Dancehall Prince Don Richie Has Arrived
As a proud Jamaican-Canadian Don Richie is pushing the dancehall sound across Ontario, Canada. He has performed everywhere in downtown Toronto and is now moving into parts of Hamilton on his quest to share his music on every stage possible. He has his sights set on a collaboration with Reggae star Chronixx. Don Richie looks up to him as a prolific songwriter and one who keeps Reggae music on the map. With big dreams Don Richie is set out to get the crowd going with his Dancehall Fusion style of music.
What first got you into music?
My parents have been playing music around me from in the womb and around it so much made me musically inclined. I started off freestyling with my friends but began pursue it as a career when I met my label mate Slim Jin
Who inspired you to make music?
My biggest inspiration as an artist is Buju Banton. His ability of transferring his energy into a track is phenomenal
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
My music is dancehall fusion. It is a blend of reggae, dancehall, afrobeat, and trap.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process begins with listening to the beat 3 times, which allows me to decipher the emotions I’m feeling. Once I found those emotions, then I begin to analyze which experiences I had that made me feel these feelings. From there, I freestyle and voice note it.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I would like to open for Drake. His fans love fun upbeat music and that’s my specialty. I really think I could learn a lot of things about the industry from him
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Believe in yourself, no matter how much doubters you have.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
All the time!!!!! I sing Michael Jackson songs, Vybz Kartel songs
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I would probably be coaching youth soccer full time
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
The internet has impacted the industry in a positive way. It has given artists the ability to get exposure and make money through music without record companies.
What is your favorite song to perform?
My favorite song to perform is “You Know You’re Bad”. The women love it and I love it too
Which famous musicians do you admire?
The Artists I admire most are Drake, Tory Lanez, Chronixx, Popcaan, and Burna boy
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
My cousin and I stole from a convenience store and my father found out. Worst beaten of my life!!!!!SMH
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
“ Don’t pay fi Learn! It will Bruk yuh”
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I would make every artist have the right to their masters if I could
What’s next for you?
I plan on dropping an EP for the summer to have the city jumpin