Since arriving in Miami in 2015 from his native Argentina Richie Hell has spun heavenly infectious tunes all over our fair city. If you haven’t yet heard his sound, you have the chance this Thursday night from the comfort of anywhere with WiFi.
On June 18 at 8:30 pm check out the Rhythm Foundation’s Facebook Live where they’ll livestream a closed-set performance by Richie Hell from the North Beach Bandshell. Before the show Richie Hell stepped on The Jitney to introduce himself.
When did you first fall in love with music?
Richie Hell: My first real interest in music began while attending parties as a kid. I realized that understanding and knowing more about music would make me different from the rest and would create this VR world where I could explore my wild side. I started taping the songs I liked from the radio and getting my hands on any rock magazine I could find. Later on, I wanted to know more so I started hanging every day at the local record store and that really opened all doors in my life.
How did the Argentine music scene shape you as a musician?
In Argentina fans are very passionate about music and soccer. It’s like a religion. We can shout a goal and the lyrics of our favorite band with the same powerful inner voice. Since I was 13, concerts have been my main getaway and way of life. I learned everything I needed to know about performing in those shows in Buenos Aires and I still do every time I see a live band or DJ anywhere.
What have you been up to during the quarantine?
Resting and working hard at the same time. I live with my wife Francisca, who’s a visual artist, and we both have our studios at home which is amazing because we could both spend many hours a day creating, learning and constantly brainstorming about art projects or random ideas that we now had more time to develop in depth.
What can we expect from your livestream performance on Thursday?
This one is very special for me and the band as we are going to be playing many new unreleased songs and it’s also our first show of 2020. My sister Martes is flying from Atlanta to join us as vocalist and Francisca Oyhanarte is adding her live trippy visuals, a 12’ high inflatable cobra and many more surprises.
How do you have to prepare differently for a show where there won’t be an audience in front of you?
During the livestreams I made these past months, I always felt the energy of the audience. I tried to focus on that so I could connect with them and feed from that live vibe even if they weren’t physically there. As a performer it’s even more challenging to reach out, so you have to really open yourself and nude your soul.
What can you tell us about your new LP out this summer?
The Gumbo Limbo Experiment was recorded in MIA. It’s a journey from darkness to light while searching for my own identity in a new country. It’s a call and response with nature and my latest skin shed.
