By Ruth Jiang
Richard Fraioli is a Boston-based DJ playing venues like Whisky Saigon, Cure Lounge, and Icon to name a few. He’s been doing the “DJ thing” almost his entire life, which means he is not only more skillful than your average house-party DJ, but also wiser as well. Being a familiar at big festivals like Ultra in Miami, it’s clear that Fraioli’s career has gone beyond the borders of Beantown for many years now. Happps got a chance to ask Fraioli some questions about his life, DJing, and everything between and you can read them below.
1. What and/or whom inspired you to get started as a DJ?
First and foremost, my father. He has been a DJ for 40+ years and he introduced me to it when I was 8 years old. I was around music my whole life so it pretty much fell on my lap for the better!
2. What have been your favorite places to play at so far? Are there any venues or places that you’d want to play at someday which you haven’t already played at?
There are too many to name that are my favorite. I’m just grateful I get to play every weekend no matter where it is. However, one of my dreams is to play at the iconic Ministry of Sound in London.
3. Which genre(s) were you playing when you started, and how do you think your style has progressed from then to now?
The genre that owns my heart is House Music. When I started though, I was playing a mixture of 90s Dance/House, Hip Hop, Funk and Motown. As I grew older I started to focus primarily on House Music, and all its sub-genres under its umbrella. But I also just love music in general!
4. Any funny stories or situations you’d like to share about being a DJ or the people who come to your shows?
The people who come to my shows are so HYPE! They’re there for the music, and to party their azz’s off! I truly appreciated each and every one of them who have supported me since day 1, and continue to support the journey. When I retire 40 years from now, I’ll definitely be writing a book of all the crazy things I’ve seen and have experienced throughout my career (haha). One of them, though, in a nut shell: a guy really liked the way I was playing, and he kept throwing $1’s at me. I let them fall to the floor, but every song after that moment, he’d throw $5’s, $10’s $20’s and even $100’s! As a gentleman I had to stop him because he was clearly wasted. However, I did snag a few C-notes.
5. You’ve played at festivals like Ultra. How would you characterize your experiences playing for bigger audiences there versus playing shows in Boston?
Playing Ultra Music Festival was once a dream that I am so happy and grateful that came true. I just got done playing my 10th year in a row this past March. At festivals, 99% of the people are there for the music. No VIP, no “look at me I’m cool status”. Almost everyone is focused on becoming one, with a family of strangers all around them, speaking the universal language called “music”. In clubs, you’re gonna have your people there for the music, and your people there for status. This is how it’s like in every city. Playing in Boston is awesome though because it’s so versatile and mixed! Similar to festivals.
6. What goals, personal and musical, do you have for the near future? Far future?
Personally, I’d like to visit every continent in the world. Life is about traveling with your friends and family, and making new friends and family along the way! Musically, I’d like to make my first studio album consisting of all different types of genres and collaborations with producers and artists from all over the world.
7. Where is your favorite place to DJ at in Boston?
It’s an honor to be playing in the city in general. I have 2 favorite clubs because of their diversity. In no particular order, Whisky Saigon and Royale. Whisky Saigon is the definition of “big room nightclub with it’s intimate lighting and crisp sound. It’s one of the last proper nightclubs Boston still has since the memorable Lansdowne Street days. Royale is both a club and concert venue with several similarities, but has more capacity. The intensity and vibe of 1,800+ people, also with a significant sound system, lights and theatricals brings a personal DJ experience to another level.
8. Who or what most influences the styles and techniques you have as a DJ?
Someone who has influenced me the most is Laidback Luke. From his versatile proper DJ sets, improvisation, to attitude towards his supporters and his music production. He’s been in the game for a long time and still reinvents himself each and every time. I’m proud to call him one of my mentors, and a good friend.
9. Where is the coolest place that being a DJ has taken you in the world?
I recently visited Amsterdam to play during the infamous ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event). The culture, music scene, and people there were life changing. I can’t wait to go back. If you go, watch out for the bicycles!!!
10. What’s some essential advice you would give to aspiring DJs?
DO YOUR HOMEWORK. I cannot stress this enough. No matter what genre(s) you want to specialize in, learn how this art form was done and crafted to perfection pre-computer era. Legends were made using what would be “old school” today with headphones, 2 turntables, a mixer, and crates of records with zero help other than looking into the crowd and reading the vibe. Master the ability to read the crowd without having to ask them what they want to hear. Throw curve balls of different genres in your sets, try different routines, and always continue to build your music library with both oldies and newbies! You’re taking on the responsibility to show strangers a great time that they paid to be at, and you yourself are getting paid to do it. Show support to local promoters and other fellow local DJs. Network and make a name/brand for yourself that will eventually be trusted to rock a party at any given time. Anyone can play a music library, but not everyone can “DJ”. It’s a lifestyle which people take serious pride and effort to perfect.
Check out Richard Fraioli on his Facebook, SoundCloud, and Twitter where you can learn more about his shows around Boston and beyond.
