Today we’d like to introduce you to Richie Schwab.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up in New Orleans is special because it’s a melting pot of different cultures. There is something almost magical in the air. I always miss the breeze hitting my body and the smell of Cajun food in the air. It’s like the city has a fragrance. New Orleans is one of the best hidden treasures of the world. New Orleans will always be home to me because my family is there and is the setting for my fondest memories. Music piques my curiosity and is the international language. My journey of experimenting with sound design continues to evolve. I remember blazing hot days seeing sweating musicians in the streets playing jazz music and drummers sitting on five gallon buckets jamming day and night. The vibrations moved me just as much as a marching band at Mardi Gras. The experience was life-changing, as a young boy dancing on the cobblestone streets with my eyes closed, feeling the energy, hearing the various instruments, drums, brass and the roar of the crowd. Mark Twain said it best, “the two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you know why.” Those crescent city nights help me to understand why I was born, and that is to entertain. I got my start during college in Dallas, Texas DJing and making beats. I met Jordan Bolch there and we went on to be media creators and music writers together for decades to come.
After Hurricane Katrina I moved to Atlanta. When all the trees change color is a great time to drive around and listen to new mixes I’m working on in the lab. I linked up with Dallas Austin days later we are DJing,working in the studio on major hit songs. In 2017, the self-released digital download EP, Unleash The Beat, showcased my styles of electro, dub and house music. After visiting the newly built Georgia Aquarium near Centennial Olympic Park and seeing the beautiful variety of sea creatures under the waves, I was inspired to create a stage name for when I perform, and that is when I came up with Akuarium. The EP was mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sounds in Nashville, TN. Shortly thereafter, I was playing all the best venues in the city. The buzz around town was contagious and complementary. My next big opportunity was at Imagine Music Festival. Performing in front of huge crowds like that really evolved my live sets and how I interact with the crowd. The amazing costumes and stages at festivals, along with the large number of people, make them incredible to attend and unforgettable to perform at. It seems like it was all yesterday but this upcoming year will be my third year as a full-time DJ. I rocked six shows during the Super Bowl 2019 in Atlanta, GA with countless other world class acts. I also played four shows in Miami for Super Bowl 2020. From Victoria Secret’s shows with 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg to the Versace Mansion Hennessy private event hosted by Evan Ross, the party continued at E11EVEN nightclub which was hosted by Jordan Bolch and Ludacris. I also worked on music for the Akuarium video game, which is currently available on Nintendo Switch.
https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/akuarium-switch/
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It isn’t an easy road being a perfectionist. Rome wasn’t built overnight. My desire is to do the best work possible and continue to raise the standard. It takes a lot of focus and sacrifice. Whether it is building an app, recording an album, constructing a studio, organizing a website or designing a video game, they all take time, dedication and hard work. Every day is important to keep the studios open and updated. Persevering through this type of stress helps make success that much sweeter. It shows in one’s work when they have passion and also when they haven’t. As a DJ and producer, I’m able to work day and night but sometimes that is exhausting. Reflecting on this past Super Bowl, it is hard to imagine how I made it to all of the events. Whenever I felt like I lacked the energy to keep going through Sunday night, I summoned the strength to continue by remembering why I started in the first place, and that was the love of the endless music of my city, New Orleans.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Auricle Studios story. Tell us more about the business.
Over the past decade I have been dedicated to building and operating Auricle Studios which now has branches in both Atlanta and Los Angeles. Jordan and I have joined forces with super producer Patrick Collier, who manages the studios in California. Having flexible creative spaces gives us opportunities to collaborate with more artists and further advance our creativity. Auricle Studios has become a one-stop-shop for hit production. Our team of industry leading professionals offers sound production, audio engineering, vocal and live instrument recording, mixing and mastering.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m lucky to be alive after all that I’ve been through, surviving a motorcycle accident when I was twenty-one was incredibly humbling and makes me grateful for every moment. That is why I cherish the opportunities that I have, remind myself to make smart decisions and work hard to create my own luck.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://auriclestudios.com/
- Phone: 5044950432
- Email: richiewschwab@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richieschwab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richieschwab
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/richie_schwab
- Other: https://akuariummusic.com/
Image Credit:
Amanda Q Photo, ADINAYEV, Adam Oliver
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