TelePathiQ /// Interview

Darrick Riggs is TelePathiQ. He describes his sound as “big synths, sultry voices, looped beats… all laced with a humanistic emotion”. Riggs wanted to create music that would communicate to the listener through something other than words, through music. TelePathiQ was born. We recently caught up with Riggs to discuss all things trip-hop.

Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?

I am very well, thank you. It's a rainy day, so I've automatically defaulted to the studio. Shocker, I know. It smells good, sounds good too. I'm working a new beat.

Who were the key influences that made you want to start making music?

Massive Attack has always been the majority of my creative reference. I loved how they would create these haunting beats and synths while adding beautiful voices and melodies. It made sense to me and inspired my own ideas.
Moby. Being a pianist and having a deep love for electronic music, Moby was like a guide for me when I started my electronic journey.

What are the 5 albums and artists that have influenced you the most?

- Massive Attack: Mezzanine
- Portishead: Dummy
- Moby: Play
- The Crystal Method: Vegas
- Beck: Odelay

What other artists do you really like at the moment and why?

Kaskade... I absolutely LOVE how he mixes all his instruments alongside the female vocals. His songs have an amazing positive feel to them. I reference his mixes as a very high standard in which I wish to aspire to.
Beck. His last album "Morning Phase" is amazing. The way he utilises so many different sounds in a tight collection is awe-inspiring.
Ellie Goulding. She is so fantastically unique. I love her voice.

What are some of the key pieces of gear you use to write your tracks?

Maschine Groove Studio. This little hardware gem is something I could never live without.

What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?

A few years ago, my band at the time opened for Spoon. They hadn't made the big time yet, but it was evident they would. We sounded good too and the crowd loved us. I felt as if we showed them up, but it could have been my own delusion.

What’s the worst gig you have ever done and why?

I played a gig in some dive bar in Ashland Oregon. I seriously thought I had entered Satan's lair.

Do you have any weird pre-gig rituals?

If at all possible, I love only one (not less and not more) glass of cabernet. I suppose this isn't too weird though.

Who would you most like to go on tour with?

I guess if I were dreaming, I'd love to tour with Daft Punk or Beck.

What are your guilty listening pleasures?

SADE. Multiple bands of classic rock- Journey, AC/DC, Simple Minds.

If reincarnation was a thing, what do you think you were in a previous life?

Very obviously a cat.

What can we expect from you in the coming months?

Definitely new music, maybe some refinement of some older tracks, and a stellar live show. Also, there could be some interesting music videos in the making.

If you weren't a musician what would you be?

A painter.

Check out In Vain below, get ready to chill the F out and we’ll keep you posted about any future releases.

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