Natty Rico has been riding a wave of success over the past few years, producing tracks for some of the biggest names in the commercial music space, including Snoop Dogg, Frankie J, Willy William and Walshy Fire, as well as performing alongside music royalty, David Guetta, Jason Derulo, Major Lazer and Bob Sinclar, to name a few. The French native has mastered the art of remixing, delivering globally-adored re-works of some of the biggest tracks in recent years, including his smooth dance-inspired cover of Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen” and his saxophone-heavy rework of OT. Quartet’s “Hold That Sucker Down”.
Equally talented as a saxophonist and live DJ, Natty’s incredible performances have catapulted him to some of the most prestigious events and venues worldwide. He has performed extensively throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific, mesmerizing audiences of all sizes with his unique and charismatic performance style. Having secured residencies at some of the globe’s most renowned clubs including The Cosmopolitan, Natty has established himself as a household name in Las Vegas; the performance capital of the world. With millions of plays across his Spotify discography, Natty is a regular in the Billboard Dance Charts. His track "Frozen" feat. Melissa Molinaro & Frankie J spent a total of 9 weeks in the authoritative Billboard chart, peaking at #22. His more recent cover of “Hold That Sucker Down” is nearing 2 million streams on Spotify alone; a figure that’s likely to continue growing in the coming months.
THE INTERVIEW
CR: Hello Natty, Glad to have you on Canadianravers how are you doing? Tell us a little bit about yourself?
NR: I’m doing good thanks, currently in Vegas working in my studio!
CR: The track ‘If You Were Gone’, tells us a little bit about the producing process, as well as where did the inspiration come from?
NR: There is a funny story behind this track! I was with Chaz and we recorded a song together that was very pop-leaning. I came back in my studio, and I was listening to the acapella of Chaz and a few sentences on the vocal really touched me: “If I wake up one day and you were gone” “Just hold me tight” “never let go” “One day” and I made a full new song out of this! Chaz was surprised at first but then he totally loved the idea.
CR: When you first started playing the saxophone and when was the first time you integrating that in your music?
NR: I started the saxophone at 7 years old, I was surrounded by music with my family all my life. The first time I integrated the sax with my music was when I did my first composition, I was 11 years old! But the track never came out of course!
CR: As a DJ/Producer, what advice have you received that was most useful to you?
NR: To never give up on our goals, it will feel really difficult sometimes but Rome wasn’t built in one day, right?
CR: This is a 3-part question, Your first gig, your last gig, and your favourite gig?
NR: My first gig was with my brother at 7 years old on the street for our family and friends in my hometown of Nantes - France! My last gig was last week in Scottsdale at Bottled Blond and my favourite gig was in Angers France for a festival an hour away from my hometown 2 years ago: I hadn’t come back to France for a while and being the headliner of a festival close to where I grew up, and seeing all my friends, family and fans there was an amazing moment. I also booked my brother with me for the show as a drummer that was fantastic!
CR: For every DJ/Producer we interview, what is a must-have item on your rider when in the green room?
NR: I’m not too complicated so I’m don’t ask for a lot of things, but definitely a t-shirt. I sweat a lot when I performer and I always need a new t-shirt after each show!
CR: If you had the chance to play an opening set for any artist around the world, who would it be and where would it be?
NR: It would probably be with USHER at Coachella.
CR: As you relaxed and recharged, did the lockdown help you come up with new musical ideas?
NR: Being locked down didn’t really change my life, to be honest. I’m super grateful for what I have and I definitely worked a little bit more in the studio but I mostly took this time to reconnect with People.
CR: You guys are busy as it is, what do you like to do during your downtime?
NR: I live my life out of my passion, and I never really think I have downtime. I love to compose even when I don’t have to, just to keep my inspiration going and work on my skills. However, I also love to spend time with the people I love.
CR: Are there any projects that you are working on? Any exciting plans?
NR: I’m working on a winter tour that I’m really excited about and of course new songs. That will surely come in 2022
LIGHTNING ROUND
Texting or talking? - Talk
Coffee or tea? – Hot Chocolate
Hard liquor or Wine? – I never drink alcohol!
Cake or pie? - Cake
Hot dogs or hamburgers? - Hamburgers
Xbox or PlayStation? - PlayStation
Movie theatre or arcade? - Arcade
Guitar or piano? - Piano
Marvel or DC Comics? - Marvel
Dog or cat? - Cat
Hot weather or cold weather? – Hot weather
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