Los Angeles-based DJ and producer Ravell (AKA Richard Garcia) is taking the electronic music scene by storm. His entrancing beats and high energy have completely turned melodic house on its head, earning him endorsement from EDM legends like Kaskade, Tiësto, and Galantis. Beginning his musical journey at a young age with the support of his father, Ravell has grown to perform at some of the premier global nightclubs and venues.
Early advocate Kaskade brought Ravell on his Freaks of Nature tour in 2012, gracing the stages of the iconic Staples Center (now called the Crypto.com Arena), among other legendary spots. Ravell continued to pick up steam in the following years, mesmerizing fans at Coachella, XS Nightclub, the Los Angeles Convention Center, and EDC Las Vegas, among other venues. In 2017, he returned to EDC and joined Kaskade for a second time on his Spring Fling tour. 2019 brought dazzling dazzling sets. Fresh off his spring success, he hit the decks at Coachella's famed Heineken House. 2021 sent the DJ and producer to HARD Summer Festival, the Hollywood Palladium, Passport Lounge, and more. Ravell's 2024 Beyond Wonderland performance commanded the attention of hundreds of thousands of fans, with each show since reaching massive success.
Ravell shows no signs of slowing down, dropping hit singles such as "Baila", "Siento", "Kiss", and most recently, "Like That". The latter of the two tracks embody the artist's distinctly flirty, playful vibe. Cleverly sampled vocal hooks and wholly satisfying beat drops create a staple sound perfect for every night out on the town.
We talked with Ravell about his influences, production process, pre-show traditions, and more. Read the full interview below and check out Ravell's discography. Let us know what you want to see next on Enharmonic Magazine.
How and when did you begin making music? What impact does the LA electronic music scene have on your work?
I started DJing with my dad when I was 12 years old, and I began producing original music in 2012. I knew that in order to establish myself as an artist, I needed to create music that would resonate with my future fans. And that took years of research. I can say that the entirety of the LA electronic music scene has definitely influenced my work. It’s how I got introduced and all I’ve known until I started traveling and experiencing other cities. But I've always gravitated back to my LA roots and home scene. It's vibrant, experimental, and always testing boundaries—which inspires me to keep pushing and exploring new sounds and styles.
Who were your biggest influences when you were starting out? Have they changed over time?
Wow.... so when I first started out, more than specific artists, I was heavily influenced by electro in general. I also listened to a lot of Spanish music growing up, which played a significant role in shaping my musical style. These influences together helped me develop a unique sound that blends the contrasting elements which also reflects my personal journey. My earlier work and current work are diverse yet have the same foundation.
"...I was heavily influenced by electro in general. I also listened to a lot of Spanish music growing up, which played a significant role in shaping my musical style."
Tell us about your writing and production process. What's the very first thing you do when you sit down to make a song?
I usually start by exploring different sounds and creating a beat or melody that sets the tone for the potential track. I like to experiment with different instruments and samples until something works for me. Once I feel like I have a strong foundation, I build on it, layering in elements like drums, bass, and various effects. My process is a mix of experimentation and intuition, allowing the song to evolve organically.
What has been your most memorable live set?
I’d have to say... the most recent Beyond Wonderland set. It was a special experience overall. I recognized a lot of longtime fans in the crowd and met some amazing new ones who shared that my set was the highlight of their festival experience. It was also my first time playing in a cast with a broken arm––there’s a first for everything!
Do you have any pre-show traditions?
Depends on the day or location. If the show is local and we’re not rushed, I like to host a quick bbq with family and my team at my parents’ house. My dad makes a mean spread and it’s become our favorite tradition. Or if we’re at a show further away from home and a bit rushed, we’ll do a quick team and dad tequila shot to loosen up before I run up on stage, but I much prefer the food!
What is your dream venue for a set?
My dream venue would be to sell out the iconic Hollywood Bowl in my hometown of Los Angeles. How incredible would it be to perform for a full house at such a legendary location!? It would mean so much to share that moment with my community who have been there for me unconditionally through my journey.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would you say?
If I could go back in time, I'd tell my younger self to trust the process and not be afraid to take risks. I'd remind myself to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to stay true to my passion for music.
Share about your single “Kiss”. What inspired it?
"Kiss" was inspired by some of the confident and playful people I’ve seen at my shows. I wanted to capture that bold, flirty energy you feel when you're feeling good, and about to hit the town or step out of the house. It's all about having fun and being present, spreading pure sass and contagious attitude.
What was the most challenging part of this project?
The most challenging part was balancing the fun element while maintaining the depth of authenticity I wanted to bring to the track. I knew I wanted to capture that confident, playful vibe, but also wanted to make sure it resonated with listeners on a genuine level, like how to stay leveled between lightheartedness while staying true to my own style (can you tell I think a lot!?).
"I knew I wanted to capture that confident, playful vibe, but also wanted to make sure it resonated with listeners on a genuine level..."
How did you find the vocal hook?
I found the vocal hook from a sample I randomly came across and I immediately knew it was perfect for "Kiss". It had that fun, sassy energy I was looking for, and it just clicked with the vibe I wanted to achieve with the track.
What’s next for Ravell?
I have a lot of new music on the way and a few secret projects in the works. I'm excited to share everything I've been working on, and I think fans are going to enjoy it because they deserve it.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?
I. Love. Food. Especially pupusas. My guilty pleasure is devouring pupusas on the weekend but I keep it chill by devoting to chicken salads during the week. Balance, baby! You know, thought I’d share a glimpse of my “wild” DJ life.