Artist Profile | Red Light Radio
We chatted with Hugo from Red Light Radio who will be returning to New York from Amsterdam to perform at The Sonic Jungle. Below is a look into radio, electronic music and sustainability from the Red light district:
1. Amsterdam is a role model for it's sustainability efforts. As a global traveler, how do you share these efforts with the world?
Being from Amsterdam is a huge privilege. We can even think of our future and sustainability and do not have to worry about surviving every day life.
It's great living in Amsterdam because all my friends don't have cars - we're all on bikes. Holland is taking the lead in some aspects of social & climate/energy efforts, which is great. I personally, obviously support these things. Red Light Radio is an international music platform that travels a lot, but our focus is on spreading interesting underground music. I am not sure this is a sustainable effort but at least what we do is all positive! :)
Outside in Amsterdam - Image courtesy of Red Light Radio
2. How have you been able to keep radio alive all of these years?
Internet radio is bigger than ever these days. There are many new stations popping up every year and it seems like people know how to find their way to all their favorite independent online stations. Red Light Radio is located in the heart of Amsterdam and both local and international artists visit us every day. We host special guests from around the world on a daily basis which keeps our programming interesting and on point.
Hugo of Red Light Radio - Image courtesy of Red Light Radio
3. As music curator, how you see your role as an influencer and leverage this power for social good?
We always try to blend genres from different eras and present them by people with different ages, genders, backgrounds. We're a community platform where everybody is welcome who has a musical spirit. This leads to a lot of interesting relationships between DJ's and listeners; listeners mutually and DJ's mutually. Music connects people and we're definitely playing a part in that aspect in Amsterdam and beyond.
4. How do you envision the future of the electronic music scene?
More and more people are interested in experimental electronic music, seeing things live and listening through analog. Old music machines are really popular and 70's/80's electronic sounds are making a comeback. Not sure what the future will bring but I think it's cool people are finding there are many more ways than just using a laptop to create music. Mixing sounds with traditional music from all over the world is a great thing too and brings life to a project.
In the Red Light Radio studio - Image courtesy of Red Light Radio
5. How do you think the music industry can make the career of a DJ and touring more heathy and sustainable for both the DJ and music fans?
I think it's a personal choice how you tour and how you act at events. Personally I'm able to enjoy every event RLR is involved with, that's why I work in music and makes it all great. If you want to live a healthy life, you have to make it happen for yourself first.
At the Red Light Radio Studio - Image courtesy of Red Light Radio
6. What part of the The Sonic Jungle are you most excited for?
It's been almost 4 years since Red Light Radio did something in Brooklyn. The location looks amazing and it's great that I've get to work with friends, so we can blend all of our ideas together in one night. I'm really excited about how things will turn out. It's nice to get involved in new projects like The Sonic Jungle.
7. What can we expect from Red Light Radio at The Sonic Jungle?
We will bring a crew of artists who will make their debut in the US. The RLR DJ-team is looking forward to sharing music from all over the world with everyone who attends The Sonic Jungle. Be sure you come and listen to enjoy the good vibes The Sonic Jungle has to offer.