Contirbutor
Francesco Mursia is the label head of Riythmica alongside the recently launched RIY imprint – a collection of labels delivering forward thinking electronic music which are making waves within the underground scene. We were lucky enough to catch up with the main man to discuss the ethos behind the labels, his own productions and more.
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Riythmica has developed a solid identity since its launch. What’s the core ethos of the label, and how do you ensure that ethos remains consistent across releases?
Riythmica is all about giving fresh, emerging talent a platform to create something unique. We focus on artists who bring something new and exciting to the table while keeping the sound quality and authenticity high. By working closely with each artist and collaborating with Echo Lanes Studio, we ensure every release is top-notch while letting the artist’s unique style come through. Our ethos is simple: foster creativity, keep things innovative, and deliver music that resonates, whether on the dancefloor or in a more personal way.
Can you describe the signature sound of Riythmica? How do you balance between curating a cohesive label sound and allowing each artist to bring their unique touch?
At Riythmica, we embrace a broad sound spectrum, from Afro House to Progressive, Melodic House and indie Dance. We aim to reach a wide audience but every track must carry emotional depth and danceable energy. I love to give artists the freedom to express themselves while keeping the label’s vibe consistent. It’s all about finding the right balance—each release feels personal to the artist but still fits within the overall sound of Riythmica.
You’ve had several standout releases on Riythmica. Which releases or artists have been particularly influential in shaping the label’s trajectory so far?
Two of the releases that put Riythmica on the map were MursiaVar’s “Concentrate,” and Rem’s Martinez “Stoned Rider” — both hit the top #40 on Beatport’s Hype Indie Dance Chart, a major milestone for us. Moraze’s “Cobo“ was another standout, supported and played by well-known artists across festivals and online mixes, and it was extra special for me because it marked my first official Edit as Francesco Mursia. And Boy From Suburbs’ “Senses,” with a killer MursiaVar Remix, marked our return to the Beatport Hype Indie Dance Chart. These tracks have all played a big role in shaping the label and its direction, and growing its reputation.
You recently launched RIY as a sublabel under Riythmica. What prompted the creation of RIY, and how does it differ in terms of vision, sound, or purpose compared to the main label?
RIY emerged from my desire to explore a more edgy, dynamic, and high-energy side of our music. While Riythmica covers a broader range of styles, RIY focuses on Melodic House & Techno, and Indie Dance. It’s where we can push boundaries with a more underground vibe. The artists we’re working with on RIY share that same vision, so it feels like a natural extension, just with a sharper, more dynamic sound that reflects our passion for cutting-edge music.
With both Riythmica and RIY, how do you go about discovering and choosing the artists you want to work with? Is there a specific quality or philosophy you look for in the music they create?
At Riythmica, we discover artists through a combination of demo submissions on platforms like Trackstack and LabelRadar, alongside tapping into our existing network. We’re drawn to music that has emotional depth and aligns with our label’s vibe. For RIY, we take a more proactive approach, reaching out to artists who have released music on similar labels that resonate with us. Ultimately, it’s not just about the music; it’s about forming genuine connections with the artists. I look for artists who bring authenticity and are open to communication, as that personal connection is crucial for creating something meaningful together.
Have there been any standout releases on RIY that you feel best represent the direction and sound of the sublabel? What excites you most about this new venture?
RIY is still in its early stages, but the first release with Shigin and Samuel Lupian captures the vibe we’re going for. We’ve got Taylor Bradford’s debut EP “Lies” coming in November with a killer Saqib Remix of the title track Lies, which I’m looking forward to. What excites me most is working with artists I’ve been playing in my sets for years. It’s all coming full circle—creating fresh collaborations and driving the sound forward, and I’m eager to see where we can take it together.
Now that you’ve established both Riythmica and RIY, how do the two labels complement each other? Do you see them as serving different audiences or musical journeys?
Riythmica and RIY serve different audiences, but they work well together. Riythmica has a broader appeal with a mix of styles like Indie Dance, Afro, Melodic and Progressive House, and everything in between, while RIY, on the other hand, is edgier and more focused, catering to those who prefer punchy, underground sounds in Indie Dance, and Melodic House & Techno. Together, they cover the full spectrum—from uplifting, melodic vibes to darker, cutting-edge energy—while staying true to a shared commitment to quality and a deep connection to the dancefloor.
As a DJ, how has your sound evolved in recent years, and what musical direction are you currently exploring in your sets?
My sound has evolved into a dynamic blend of Indie Dance and Melodic House & Techno, always with percussions and Afro-house elements mixed in. I like to take my audience on a journey, even starting with Organic House to ease people in during longer sets. As the party goes on, sometimes I like to move into more driving beats and wrap things up with Tech House. It’s all about reading the crowd and keeping the vibe alive while exploring new rhythms. Ultimately, I want everyone to feel connected and engaged from start to finish.
Looking ahead to 2025, can you give us any insight into Riythmica and RIY’s upcoming releases? Are there any collaborations or experimental sounds we can expect from your labels?
I’m thrilled about what’s already in store in the first half of 2025 for Riythmica, and RIY. We’re kicking off the year with Riythmica, featuring a two-track release from MursiaVar in February, a release from DJ Angola in the spring, and a new Travels VA. On RIY, look out for a collaborative EP from Mauez with Cesar Martino and Omar in March, plus a new EP from Paul Schmidpeter later in the spring. Samuel Lupian will also be back with a follow-up to his September release, “Morelia.” Expect the rest of the year filled with fresh sounds and some experimental territories as we push boundaries and explore new sonic landscapes. I can’t wait for everyone to experience what we’ve been working on!
You recently made the move to Amsterdam. How does the city’s musical history benefit your move and what are you most looking forward to whilst living there?
Making the move to Amsterdam has been a thrilling step for me. The city’s strong connection to electronic music, especially house and techno, creates the perfect backdrop for my journey as a DJ and record label founder. I’m inspired by the vibrant and diverse music scene, which is bursting with opportunities for collaboration. I’m excited to connect with local artists and looking forward to playing at iconic venues and being part of the community during events like ADE. Living here feels like a great opportunity to grow personally and professionally. I can’t wait to see how the city influences my music and the direction of my labels, Riythmica and RIY.