Rikky Disco is a contemporary musical duo dedicated to reviving and reinventing the classic disco sound with a modern twist. They blend authentic 1970s elements with contemporary production techniques to create a unique and captivating musical experience. Influenced by iconic tracks like Rose Royce’s “Is It Love You’re After,” Rikky Disco’s sound is characterized by strong independent melodies, lush harmonies and a commitment to musical authenticity, coupled by rich orchestration and infectious grooves that defined the disco era.
Beyond their music, Rikky Disco is known for their glamorous and humorous aesthetic, as led by producer and DJ, Christian Johnson. Using their stage names, Chris Tall often dons a morning gown, while Fanancy dazzles in glittery outfits, adding a touch of flamboyance to their performances. Their stage presence is a celebration of glamour, class, and a playful sense of humor, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the disco era.
Rikky Disco is also dedicated to promoting inclusivity and celebrating LGBTQ+ culture. Their vision is to be a driving force in the next generation of disco, supporting emerging artists and experimenting with genre fusions.
We speak with the disco duo to find out more about their thoughts on how rich cultural heritage can contribute to innovations in the global music scene, particularly from Sweden, known for its diverse and inclusive culture.
Popspoken: The disco era had a profound impact on music and culture in the 1970s. What aspects of that era are most intriguing?
Rikky Disco: While we weren’t fortunate enough to experience the disco era firsthand, its allure is vividly depicted through various accounts and media portrayals. The era boils of a sense of total freedom, where “anything goes” became the mantra, creating an almost magical ambiance.
One of the most captivating aspects was disco’s groundbreaking role in bringing people from diverse backgrounds, races and diversity orientations together. It served as a musical melting pot, fostering an inclusive space for everyone to dance and revel in the music.
The fashion of the time was equally enchanting, with individuals expressing themselves through glittering and glamorous outfits, platform shoes, bell-bottom pants, and vibrant, bold patterns. The androgynous look and flamboyant fashion choices became integral to the disco culture. However, our primary fascination lies in the music itself.
Disco, a fusion of funk, soul, and electronic elements, boasts a distinctive sound characterized by a steady four-on-the-floor beat and a rich orchestration involving nearly all instruments in a classical orchestra. The most intriguing aspect for us is the great & beautiful musicality.
In extended versions of songs, each instrument is given its moment to shine, with producers allowing individual instruments to showcase their unique performances. This adds a delightful layer to the listening experience. Exploring a well-crafted disco record is like opening a box to a magical world. Immersed in the music, one can easily lose track of time, delving into the intricate layers of sound that seamlessly come together. We’ve spent countless hours reveling in the brilliance of each individual part, appreciating how they harmonize to create a mesmerizing symphony of emotions and musicality—impossible to resist moving to.
Popspoken: Disco music was known for its infectious dance beats and grooves. How does Rikky Disco incorporate these elements into your blend of modern disco tunes, in particular, your latest release “Set Me Free”?
Rikky Disco: From the outset, we recognized that achieving the dream sound for Rikky Disco required the authenticity of real strings and brass. It was a laborious yet rewarding process to capture that perfect sound, involving meticulous arrangements and finding the right musicians for the job. The magic happens when you hear the lush embrace of a string ensemble or the impactful resonance of a striking brass section—it’s like reaching seventh heaven.
In the era of disco’s origins, emphasis was placed on tight grooves with musicians syncing flawlessly. Nowadays, as we blend live recordings with computer programming, we navigate the challenge of preserving that essential human feel. It’s crucial to resist the temptation of perfection and maintaining the groove’s authenticity.
Take our latest release, “Set Me Free,” for example. It’s a sultry late-summer disco sensation, featuring a killer boogie bass, grand piano stabs, powerful percussion, and an array of musical surprises. Collaborating with Yam Who?, the track was brought to life in the Rikky Disco studio in Stockholm early in 2023, enhanced by the live brass talents of Isac Åberg and strings by Agnes Scherwin. “Set Me Free” is a disco rollercoaster designed to grip you tightly and never let go, a testament to our commitment to infusing the infectious dance beats and grooves of classic disco into our modern tunes.
Popspoken: ABBA’s music often featured lush orchestration and harmonies. How does Rikky Disco’s music capture the essence of orchestral disco and what instruments or arrangements are most essential for achieving this sound?
Rikky Disco: We capture the essence of orchestral disco by maximizing the use of a full orchestra. Each instrument is allowed to shine with strong, independent melodies that seamlessly blend together. The distinctive and sassy voice of Fanancy, reminiscent of icons like Donna Summer and Marilyn Monroe, adds the finishing touch, immersing listeners in a world of rich harmonies and lush orchestration.
Popspoken: The fusion of languages is a common feature in crossover cultures. Will Rikky Disco have plans to explore multilingual lyrics or collaborations with vocalists from Asia to create a more diverse appeal to export the concept of Rikky Disco across other markets?
Rikky Disco: Absolutely, we’re always keeping a keen eye on the disco scene, and artists like Vantage and Night Tempo have caught our attention with their innovative approach. They often rework classic 80s tracks, many of which feature Japanese lyrics for the majority while incorporating English into parts of the chorus. It’s a really cool concept, and if the opportunity arises, we’d love to explore multilingual lyrics ourselves.
Moreover, we’re incredibly open to collaborations in general. The key for us is that we feel the unmistakable disco ball shine in our minds when we hear a track – as long as that’s there, we’re all in! Diverse lyrics and collaborations, especially with vocalists from Asia, could be an exciting way to broaden the appeal of Rikky Disco and export our concept to other markets.
Popspoken: Disco music played at Studio 54 was diverse and inclusive, often celebrating LGBTQ+ culture. Share with us more about the LGBQ+ culture in Sweden and how it impacts the music played.
Rikky Disco: In Sweden, the music scene reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, with numerous festivals and events celebrating these values. LGBTQ+ artists notably play a significant role in contributing to a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere at these gatherings.
An annual highlight is the Melodifestivalen song competition, a precursor to the Eurovision contest. This competition, with a strong fanbase in the gay community, consistently features nominees incorporating disco elements. It serves as a testament to the enduring connection between the LGBTQ+ community and disco music in Sweden.
Beyond competitions, LGBTQ+ communities in Sweden actively organize events and parties, placing music at the heart of these celebrations. These occasions serve as spaces for self-expression and the joyous acknowledgment of diverse identities.
One of the larger annual events is the Stockholm Pride Festival, where parts of the city center are closed down from traffic and transforms into one big dancefloor for a day. In fact, we had the privilege of performing at this year’s festival, supporting the drag queen Miss Tobi with a specially crafted disco production for the occasion. The Stockholm Pride Festival exemplifies the seamless integration of music, celebration, and the LGBTQ+ community in Sweden.
The nation’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its numerous festivals and events, including the annual Melodifestivalen song competition and the Eurovision Song Contest, which have strong followings within the LGBTQ+ community. These events often feature nominees incorporating disco elements, showcasing the enduring connection between disco music and Swedish culture.
Stockholm, the capital city, is a hub of musical innovation and creativity. It hosts various music festivals, including the Stockholm Pride Festival, where artists like Rikky Disco perform to celebrate love, diversity and inclusivity.
As Rikky Disco prepares to make their mark in South-East Asia, they bring with them their celebration of inclusivity and joy. Their vibrant performances and commitment to diverse and multilingual collaborations are set to resonate with audiences across the region. We eagerly anticipate welcoming Rikky Disco to South-East Asia, where their unique blend of classic and modern disco will undoubtedly make a cultural impact.
