By Jennifer Finjan
Behind every success you will find a woman who possesses intelligence; charisma; perseverance; high energy; and a willingness to help others. Add a dash of wicked personal style and you have Miss Raquel Richards. Miss Raquel is creator and editor-in-chief of Scenester Magazine (a popular online magazine catering to Canada’s electronic music scene); co-founder and host of Scenester Radio; and Electronica’s host VJ on bpm:tv. Miss Raquel has perfected the formula of hit’em on several mediums with a message and she has our attention.
Miss Raquel has been referred to as electronica Barbie and Britney, as well as the working-Paris Hilton of the club world. In my opinion, none of these comparisons do her justice – unless of course we’re talking Pinstripe Power Barbie. Don’t be fooled – behind this fun blond bombshell stands a shrewd and well-respected business woman. With Raquel as our champion, the Canadian electronic music scene has a fighting chance not only at home but internationally.
Miss Raquel has interviewed renowned local and international artists such as DJ Dan, Funkerman, Jimpster, Kenny Glasgow, The Crystal Method, Chus and Ceballos, James Zabiela, Satoshi Tomiie, Yoji, Cevin Fisher, Shapeshifters, Peter Presta, Sydney Blu, Nick Fiorucci, Jayforce, MC Flipside, Deko-ze, Joey Seminera, Danny Nagals, Gavin Bradley, Dwayne Minard, Matt C, Saint Pete, Don Burns (a.k.a. Dr. Trance), DJTK, Nathan Barato, DJ Rooster & Sammy Peralta, Mark Oliver, Addy, & Terry Mullan and the list continues to grow.
How did you first get involved in the electronic music scene?
I first got involved by being a dance floor fiend. I used to go to The Guvernment after work and dance till dawn, then go home to bed. It was the DJ (who was Mark Oliver at the time) the music and me. I later discovered (as many did during this time) System Soundbar, then CZ (Comfort Zone).
I used to run a website called adfreaks.com which catered to the advertising industry. I then started a sub-site which catered the electronic music dance scene. I did this because I noticed how much electronic music was used in advertising (Think Dirty Vegas – “Days Go By”).
How did you come up with the Scenester concept?
I was in college for Advertising at the time and a friend of mine came to me with the suggestion we start a magazine catering to our EMDS. We hit a Tim Hortons after I finished work one night at 3am and hammered out the ideas. We then got to work on what is now Scenester Magazine.
Tell me about Scenester?
Scenester is the eye and voice from within the Scene; from the underground to the mainstream. We dig deep into the minds and skills of DJs, producers and scene makers and bring it all to you. It now includes Scenester Radio which is an online radio station which targets the electronic music fan by showcasing various interviews with today’s taste-makers and their productions and/or remixes.
How long has Scenester been around?
All-in-all it has been around for five years. In print from 2004 – 2006 and online since 2006. Scenester Magazine went online due to the high cost of publishing a magazine of Scenester’s calibre, and the demand from our readers for content to be more current.
Tell me about your Scenester team?
The Crew consists of 17 contributors and/or writers. Some are DJs/producers (Deko-ze, Cam Maxwell, David Ace, DJ Ampz, Jake Chec, Jung Park, DJTK) who submit a monthly Top 5 chart, some are writers (Jay Samsair, Josh Shanahan, Samhouse) who write reviews and/or commentaries on the electronic music scene and its lifestyle. Others (irGO a.k.a. Chris McKean) contribute to events Scenester puts on, and some others are producers (Manzone & Strong, Dwayne Minard) who offer Scenester music available for download. Then there is the behind-the-scenes crew who (at time of interview) are busy working behind the scenes of scenestermagazine.com, who I owe mad props to: Joanne Dillinger, Sheldon Purkiss (writes The S-Files) and Alex Jones.
Soon you’ll be able to find out all about our Crew online under Scenester Crew.
Describe the typical Scenester reader?
We attract everyone from all different musical backgrounds, sexes, races and age ranges. One thing that is for certain is the Scenester reader has a complete understanding and knowledge of electronic music. They know what they like, where to hear it and who produces it.
Who’s affiliated with Scenester?
My key affiliates are of course my sponsors, Cinelli Hair and Stag Shop. You can check out all our affiliates on the Affiliates page on scenestermagazine.com.
What are the benefits of being part of Scenester?
The benefits of being part of Scenester are being connected to something that is real within a scene that contains a lot of unrealities. And being a part of a crew who are professional in what they do. Although we work in an industry that is made up of a lot of good times and beats under the flashing lights of a nightclub, there is a real business being run, and come the end of the party this is what matters. Those who want to be in this business but can’t seem to get off the dance floor, get left on the dance floor.
