Friends Talk Genres - EP. 3 - rriddim

rriddim is a 24-year-old DJ from The Hague with a passion for deep, layered, rhythmic sounds. She’s known for her genre-blending sets that mix together Brazilian influences, ambient electronic, and Middle-Eastern influences, all tied by her love for intricate heavy bass and liquidity. She searches for the rawness and purity of tracks that she finds closest to herself.

In her debut mixtape, Disassembling the Brakes, she metaphorically breaks down genres, using motor brake sounds,  to create a layered experience. rriddim’s DJing journey is a bold exploration of rhythm, surround liquidity and heavy bass.

References :

‘Brasilintime is a documentary that connects the world of Rio de Janeiro to the South Bronx of the early 70s. Through the work of Madlib, JRocc, Cut Chemist, Babu and their drumming partners this film began a dialogue with Brazilian culture that continues until today.’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAaqVCnY36

Music genres:

Tarraxo: 

Tarraxo is a slow, hypnotic style of music that originated in Angola and became popular in Portugal, especially in Lisbon's Afro-diasporic communities. It blends elements of traditional African rhythms with electronic beats. Tarraxo has quite a slow tempo, which creates a sensual, almost trance-like vibe. The music typically features deep, heavy bass, minimal melodies, and a strong, rhythmic focus on percussion. You could say it's a genre where the beats feel like they're pulling you in, encouraging slower, more fluid dance movements. 

Dembow: 

Dembow is an energetic and rhythmic music genre that originated in the Dominican Republic but has roots in Jamaican dancehall. It's characterized by a fast-paced, repetitive beat and simple, catchy melodies, making it perfect for dancing. The core of dembow is its signature drum pattern, a syncopated rhythm that comes from the same foundation as reggaeton, but dembow is typically faster, more raw, and less polished than reggaeton.

Arab electro: 

Arab electro is a fusion of traditional Arabic music and modern electronic sounds. It blends classic Middle Eastern melodies, instruments like the oud or qanun, and Arabic vocal styles with contemporary genres. The result is a genre that feels both modern and deeply connected to the region’s cultural roots. It often features hypnotic rhythms, deep basslines, and electronic beats layered with traditional sounds, creating a unique mix that can be both danceable and atmospheric.

Samba:

Samba is a lively and rhythmic music genre that originated in Brazil, known for its infectious beats and joyful energy. It’s closely tied to Brazilian culture, especially carnival. Samba’s rhythms are usually driven by percussion instruments like the surdo (bass drum), tamborim, and caixa (snare drum), often creating a syncopated, bouncy beat that makes it impossible not to move.

Bossanova:

Bossa nova is a smooth, easygoing style of music that originated in Brazil in the late 1950s, blending samba rhythms with the intimate feel of jazz. It's often characterized by its soft, understated vocals, gentle guitar melodies, and complex, yet subtle harmonies. The rhythm of bossa nova is slower and more relaxed than samba, creating a calm atmosphere. ‘disassembling the brakes’: https://soundcloud.com/romy-de-wijn/disassembling-the-brakes?si=adc729ecec5541b4ac3b743950a52b8e&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Socials: @rm.d.wn

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/romy-de-wijn