Ministry of Sound Red Sea

Interview: DJ Richie Don

When did you first start DJ’ing and how did it all begin?

Back in the great year of 1991. I was hooked after watching a DMC championship on TV. Instantly I knew that’s what I wanted to be: “A Turntablist”

Best gig of all time, either as DJ / punter, and why?

As a DJ It has to be a weekender I am greedy to say. Working predominantly in the UK and Europe where it’s not always that hot, it was a blessing to be asked to perform at Pacha on the Friday in Sharm Egypt and then the legendary “Ministry of Sound” The Beach in Hurghada on Saturday. Both were simply off the hook and immediately shot to Pole Position in my chart of Super Gigs to remember!

Which are you best three clubbing cities / countries worldwide, and why?

1. Home Town London in the UK - because it’s so diverse and caters for ALL needs and requirements.

2. Ibiza – Needs no explanation

3. I’ve heard that Dubai has a fast growing clubbing culture so has gotta get half my joint third vote for simply implementing innovation into their clubbing experience. The other Third Position is NYC of course – The birthplace of Hip Hop!!

What does the Ministry of Sound brand say to you?

Ministry screams World Wide dominance with outlets scattered EVERYWHERE and a huge merchandising and CD range its hard not to be impressed by the force that is Ministry. To be involved in their clubs nights and on their roster as one of their global Tour DJ’s is truly an honour and a privilege!

Give us your first impressions of the Ministry of Sound Red Sea venue?

SIMPLY GOBSMACKED!! – To rave the night away with the sand beneath your feet and the very best musicians playing, Ministry have captured the essence of the clubbers requirements with pinpoint accuracy. The open air club is simply amazing and designed taking every consideration into account. Every time I come to Egypt it’s easy to see why Ministry Dominate the World when its comes to the complete clubbing experience.

With Ministry of Sound Red Sea and Hed Kandi Beach Bar both running successfully in Hurghada, Egypt – do you think we could be talking about a serious clubbing destination, either at present or in the near future? If so what else is required?

I believe it’s inevitably destined to be on the Map as a serious clubbing destination of the world. With breathtaking surroundings and the worlds most historic attractions why not come to Egypt? I think as the nights progress with the Worlds Elite taking stage and the club holding its own as one of the best in the world its only a matter of time before its acclaim becomes more apparent to the rest of the clubbing world who haven’t discovered it – YET!

What was the team at Ministry of Sound Red Sea like?

More than hospitable! They made us all feel very welcome. It’s like a Family that you never want to leave. Although we only have short stays due to further work commitments we always feel comfortable, welcome and hate the thought of having to depart. As soon as the opportunity comes to return it’s an immediate YES every time!!!

How was the actual club-night you played at?

See for yourself. The Video’s are on you tube (www.youtube.com/richiedon) but if you don’t have time to watch them you’ll have to come and experience them for yourselves. Some things are just too hard to describe in words.

What tunes got the biggest reactions on the night?

In the summer of 2007 it was all about Timberland – “The Way I Are”. Eve’s “Tambourine” DJ Khaled “Were Taking Over” Gwen Stefani’s “Sweet Escape” “DJ Felli Fell’s “Get Buck In Here” & Rihanna’s “Umbrella” which smashed it the most!

How did the crowd differ from your normal clientele? Their response, musical preferences etc?

The Response was phenomenal. All night the energy was just electric. If you could bottle that vibe up and sell it we would all be millionaires.

What other events and projects are in the pipeline for you in the near future?

The future is looking very bright for DJ Richie Don.

Still working alongside MTV for all the Pimp My Ride UK car shows and party’s with all the international and European work increasing I will be able to spread the DJ Richie Don brand further than ever before.

Ensuring all my gigs are hugely successful and a night to always remember I pride myself on high energy sets with intense crowd interaction to ensure I light up every venue I play at. As a DJ it’s your job to be reliable, consistent but more importantly cater for the very needs of the dancefloor in front of you and that’s what I do best…

So here’s to the fantastic future – I’m sure I’ll see you on one of my dynamic dancefloors real soon.

www.DJRichieDon.com - www.MySpace.com/DJRichieDon