You can become part of Scenester by contacting us.
Tell me about last month’s re-launch of Scenester.
So far I can tell you the design, ease of navigation and overall tone and manner is far more pleasing to the reader. Not to mention our upload times are better than before, which was a huge problem. We are steadily working at making it bigger and better than before.
Which do you enjoy more – being in front of the camera (as a bpm:tv VJ) or behind-the-scenes writing and interviewing?
I enjoy both. There are pressures which come with both of them. Above all I’m extremely blessed to be able to have both which I enjoy, but I know being behind the camera has longevity, and I control more of what happens behind it, and with Scenester.
What’s your typical day like?
I don’t have a typical day. Every day is different. It all depends on if I’m working on Scenester Magazine, Scenester Radio, and my show “electronica” on bpm:tv, shooting, preparing for an event I’m producing or hosting, or taking the day off. LOL! Nothing is typical for me. Many times I wish it was. One thing which is a constant is my morning coffee.
Do you have a most memorable interview? If so, who and why?
I have several, so it’s hard to pin point one, but seeing my first ever was with The Crystal Method I have to say them. My first time ever interviewing anyone, I got no warm-up, no ease into it. Just slam! Sit down in front of Ken and Scott in front of cameras, recorders, and other watchers-on inside Republik Nightclub (Toronto).
Deko-ze is memorable because he’s so personable and he was my first on-camera interview and he made me feel at ease. I’ve since interviewed him more times than I can count on one hand.
I would also have to say Yoji, which you can watch here. He is such a great character!
James Zabiela was very calming and a wealth of knowledge. Chus and Ceballos was an exciting experience. I interviewed them twice, one at LOT332 (Toronto) and the second in the Web2.0 Hummer parked outside Sound Academy (Toronto). Mark Oliver was cool, he taught me how to mix and play vinyl inside The Drink (The Guvernment). Addy, while over sushi was another wealth of knowledge and insight. He was also one of my first interviews. To this day I still quote him. Peter Presta was hilarious! So Brooklyn, New York! Shapeshifters were very accommodating to me and Chris (DJ irGO) inside their hotel room for about two hours as we chatted away, and Kris Josef took shots. And Jimpster was one the most easy-going kats to date.
Who would you like to interview that you haven’t already?
There are so many. The usual suspects; Danny Tenaglia, Steve Lawler, Mark Knight, Tiesto, Carl Cox. Also Oscar G, and some older kats, Jesse Saunders, Robert Owens, Roy Davis Jr., Derrick Carter. Gosh! I could on and on. I’m also into interviewing anyone who has a story to tell. And everyone does. Hell! I’ve love to interview Madonna.
How’s the electronic music scene doing in Toronto?
As anything there are two sides to every story. Overall the Scene here is awesome, we have many great talents coming into this city, and we have so many great talents within it.
Toronto is spoiled. We simply know we can go out and catch an international talent pretty much every week. And we surely can go hear some fantastic local talent any night of any given week.
The down side is the scene as a whole does not support each other. Everyone is in a clique or tries to be which closes doors to other opportunities. When our talent makes it outside this country, off they go. And who can blame them? The support, the money and overall career advancement is hard not to accept, when they’re not given that kind of support at home. Some of Toronto’s greatest producers simply don’t get bookings in Toronto. Why? It could be their sound (maybe it’s not ‘Toronto sounding’), maybe it’s who they roll with or don’t roll with. Or it could be that they don’t play the political game of cool. Whatever the reason there are great artists who sometimes get bookings in Toronto and should get more. Take a look outside our province and country and you’ll see just how popular our Canadian talent is.
We need to support each other more and stop being so selfish, power and popularity hungry in what is a really small scene. If we did that our scene would even flourish more and we would have more variety in our clubs and events. Support, support, support.
What do you like to do in your down time?
When I can I like to spend time with my man and/or friends. I like to watch TV and pay no mind to my phone or email. I like to separate myself from the musical world for a day.
What are your future plans?
Collaborating with venues, artists and promoters from across Canada and the rest of the world. There’s so much music and great people out there!
To get more of my ducks in row! LOL!
And to continue to stay healthy so I can dance and hear the music that brings me the internal joy nothing else can for the rest of my life.
SEE Miss Raquel on Electronica! At bpm-tv
READ Miss Raquel (and her Crew) on Scenester
READ Miss Raquel’s Monthly Top 10 on beatport
HEAR Miss Raquel (and her Crew) on Scenester Radio