Joshua Vega, who now goes by Ricky Vaughn, is the Moombahton/Trap mastermind hailing from Brooklyn, New York who’s ready to continue doing what he loves most which is indeed, making music. From successes as Mr. Vega, to producing Moombah sounds in the duo group Sazon Booya, Vega has certainly created an image for himself and is a name which we at WhiteRaverRafting have continued to watch prosper on throughout the 2013 year.
I recall really noticing the artist, as a solo producer, in his Transitions mix, which he created to allow his fans to see more of who he has become in the music industry. From then on, the name Ricky Vaughn was an artist we at WRR certainly continued to follow.
Just this past year, Josh released two successful EPs with two of the tracks being in the Beatport top 10 and over 40 other singles and re-works, which have paved the way for an epic, 2013 year for Ricky Vaughn. With the expectation for another killer EP on the way, we took it in our hands to speak with Josh regarding his current plans as a solo artist, as well as discussion about his past accomplishments, love for NY Trap, and massive Moombah addiction in our exclusive, interview below.
For our readers who don’t know you, could you explain a little bit more about yourself and your growth from Mr. Vega, to being the producer in Sazon Booya, to now becoming Ricky Vaughn?
“The Mr. Vega came about when I first heard the Justice “Cross” Album and Boys Noize’s “Oi Oi Oi” album. I had been producing hip hop beats & demos for violator, G-unit & Bad Boy from 1997 – 2006 but got really bored from people not understanding my left field ideas, so I took a break from music.”
“When I first heard those albums I had no real idea what electronic music was aside from Daft Punk, Moby and Fatboy Slim. So, when “Waters of Nazareth” came on I was like WTF I finally found where I belong! Two years after that I was producing music for the Moombahton group Sazon Booya. I was happy with contributing my influence to the genre and acomplished in a short span what many haven’t in their long careers (MTV premieres, Magazine Covers, festival gigs, etc). Then, fast forwarding to April of this year, I started up the Ricky Vaughn project beginning with two successful EPs getting two singles in the Top 10 on Beatport, and two more at #11 & #37 as well as 42 free downloads.”
At the beginning of this year you released an EP titled “All Night Long”. Do you think this EP sort of re-invented yourself as a producer in a way?
“I think the ‘All Night Long’ EP did re-invent myself in the sense that that whole project was a sound I had never explored in my previous works. I had the chance to do something for the first time, which is a feeling we don’t always get to do in our professions.”
This year has been a busy one for you. From the release of 2 EPs to popular reworks and free downloads …what’s keeping you motivated
“My motivation is mostly creative freedom and the fact that my mind doesn’t really stop. I write soo much music, I have at least 3-4 EPs set from now ’til next summer. So I just keep releasing the stuff I like and besides, not a lot of people buy music anymore so I rather just give most of it away.”
Who are some of your strongest musical influences?
“Timbaland. The last three projects I’ve heard from him (20/20 Experience pt 1 & 2 and Magna Carta Holy Grail). He’s really pushed my creativity levels higher especially for my next EP I release for sale coming next year which is going to be me & DFace producing and him also singing.”
“Recent influence I would say heRobust, he thinks outside of the box with his production and I haven’t heard an original production from him that I haven’t liked.”
Let’s talk about your booty shakers and moombah twerkers on your YouTube channel. Why do you think it’s vital for producers to become active on YouTube? What do you think it has done for you in terms of furthering your DJing career?
“I think its another important way to keep in touch with fans and form a connection. As artists it’s vital to have that musical and emotional connection with the fans. My thing has been that whether they love me or hate me I want to make the music and feel who i am as a person so when i do reach out they feel apart of the project as opposed to “another dj trying to sell me music”. I think it’s helped me in the sense that I have more fans tracking me down just to tell me how much they love a particular song through all the social media or tell me I’m so humble or I’m this or that…. Like people really feel some type of way (no pun intended) and they want to make sure I know.”
What has been you most memorable, musical accomplishment this year? Why?
“I think the success from the Sazon Booya project was the most memorable… since there was a lot of accolades in a short time span. Good times, but now I’m out to make more.”
Your new EP is focused on straight Moombahton. I noticed people have been stating that Moombahton is gone. Do you think you could help keep it alive and what’s your opinion on the state of Moombah?
“I think everything runs in cycles and people (Especially in EDM) have the attention span of squirrels so every thing is “Dead” after a couple months. But with this EP I just wanted to show off and give people that sound that was missing from the so called scene. My opinion on the state of Moombah is that people just need to shut the f*ck up and make music. There’s too much talk and thats why I say stuff like “I’m the King”, because if you’re ganna b*tch and moan anyway, I might as well give you something to b*tch and moan about.”
You’ve been on the club scene a lot lately pushing NYC Trap. What does this entail and how have you gone about spreading it?
“NYC Trap is what I describe my ‘Wickedest Sound’ project as. I have a heavy hip-hop background so I decided to take memorable and classic breaks from hip-hop songs and combined that with the current EDM Trap sound to create my version of Trap.”
Do you plan to attend gigs outside of NYC anytime soon? Future Tours?
“I have a Connecticut gig coming up as well as a few New York gigs. Closing out the year locally (NYC) but I have a bunch of dates coming for the new year and beyond in the form a tour and one-offs.”
Let’s end on the anticipation for your newest EP, ‘You’re welcome N.I.G.G.A’. What can we expect from this forthcoming EP? Collabs/tracks you’re most excited for?
“Well, on this EP it’s 8 tracks in total (Because I got excited and made too many songs I loved and wanted people to have) with three being collabs with Maxx & EJ, Yonta, Paul Lee and a vocal feature from The R.O.A.R. I’m excited for almost all the songs because I feel like it’s some of my best work and maybe people will realize I’m still the Best.”
Look out for Ricky Vaughn’s upcoming EP titled ‘You’re Welcome N.I.G.G.A’ (Never Ignorant Accomplishing Goals) which is set to release on November 28th. Send an email here – ywn.november25@gmail.com before Nov. 25th to receive the EP ahead of the game! Check out a preview for his upcoming EP, along with some WRR favorite “retwerks” below.
Follow and support Ricky Vaughn : Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud
*Many thanks to Josh for allowing WRR to complete this interview. 🙂
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