. We like to appear childish and silly, being as silly as the crowd dancing in front of you.
Can you share any upcoming projects or releases that your fans should look forward to?
I have a new EP ready, that will come with a Audrey Danza collab, that should be released on her label Proxima. That EP is big step change for me, tracks are cruising.
