For our first release of 2019, we’re collaborating with the one and only #HYPEORDIE dubstep legend, Riot Ten. The Riot Ten artist bracelet drops Friday, February 8 at 10AM PST. Proceeds from this bracelet will go to our Greater Good Fund. Read more about the Greater Good Fund at the bottom of the page.
In addition to the Riot Ten bracelet on Friday, we will also be releasing a matching limited edition long sleeve. Stay tuned for a preview!
In planning for this collaboration, we had the opportunity to get some Insights from Riot Ten about life, growth, and making music. Read the contents of our conversation below:
What is the meaning behind the name Riot Ten? What/who was your main inspiration when you were developing the project?
The name pretty much just means "riot" on the highest level (1-10 scale). Originally it was just a placeholder, but over time it stuck with me. Before I could even blink people were addressing me by my artist name instead of my real name. haha.
When first starting out, I was heavily influenced by hip-hop like so many others, but I fell in love with dance music at the first rave I ever attended. I wouldn't say that there was 1 person in particular who inspired me, but more-so an entire culture, regardless of genre. I just knew that I wanted to be a part of it.
Is there anything you do as part of your daily life or creative process that is unique to you or that others would be surprised to know?
I'm not really sure to be honest. I think everyone has their own process, but i don't think mine is anything too different from the next artist. That said though, I am the proud father of two boys, including a 1 year old, so no day is ever the same around here. I wouldn't trade it for the world!
How has a failure, or apparent failure, in your personal life or career set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” or a failure that you’d consider a key moment in your life?
This is tough. I became a father at a very young age and dropped out of high school when I was 17, neither of which I view as failures, but rather the greatest things to have ever happened to me. I was also born and raised in El Paso, TX, a city that isn't traditionally looked at for talent, which provided even greater challenges for success. I simply embraced it all.
I was denied by labels for years. Is that a failure? To me it was. I knew that my music was good enough but it was so frustrating and difficult to get people to pay attention. I refused to give up and kept knocking. And one by one, the doors began to open. I think being denied for so long is what gave me the tough skin I have today. You can't be afraid of failure. Without it, what would "success" really mean?
In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
I've learned to remain positive no matter how much negative criticism there is. It's difficult to read and hear negativity all the time, especially about your art, and I don't think that will ever change, but it goes hand in hand with growth. The more positive attention that you receive and the more you "rise the ranks," the "louder" the negativity becomes. I've learned to focus my attention on the positive majority, my real supporters and the reason behind the sold out shows. They are the ones that deserve my attention.
Name one thing that you think the world could do without, and one thing that the world needs more of, and why.
Man, great question! Of course the world could do without so much hate, but that's just obvious, especially in today's climate. But if you're looking for something specific, the world could definitely do without child hunger and homelessness. It amazes me how many kids are dealt this hand outside of America. Oh and while we're at it, let's get rid of anyone who is poaching whales and sharks. We need to preserve our oceans!
The world needs more positive, loving, tolerant, and caring people. We need to care for each other, help others, and cherish life. Seek education, don't fight it. It truly isn't that difficult of a task!
Why did you decide to collaborate with Electric Family?
I love everything that EF stands for and I've been following them for quite some time. We've wanted to collaborate for a while, but also wanted to make sure the timing was right to optimize our charitable impact. Electric Family represents what is so amazing about EDM culture, and they bring us all together for causes so much larger than us as individuals. It's truly special to be a part of it.
One last remark: Your set is over and you can flash one more message on the stage’s LED screens that everyone in the crowd will read. What does it say?
Thank you guys so much for making this all possible. I love you more than you know. Get home safe and I'll see you again soon!
About the Greater Good Fund
The Greater Good Fund is a pool of all the money raised from Electric Family sales which is evenly distributed to our Greater Good partner charities on a quarterly basis. Our Greater Good partner charities are:
Charity: Water
Pencils for Promise
Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Tim Ferriss: Treatment of Major Depression through Johns Hopkins University of Medicine
Ocean Conservancy
Make-A-Wish