Since 1987, Ricky Montana has been immersed in music, honing his craft from private parties to renowned venues across Rome.
Inspired by Radio Londra and DJ Nino Scarico, Montana’s sound spans House, Tech House, Minimal, and Techno. After a hiatus, he returned to produce for labels like Vamos Music and Shaman Records. As host of ‘The Sound of Rome,’ Montana welcomes guests like Inaya Day and Dawn Tallman. Join us as we delve into Montana’s unique musical odyssey.
EG: Hi Ricky, welcome to EG! Where are you right now?
Ricky Montana: Hi, EG; thank you very much for your interest. I am in Italy in my recording studio, where I spend most of my time.
EG: Congratulations on your recent release with Vamos Music! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this collection of music?
Ricky Montana: Thank you very much. After producing numerous singles and remixes and collaborating with many artists, including Inaya Day, Dawn Tallman, Rio Dela Duna, Danny Rhys, Hrag Beko, Mike Ivy, Lenny M, Paul Morrell, Terri B!, Jeremy Bass, and many others, I felt the need to gather the best tracks into a collection. This highlights my journey so far, especially since my style constantly evolves. Lately, I have been focusing on more minimal productions.
EG: How has your experience at Radio Londra influenced your musical style and taste over the years?
Ricky Montana: Radio Londra has been my artistic family, and resident DJ Nino Scarico has been a mentor to me. When all the clubs in Rome were playing commercial music, Radio Londra was playing House and Garage music. All this was when this music was emerging.
EG: What motivated you to make a comeback after a 10-year artistic break, and how does it feel to be back in the scene?
Ricky Montana: Unfortunately or fortunately, the passion for music never dies, so after separating from my ex-wife, I decided to dedicate my time to my first love, music. I dusted off my equipment and set up my studio again, starting from what I already had and incorporating new elements.
“Radio Londra has been my artistic family, and resident DJ Nino Scarico has been a mentor to me”
EG: With such a diverse repertoire spanning house, tech house, minimal, and techno, how do you maintain a cohesive sound while exploring different genres?
Ricky Montana: In my gigs, I work with all these genres. I like to create a progression, a musical journey. Naturally, depending on where I’m playing, I propose different things or more vocal tracks for aperitifs and more technological tracks for clubs. However, productions of various styles need to be approached differently, so with each production, I change my mindset and dive into that style, much like actors getting into character.
EG: Could you share some insights into your creative process when collaborating on productions with other artists?
Ricky Montana: Having collaborated with artists of all nationalities, we cannot always meet in person. So we exchange stems, and each contributes their part. This process lengthens the production times, but it enriches you because it connects you with different points of view.
EG: What do you hope listeners take away from your music, particularly in terms of emotions or experiences?
Ricky Montana: Naturally, I hope that my music can evoke emotions in those who listen to it, perhaps associated with special moments in life, leaving them with a positive memory.
EG: Your radio show ‘The Sound of Rome’ features special guests like Kenny Carpenter, Alaia & Gallo, and Angelo Ferreri. How do these collaborations contribute to the show’s dynamic and your own artistic growth?
Ricky Montana: Having guests helps diversify the show. It’s very interesting for me because it allows me to listen to other artists and pay attention to what they propose and how they propose it. This is a stimulus for me to enrich my perspectives on music and discover new things.
EG: Remixing tracks for artists like Inaya Day, Sterling Void, and Paul Morrell must be an exciting challenge. How do you approach remixing to put your own unique spin on a track while respecting the original artist’s vision?
Ricky Montana: It depends a lot on what I receive to remix. If I receive all the stems, I try to recreate the original atmospheres, adding my personal touch. If I only receive the vocals, I feel free to work in my own way, drawing inspiration from the vocals and creating an alternative version not inspired by the original.
“Naturally, I hope that my music can evoke emotions in those who listen to it, perhaps associated with special moments in life, leaving them with a positive memory”
EG: If we visit your city, where should we go to eat, drink, and party?
Ricky Montana: Currently, I live in Nereto, a small town of about 5000 inhabitants, where at 10 pm, you won’t see anyone around. So when it comes to celebrating, you have the entire Teramo and Ascoli coastline just a few kilometers away. While in winter, cities like Teramo and Ascoli. I’m practically nestled between the sea and the mountains, and when I want tranquility, I stay at home.
EG: What are your goals or aspirations as a DJ and producer, and are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
Ricky Montana: I have various projects waiting to be completed, but the ones that excite me the most are the minimal/tech projects I have recently undertaken. I think my goals are somewhat the same as those of all DJs/Producers. As a producer, they are to sign with prestigious labels, and as a DJ, to be able to join the roster of some booking agencies.
EG: Thanks, Ricky, and all the best!
Ricky Montana: Thank you and to the entire EG staff.
‘Ricky Montana’s Collection’ is out now via Vamos Music. Purchase your copy here.
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