Another day, another Seven Lions track being released. The notorious producer has been unleashing music the past few months. So far, we’ve seen a fully loaded EP, equipped with seven killer songs ironically, two trance tracks, and a remix of a classic Ferry Corsten track, “Beautiful”. We’ve seen him release music spanning from dubstep, trance, progressive house, and the eerie song “Leaving Earth” that really can’t be pin pointed to one specific genre. After destroying the decks at EDC NY, SMF, and his official SMF after party, the Santa Barbara native has teamed up with Ricky Mears to release a festival mix of “Coming Home” which is a track off his Creation EP. Mears, a Miami based bass-bringer is the perfect candidate to team up with Lions to create a beauty.
Although relatively new to the scene, this multi-talented producer can not only make beats, but provide vocals over them when needed. He’s worked with artists like DJ Mustard, Beyonce, Ty Dolla Sign, and Seven Lions. Recently, Ricky took home the grand prize for Beatport and Dim Mak’s Blood Beetroots remix contest. In 2015 he paired up with up Skip Marley to release their hit track “Cry To Me,” that was then followed by an official remix of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.” Both remixes went viral collectively reaching over 1.5 million plays on Soundcloud. We can expect an EP to come later in 2016 and his official collaboration with Seven Lions was released days ago on Casablanca Records. Here’s what Seven Lions had to say about their latest release!
I wanted to add Coming Home into my sets so I decided we really needed a festival version to bring it into the realm of my shows. I think it keeps the acoustic vibes of the original but definitely makes it more friendly for the dance floor. Ricky came up with some great chords and it was a fun song to hype up into a festival mix.
The upbeat festival remix is the perfect spin on an acoustic based track that appeared on his latest, multi-genre Creation EP. Packed full with hard hitting kicks and chopped up vocals, Lions & Mears have outdone themselves on this latest festival mix. With a similar vibe to his popular festival mix of “Falling Away”, this newest release is the perfect addition to his future summer sets. Setting up for a perfect collaboration, the two dubstep producers perfectly fuse Mike Main’s catchy vocals with their talented production skills. Although not changing the vocals too much from the acoustic version, the exciting build up and equally powerful drop is the perfect match to be a summer anthem heard at main stages all around. RaverRafting had the opportunity to talk with Ricky about his recent collaboration and future plans for music making. Check out our full interview below!
What originally got you into producing music?
Ricky: I played in a couple bands and at church. I started off on drums, then guitar, bass, some keyboard, anything I could try. In 2012-2013, I started working with mix craft, and since then I have graduated to Ableton for my productions.
How would you currently describe your sound?
Ricky: I think the Ricky Mears sound is best described as “epic melodic” music. Sometimes it’s more chilled out but always trying to give some energy!
Tell me a little bit about your latest festival mix, what exactly went into producing it?
Ricky: I was given stems by Jeff and he told me he needed a festival mix. Normally I don’t make that type of progressive house but I was actually intrigued and wanted to see if I could really nail it. He ended up loving my ideas so much that he took my stems and added his flavor to it. Side note, in my original version the second drop was melodic dubstep haha
This release is a bit different from your usual dubstep/bass type releases, do you think sticking to a specific genre should play as big of a roll as it sometimes does in the music industry?
Ricky: Oh man, I want to release music of different genres all the time, but I do know it’s usually better for your brand and marketing to stick to a specific style of sound.
This is the first collaboration you’ve done with Seven Lions, what was it like to work with him?
Ricky: He is one of my biggest influences so it was amazing. It was all done online and through email, but just the fact that he was working on something I sent him and adding things together was enough for me.
What was your favorite part about producing this festival mix?
Ricky: DEFINITELY seeing it live. I teared up seeing it played live for the first time at Sunset Music festival, and I’m about to go see it live at EDC MainStage.
What is your most memorable moment as an artist so far?
Ricky: Hard to say really. But it would be between making a song with Seven Lions, working with the Marleys, and just being able to live for Music. It’s is all kind of a tie so far.
Are there any artists that you have looked towards as an influence when producing music?
Ricky: Definitely Seven Lions, Skrillex, Porter, and then I get a lot of influence from rock bands like Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, The Killers, and Coldplay.
Is there anywhere or anyone you really want to perform for?
Ricky: My dream is a stadium! and Id love to perform with musicians like Chris Martin, Adele, John Legend, I love playing music with vocalists and other musicians its the biggest rush for me.
If you could go b2b with any artist, who would it be?
Ricky: Man, that is so hard but I have seen Skrillex in the booth and his energy is insane. I would probably have to say him.
Who are your favorite electronic acts at the moment?
Ricky: Definitely MYRNE, KRNE, Isqa, Bonnie X Clyde, Breaux, Cesqeuax, and my boy Shind? who I have a couple collabs coming out with!
This year is shaping up to be a big one for you, are you excited for whatever else 2016 has in store?
Ricky: Hell yeah! My EP also drops soon and I worked so hard on it, it means a lot because I produced, sang, and mixed all 5 songs!
Anything you want to say to your fans?
Ricky: I LOVE YOU. Also, I’m in LA working on new music for you <3
Connect with Seven Lions:
https://www.facebook.com/SevenLions
https://www.twitter.com/SevenLionsMusic
https://www.soundcloud.com/seven-lions
https://www.instagram.com/sevenlionsmusic
http://www.sevenlions.com
Connect with Ricky Mears:
https://www.facebook.com/rickymearsmusic
https://twitter.com/rickymearsmusic
https://www.instagram.com/rickymearsmusic
https://soundcloud.com/rickymearsmusic
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