RS: What was it like to attack the underground sounding Amuka record?
Riddler: We had a great time doing it. I automatically fell in love with the song. Albert and I finally had a chance to do some experimental sounds with the remix.
RS: What remix are you most proud of?
Riddler: DEFINITELY MOST proud of Christina Aguilera "Beautiful" thus far. This remix was a great experience for Albert and I on many levels. First, we got to work with Hosh Gurelli who is someone we both respect tremendously. He definitely made us think differently from what we're used to doing and pushed us creatively to another level. Secondly, the song is great and Christina's vocals made it fun to work with. Also, being the first remix for 2003 made Albert and I do a lot of soul searching on who we are as producers. I guess you can say, "Beautiful" is a representation of where AL B. RICH is headed for the future.
RS: I see you are starting to move into production - is this part of a progression?
Riddler: We actually wanted to do production first before remixes but the remix opportunities were there. Albert and I both come from musical backgrounds and have always wanted to do original production. In the end, I hope to do more production than remixes.
RS: How did you meet Jocelyn Enriquez? How is her new music coming along?
Riddler: Jocelyn and I met even before I came to the label side when I was a DJ in Texas. When I came to Tommy Boy, I actually brought her demo CD from Classified Records... I got to work very closely with her ever since. As for the new material, the music is coming along. Musically and lyrically, this project is more about the REAL Jocelyn Enriquez. We also got to feature more of her vocal abilities this time around from previous projects. This project has been very rewarding with so many people getting involved. The first single "No Way, No How" was written by Dee Roberts and we have a song that DJ Sammy wrote.
RS: As a Filipino-American - how has your ethnic background affected your music career?
Riddler: Early in my career it was hard. As a DJ, I worked so many type of clubs whether it be a dance club, R&B, Top 40, Spanish, Rock, you name it. My ethnicity always seemed to be an obstacle at first with people questioning my skills based on my background. However, I've managed to overcome that barrier by my work. I just try to work hard and let my results speak for itself. Do I think my career would be different if I was per say, White or Black? Absolutely. I do think that I would've moved up further and maybe faster but I can't focus on that. I just have to continue what I'm doing. I don't use my ethnic background as an excuse or a crutch. Being a Filipino-American has it rewards as well. I've inspired many other Asians to be in the music industry. It makes me feel proud and I always encourage more to try. If I can do it, anybody can.
RS: You recently left Ultra Records to pursue other projects, what can we look forward to in the near future?
Riddler: My partner and I just finished remixing the new P!NK single. We also just completed putting together the new Deborah Cox CD which is a continuous mix of all of her dance remixes. Unlike a regular mix compilation, J Records and the A&R Hosh Gureli wanted us to add some additional production in the transitions between the songs and use acapellas, dubs, and even had Deborah re-sing some new adlibs for the project. This was very exciting but took a lot of work. Since everybody knows the remixes we had to creatively do some things to make it sound seamless yet different. We are also looking forward to having an AL B. RICH EP or Full Length by the end of this year.
