Bibbski - DJ/Producer
- Phil Fazioli
- Apr 25, 2017
- 4 min read
Richard Bibber, aka "Bibbski," is a DJ/producer from His feel good story about how he turned a negative part of his life into a positive is one that he hopes will some day inspire youth. I learned a lot about Richard on an hour long car ride with him to the University of New Hampshire where we were going to see the duo, Two Friends, perform. I snagged an interview with Two Friends as well [link up later]. But to see more on Richard's story plus other elements of his career, check out below in the following interview.
Phil: How did you become a DJ? Why did you want this to be your career?
Richard: I became a DJ because a buddy of mine (who was a couple of years ahead of me in school) was doing it at the time. He kind of showed me the ropes, and then I began teaching myself. It all came together when I saw Tiesto live - such an amazing experience.
Phil: What was your first gig like?
Richard: Well it was at UMASS Lowell, and I got it because of a connection I made with a fraternity brother (Sigma Tau Gamma) at a party. I guess he liked me and hired me for their next party - it wasn't for much money but I didn't mind. Only 200 people were expected to show up, but it probably ended up being closer to 1,000 people! I was 19 at the time, but that was when I knew I had something special. I owe a sh*t ton of respect to the brothers of this fraternity. I got addicted instantly after seeing all those people with their hands in the air. If it wasn't for that opportunity, I don't know where I'd be right now. Thanks again, Sigma Tau Gamma.
Phil: That's really cool. Good of you to give props like that. So you said you were a producer, what programs do you like to use?
Richard: I really like Reason. I had heard about FL Studio and Pro Logic, but I wanted to try something different. I ended up at the Guitar Center in Nashua and they had a demo with Reason set up..I used it for two and a half hours and fell in love!
Phil: You also mentioned to me that you recently finished up a "college tour" so to speak. Can you speak about that.
Richard: Yeah, so I have no management or booking agent right now, so I set it all up myself. The gigs were mainly at college frat parties all throughout New England. Right now I'm just focused on doing weddings.
Phil: How have your past experiences influenced where you are today, in this car with me.
Richard: So, you want my life story eh? Haha well I was adopted. My parents who adopted me have been together since 1987, so they are celebrating their 30th anniversary soon! I look to them as an example that commitment is super important, and that the right one is out there for everyone!
Up until high school, things were easy for me. When I got to high school, something changed, and I was bullied a lot. I barely graduated because I didn't pay attention to my grades; my focus was always on how was I not going to get noticed by everybody today [in a bad way]. So as a result I fell into music..escaping, dealing with depression..music helped. Electronic music really helped. It just spoke to me in a way that no one around me was doing at the time. Things in my life started going up from there. I connected with new people, people with similar interests and passions. The EDM community was one of the first places [whether it be at a concert or club] where I felt wanted and accepted. I learned about PLUR: Peace, Love, Unity, Respect and the rest is history.
Phil: Wow, that's a great turnaround story. I'm sure you'll be able to inspire people who are going through hard times themselves. Thanks for sharing, Richard.
Phil: What are your favorite styles of music to play, and who are your influences?
Richard: If it has the name, "house," in it, I will enjoy DJing it. Big Room-House, Progressive House, etc. And if it gets crazy enough, I like to throw in some Drum N Bass and/or Future House. I also like throwing in classic rock in my sets..AC/DC, Twisted Sister, Guns N Roses, Blink 182..I like variety in my sets. My influences are deadmau5, Avicii, Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Hardwell, and my biggest influence is Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike - their remixes, mashups, and originals are all fire. I have a lot of techno influences too - Carl Cox, Green Velvet, Richie Hawtin, and Sven Vath.
Phil: Have you seen any of them live?
Richard: Believe it or not...I haven't. ULTRA 2018 will be the first festival I attend.
Phil: As someone who plans on bursting on to the EDM scene and sticking around for good, can you respond to this statement that I hear sometimes, that, "EDM is dead [or is dying]."
Richard: People like to say that the EDM bubble has burst. But I talk to a lot of DJs around New England, and they all know that the attendees of the club want to hear some for of EDM, whether it be house or hard-style or whatever..some form will get those people dancing. Hip-Hop, of course, is huge around here, and you have to be prepared to play some in your set, but no, EDM isn't dead; I have faith that EDM is here to stay for awhile.
Phil: Do you have a message for fans/ future fans? Why are you here? What should we look forward to in terms of your production?
Richard: I'm here to spread joy, love, and happiness throughout the world through music. There's so much b*llsh*t out there, that we need to stop and enjoy life once and awhile. As far as production, be on the lookout for my "Astronot" series on Soundcloud. That project ends up being a compilation of all the new music I hear of..lots of house beats. Just wait, see, and listen.
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