The best way to shake off the winter blues is to dance. Canadian House Music Producer and International DJ Riki Rocket certainly knows how to get you moving your way to warmth. Rocket has opened for many guest DJs and Producers visiting Jasper, such as Skiitour, Pineo and Loeb, Neon Steve, and Moontricks.
At this year鈥檚 Jasper in January festival, she will open for the electronic duo, The Funk Hunter, and world-renowned 鈥淧arty Rockin鈥� DJ, The Gaff.
The 51暗网鈥檚 Nicolle Hodges spoke with Rocket about career highlights, the importance of dance, and tips for staying safe while letting loose.
51暗网: Riki Rocket鈦� - real name?
Riki: Riki is my legal name and Rocket was a nickname from my youth (ex-ski racer)
Fitz: What's the most interesting thing that has happened to you recently?
Riki: Being asked to open for great artists like The Funk Hunters for the Jasper in January Street Party and also The Gaff at 4PeaksNightclub.
Fitz: What has been a career highlight?
Riki: There's a few for sure. Living in the UK, I got to play a private set for Naomi Campbell in London. In Canada, I opened for Akon a while ago but more recently opening for MoonTricks at 4 Peaks and also for SkiiTour at last year鈥檚 Jasper in January was pretty great too.
Fitz: For those who are new to your show, what can they expect if they come out?
Riki: For the street party, since it's retro themed and family-friendly, folks can expect a funky infused mix of breaks and house music mixed with some old school vocals.
I like to keep it fun and uplifting for my daytime sets at Marmot Basin and the ATCO Street Party.
For the 18+ parties at 4 Peaks Nightclub, my sets get a bit more into heavy basslines and I can dabble into some tech house and underground sounds as well.
Fitz: Winters can be rough; it鈥檚 dark and cold. How can dancing help?
Riki: Dancing is so good for the soul, nevermind that it warms you up and it's also really great to get out and socialize. Leave the hibernating to the bears.
Fitz: How do you think the rise of psychedelics into the mainstream will impact club culture, if it will at all?
Riki: I've been playing clubs for 18 years and I wouldn't say there is a rise. People will always be taking something legal or not.
A lot of festivals now offer some kind of drug testing stations to see if what you have is safe or not, maybe clubs will eventually do this.
Fitz: What are your top three tips on how to club responsibly?
Riki: When you're out partying and if you're getting intoxicated, know your limits and don't drive under the influence.
If you're consuming alcohol, make sure to have some water breaks to rehydrate. You'll appreciate it in the morning.
Be kind and watch out for each other. If you see someone who needs help, check on them or notify the bar staff.
Catch DJ Riki Rocket on the slopes at Marmot Basin's patio party in the Corona Tent on Saturday, January 25, and her evening set that night at the Street Party, opening for The Funk Hunters. On Feb 1, Rocket will also be opening for The Gaff at 4 Peaks Nightclub.
