TEST TRACK: FRANKY RIZARDO

Franky Rizardo’s interest in dance music, goes pretty far back. At just 14 years old, his growing addiction to the beats had turned into pure passion, steamrolling him into experimenting by playing around with and producing music. Not long afterwards, he took up residency at the well-known Dutch Club Manhattan, and his hobby evolved into a profession. With his electric blend of energetic and uplifting sounds, he began gigging across the Netherlands and beyond. Countries like the USA, France, Switzerland, Spain and South Africa picked up on Rizardos distinctively popular sound and welcomed him with open arms.

Establishing yourself as a brand is no easy feat, yet Franky’s FLOW concept continues to develop into a recognizable icon in the house music landscape. House-music (House, Deep House, Tech House) play a central role in FLOW’S concept. The concept is based on the three pillars to offer the youth of today a platform, namely: A radio show on Holland’s national SLAM!FM. Which is where Franky would start off on his humble beginnings, and take it further to international club nights and hosting and curating stages at the Netherlands hottest festivals – his work ethnic is as hard as they come.

Franky would go on to collaborate with some big names in the industry, like his work with Dutch House Heroes, Bart B More in 2008. He also teamed up with the powerhouse Hardwell in 2012, to put out the track Asteroid. His tracks received groundbreaking support from major players in the scene such as Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso and Fedde Le Grand. This newfound notoriety resulted in remix requests from the likes of Erick E, Eddie Thoneick and Ian Carey.

Franky took it one step further in 2015, when he started his very own LTF records – a platform intended to release his own works, alongside supporting emerging artist from Holland’s underground house scene. The label has already put put a string of quality releases since its inception and continues to push the FLOW sound throughout 2017.

Not one to shy away from the studio, Franky has continued to develop his trademark sound, with his hard work being paid off in 2016 –  with successful releases on Defected Records, Nic Fanciulli’s seminal Saved Records and Yousef’s Circus recordings, as well stepping up to mix the prestigious Defected In The House mix series at the start of 2017, which included exclusive originals, remixes and edits from the young producer.

Franky shows no signs of slowing down, with a gig diary nearly hitting triple digits over the past years. His versatility and refreshing sound has toured him across the planet. His commitment and passion to the music he plays has resulted in a packed out summer diary, which saw him play across Europe at the likes of We Are FSTVL, Defected Croatia, Tomorrowland, and Mysteryland as well as returning to Ibiza to play a summer long residency at Sankeys’ Redlight parties.

Today the young and talented DJ/producer Franky Rizardo is a well-known name in the international dance music industry. Thanks to his startling DJ skills and his strong, fresh, and original productions, Franky’s career is quickly gathering pace. 

Catch the rising star behind the decks at W Bali-Seminyak this coming New Years eve and get a glimpse at what all the hype is about. We caught up with Franky before he sets camp at W and shoot him our Test Track series – where we put DJs to the test, hitting them with certain scenario, where they can only respond with a track. Scroll down and click play, folks!

If you were stuck on a desert island and there was only one record, which one would you hate it to be the most?

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I wouldn’t want to spend my days alone with Alanis Morissette – Ironic on repeat!

With NYE round the corner + your set at W Seminyak, what would be a good choice as a midnight banger?

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I’ve just finished my new remix of the classic Blue Boy – Remember Me, i think that’s a vibe for the midnight, especially at the stunning W Location.

(Guess you’ll have to wait till Franky’s set at W Seminyak to hear this one, keeping us on our toes!)

You’re an 80s kid! What 80s track would be a total challenge to remix, but you would love to work on?

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I think Blue Monday by New Order would be a great challenge. It’s an amazing original production, and would definitely need my full attention to combine it with my own sound. 

If you were gonna mess with the crowd at one of your sets and play something totally left field, what track would that be? 

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It’s fun to play a curveball here and there, it can create some big moments. Personally i like to throw the odd classic in sometimes, something like Gat Decor – Passion or Underground Solution – Luv Dancin. Another tune that hits the right notes is The Sun Can’t Compare by Larry Heard & Mr White.

Name one track, from all the tracks you’ve ever released (collaborations/solo/produced), that you WOULD NEVER play to your parent(s)?

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I dont really have the option as my parents check out most of my releases! It’s fun to hear their thoughts on them. If I have to choose I think the B side to my latest EP on 8Bit Records called ‘Aerosol’ isn’t something I’d play to them. It’s one of my deeper melodic vibes and i’m not sure they’d be in to that!

Catch the main man himself behind the decks at W Seminyak on NYE, 31st December 2019!