By: RioTheyNeedAHit
Grammy award winning producer Rio (RioTheyNeedAHit) Bridges has influenced the careers of some of the biggest R&B stars in the world. With a unique production style and infusion of raw emotion, he has created an original sound that cannot be duplicated. His work on K Michelle’s “Save Me” and BJ The Chicago Kid’s 1123 album, has landed him at the top of his career as an R&B hitmaker. The most impressive thing about this musical genius, is that you can hear godly melodies on every track he is apart of.
As he is currently working on K. Michelle’s All Monsters Are Humans forthcoming album, I had the pleasure of catching up with him in a candid interview. As he digs deep into his creative process, you will see why his music is undeniable. Check it out below.
RioTheyNeedAHit Interview
Respect: What do you find most rewarding as a producer and songwriter?
Rio: The most rewarding feeling is satisfying the artist that you’re working with, the label and the listeners all at once. It’s a lot of work that goes into one song. Sometimes songs can be created quickly and then there are times when a song can take hours & hours. Being that I produce & song write I wouldn’t say it’s more pressure but it definitely takes more time to create the entire song.
Respect: What has the experience been like working with K. Michelle on her up coming release?
Rio: It has actually been pretty fun. We always worked hard. On the very first day K. Michelle invited me and my bro Aaron Sledge (Grammy Winning Songwriter/Producer) along Phil Cornish ( Grammy Nominated Producer) to her Malibu home and we literally created some incredible songs on the spot in her living room. Phil had the keyboard and lap top and the vibe was there! We then had several studio sessions with K.Michelle and other producers who are also on her project. Her album is going to be really good!! I’m excited for everyone to hear it.
Respect: Garnering a top 5 R&B album with BJ The Chicago Kid, how would best describe your original sound?
Rio: First of all I have to say BJ is also one of my favorite artists to work with. We have literally become brothers!
To answer your question my sound is more defined in my cadences & melodies. A lot of times people can tell that I am apart of a song just from hearing the melodies or in music it is usually certain chords that I use. I put a lot of work into mastering my sound and it is something that I take pride in.
Respect: What was the inspiration behind your GodIsEngineering?
Rio: There was a period in my life when I was REALLY going through some hard times. I lost one of my brothers in a tragic boat accident, 2 weeks before that I lost my grandfather & I was dealing with a lot of negative things in my life at the time. I was at an all time low. Then one day in the recording studio I was alone and I just broke down emotionally from everything that was happening.
I literally felt this presence and heard a POWERFUL voice. The conversation was very personal, it was a conversation that I had with GOD! He told me to put him first and put my worries and pain on him. That moment changed my life forever… GOD is Engineering is a message given to me by GOD! Now everyday I post the same messages on my Twitter putting GOD 1st in my life. It has turned into a highly successful Clothing line as well.
Respect: What is some advice you would give to any new artist wanting the opportunity to work with a career hit maker ?
Rio: My advice is pretty simple; “Do not be anxious, Trust The Process and be prepared for your opportunity. Do not complain about why this or why that because you will definitely get your opportunity. Just be prepared for it and PLEASE keep GOD 1st in your life.
Respect: Why is it so important to have control over your creativity as a creative in the music industry?
Rio: Ownership is the ultimate goal in this business because that’s how you truly support yourself and your family in the long run. I think it’s unfair for labels to own your masters and these publishers finding young or desperate writers/producers/artist and taking half or more of their publishing for any amount of money. Having control is not easy but it’s definitely worth it. If a creative person can be patient enough to wait on there money, they will benefit greatly from having control. Their ideas and thoughts can be expressed fully to their fan base and listeners.
As he continues to leave a lasting impact on the music business, he promises to let god be the driving force behind his creativity.
Press play below to experience musical bliss on be half of RioTheyNeedAHit.
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[…] a recent interview with Respect Magazine, the Virginia native shared more insight about their creative process in putting together K. […]