LOCAL FORM: Ricky Nord
Incorporating high energy sets with sentimental melodies, driving kick drums and trancey breakdowns, Ricky Nord has been taking his sound throughout numerous clubs in Melbourne’s electronic music scene. Through techno, trance and breaks, his inspirations derive from European artists ranging from Brame & Hamo to Ejeca to DJ Reiz.
Ricky is also the host of Club Elevate, a monthly radio show delivering high-energy frequencies on Area 3000. Alongside mixes with various guests, it features illuminating interviews with artists broaching various topics like their musical inspirations.
Alongside occupying a residency with Melbourne events imprint @goldhaus_melb, Ricky has featured frequently on line-ups throughout Melbourne’s nightlife. Throughout his short career, Ricky has played at Let Them Eat Cake, Beyond the Valley, XE54, Glamorama, Yours & Mine, New Guernica, Bourke St Courtyard, Brown Alley and supported the likes of Job Jobse and JamesJamesJames. Whether it is mixing diverse genres of music or exploring his prized vinyl collections, Ricky Nord always aims to develop, expand and exhibit his sound.
First
Stephan Bodzin – Lila (2015)
‘This track I first heard in 2016 at a festival in Lillè, France called Le Name. I was travelling Europe and was here with a few of my best mates, including local producer Larry Willett (aka Willem). Lillè is in a province called Nord, which funnily enough was the inspiration behind my DJ name Ricky Nord.’
’At the time, I didn’t actually know how epic the line-up was, and I had never heard of Stephan Bodzin, which shows how naive I was! This track stood out to me as I had never heard synths used like that before in techno. It has a deep, dark but euphoric melody and is an emotional journey – it becomes more powerful as it progresses. I later found out it was his inspiration for the album ‘Powers of Ten’. He wrote and named it after his daughter ‘Lila’ was born. When I revisit the track, I not only get nostalgic, but I can feel the emotion he has filtered through it. Seeing it played live and watching him capture the crowd was not only special to witness, it inspired me to try and aim to do the same.’
Classic
Avicii – Blessed (2011)
‘I had always loved electronic dance music since quite a young age. When I was around 14 or 15 at school Larry (Willem) and I used to make mashups on our laptops using the program ‘Acid’ during lunchtimes. Avicii, and particularly ‘Blessed’, used to feature regularly. Although I used to butcher it by combining it with something completely off-key and offbeat!’
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The track itself is just a massive euphoric vibe. Every time I listen to it, it puts a smile on my face. I love the way he blended the female gospel vocal (Shermanology) with this spiritual blend of uplifting electro house. When it launches into the chords and bass melody, that feeling of euphoria really hits. At the time it just used to make me get up and jump on the table, now it makes me nostalgic and emotional.’
’t was through Avicii that my love for electronic dance music began. I was lucky enough to see him live once and it was unbelievable. He was an inspiration to so many, rest in peace Tim.’
Current
Tommy Holohan – Lovin in Rush!
‘Ever since I heard this, I haven’t stopped playing it! It seems to always find a way into my mixes and sets. It is so fun to mix into and builds into it with some really mad, raw breaks. That’s followed by the bass coming in and combining with the female vocals over the top. Then out of nowhere are some really hectic powerful 90s style rave leads.’
’I love the hard-old school sound that it showcases, and it has the ability really capture you, it is super punchy and energetic, then has a nostalgic chord melody throughout the core of the track. It just screams warehouse rave to me. I would love to see him play live and drop this, he is an Irish wizard!’
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