An Interview With Reggae, Dance and Pop Musician/Producer, RICKY BLAZE!

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, musical prodigy Ricky Blaze’s fusion of reggae, dance and pop is the source from which the thriving culture of teen dance has emerged. Ricky is amongst the top of New York and Jamaica’s competitive dancehall scene, having collaborated with countless dancehall celebrities.

He has produced Gyptian’s current reggae anthem “Hold You”, Chelley’s club smash “Took The Night” as well as records for Jim Jones, Jadakiss, DJ Webstar, Major Lazer, and currently producing & writing on many upcoming projects.

Ricky Blaze, the artist, has also received massive street, club and urban radio support with his new single “Just You And I” and previous singles like “Feel Free” ft. Red Cafe & Nicki Minaj. As a performer, Ricky Blaze has shared the stage with T-Pain, Jadakiss, and many others.

Much can be expected in the near future from such a young, talented and passionate trendsetter. From consolidating his street team, as well as taking on new artists to develop while pushing his own songwriting, Ricky is well on his way to making his mark on the industry.

Learn more about Ricky in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! So, what’s a typical day look like for you lately?

Just been keeping myself occupied crafting records for different projects, been putting some priority into my record label and my new dance-hall compilation “Conquer The Moment.” 

What was it like when you first heard one of your songs in a club? Do you still get that same excited feeling when you hear them?

The feeling is great when you don’t have to ask a DJ to play your record and he automatically has it in his playlist. I’m always excited to hear my records in the club and I always pay attention to the crowd’s reaction.

Growing up, was music always a big part of your life? Can you remember your earliest musical moment?

Music was always my passion. I can remember always wanting to DJ at someone’s party.

You’ve produced with some of the biggest names in dancehall music right now. Can you elaborate on some of those memorable experiences?

Recording “Badman Forward Badman Pull Up “ with Ding Dong was fun. I did that when I was 17, jumping around in the booth shouting “Pull Up” in the background, or recording “Hold Yuh” with Gyptian. Those were some great memories.

What are some upcoming projects that you are working on right now?

Right now, I am working on new music with everyone from Santigold to Chronixx along with gearing up projects for my artist Chelley (“Took The Night”) in a venture with Ultra Records and Alexus Rose (“Left Out”) along with other acts I’m working with. I also have my Dancehall Compilation “Conquer The Moment” coming out very soon.

What advice would you give to aspiring producers today?

Always follow your mind and stay consistent, and always try to reinvent yourself and sound.

What musicians and producers have been inspiring you since you began producing music? Who would you love to work with in the future?

I don’t listen to a lot of music due to my workload but if I had someone in mind, it probably would be Drake. He has the durability to fuse cultures like dance hall and hip hop which is right up my style of music

What was the inspiration for your single “Pull It”?

Just being different and doing something not expected. It’s about the element of surprise.

Why do you think this lifestyle fits you so well right now? Is there anything else that you can imagine seeing yourself doing?

I feel it fits me now because we are the future of music for the next generation to come so we have to uphold a certain sound and repertoire. Such as the greats like Dave Kelly, Lenky Marsden or Pharrell and Timbaland, and besides becoming a music executive, I probably can see myself as a creative director since I do love graphic design and colors and art.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your music with our readers?

Come next year I will be releasing a hip hop r&b project under the moniker “TheMaestro” so look out and follow me on Instagram @RickyBlazeTv.