Richy Ahmed In Residence (Paradise)

Richy Ahmed is a consistently brilliant DJ and producer. Artists as good as him are valuable residents; if a clubnight is to pick a stalwart, they need someone who delivers standout sets time and time again. 

It's no surprise then that Ahmed is the resident for Paradise, the party which stems from Jamie Jones and Lee Foss' Hot Creations imprint and holds the Wednesday spot at DC10 Ibiza, the only other regular weekly party along with Circoloco. 

He's also recently started up his own party, 4ThirtyTwo, a brand which focuses on the core components of a good party: quality music, good sound and above all - a happy crowd. It's further confirmation that Richy Ahmed knows exactly what is needed for a decent rave. 

Before the Ibiza season kicks off again, we caught up with one of the island's most-loved DJs to find out more about his role as a resident and his favourite memories of Paradise parties.

Why do you think that the role of a resident DJ is so crucial to a successful club night?

I think the role of a resident is essential, if you rely on guests all the time you’re gonna struggle. You have to have good residents to set the tone for the night – they are the back bone to any good club night.

What do you think your duty is as a resident?

It totally depends on the set time, but your main duty as a resident is to be flexible. You need to able to play any type of set. For Paradise I play a range of sets, sometime early, sometimes b2b with other DJs, sometimes closing rooms. You need to be flexible and do whatever is required.

Tell us about the very first time you played at a Paradise party...

I played the opening of their first ever night. I played a good set time, I think it was second or third maybe. It was a really good set, people had arrived early so it was packed by the time I came on. It was a peak time set that set the tone for the rest of the years.

How do you think that your sets represent the club night and its music policy?

I was one of the people who started Paradise with Jamie, and we have never stuck to one set style; like we play house, techno, we play minimal, we play disco, that’s never suited us. The crew has always liked different styles of music and we have wanted the sets to represent that. So more than anything my sets are represented by trying to blend the good parts of different styles.

For a long time the resident DJ was overshadowed by the headline act but the scene has come to appreciate and acknowledge them again, with many club nights adopting well known residents for series. Why do you think it's changed?

I think it’s changed because inviting guests can be a bit of a lottery sometimes, this is due to many DJs getting booked because of their production; you might like a couple of their tunes but their sets don’t represent what they’re making. Just because someone’s a good producer doesn’t mean their sets are gonna be as good..

I think this is why a lot of big DJs are doing residencies now, because many of the parties are weekly and promoters just want a bit more consistency and the knowledge that everyone’s gonna have a good time!

What track in your collection always sets the tone for the night at Paradise?

Danny Tenaglia's 'Music Is The Answer'.

How do your sets differ from when you're playing as a resident to when you’re playing headline gigs?

It depends on where I’m gonna play as a resident, if I’m doing the early set at Paradise I would play to warm things up and get the party moving. But at the same time I may have to play as a resident and at the same time as a headliner – So it totally depends on the time.

What has been your favourite moment playing as a resident DJ for Paradise?

There has been so many, it’s hard to remember all of them. Last year had some really good moments, playing b2b with Eats Everything in the inside room. Marco was on the terrace - and I think it was busier in our room.

The b2b with Jamie on the terrace was special, and obviously closing the main room at the closing party was a special Ibiza moment as well – one I wont forget quickly. 

Check out Richy Ahmed's upcoming gigs

Read more: Five of the best: Hot Creations releases