Ricky Magowan is one of the best promoters in the industry; certainly one of the most colourful. He’s one promoter we’ve always wanted to corner so we’re delighted to catch up with Ricky ahead of STREETrave’s 21st birthday.
To see the story of STREETrave – Rember The Daze ’89-’09 CLICK HERE
Just watched the STREETrave film, which is fantastic by the way, so interesting to find out about the history of STREETrave and Colours. Twenty years certainly is a long time so you must be very proud of what you’ve achieved?
Of course I am, it’s been a long and eventful journey and I’m now one of the longest running independent promoters in the industry.
Before all the music and all the drugs there was football. I know you’re a Motherwell fan but what was your favourite clothing brand from back in the day?
Diadora Borg Elite
You’re one of the top promoters in the game but have you ever been a DJ?
Yes, on the very first gig I ever held, but I realised it was easier to make money as a promoter than a DJ.
You can’t run a successful night for twenty years and not understand business – how much do you see yourself as a businessman?
Not at all. Any businessman wouldn’t take the risks that we take
What advice would you give to any young budding promoter thinking about throwing their first party?
Don’t think that you’re gonna make a bucket load of cash in this game anymore, those days are long gone
Can you see yourself throwing STREETrave/Colours parties in 20 years?
No
You always try to keep things fresh and exciting so do you have any plans on launching a new night with a new name?
No, not at the moment
Has there been a golden period for house music over the last twenty years?
Yeah, 1989-1992
If you had to chose three records that best describe STREETrave & Colours what would they be?
‘Pump Up The Jam’ – Technotronic
‘Strings of Life’ – Rhythim is Rhythim
‘Expander’ – Sasha
If you could book any artist (alive or dead) for STREETrave & Colours who would it be?
Sasha, Digweed, Carl Cox & Danny Tenaglia
Do you have to speak slowly when you talk to agents in England/worldwide on the phone?
Every time, and they still don’t understand a word I say! It’s worse when they come to the gigs and we have a session….
You often take all your clothes off and its obviously cold in Scotland?
Those days are long gone now. That was during my party period, I’m older and wiser now – although it’s still bloody freezing in Scotland!
What does 2010 hold in store for Colours?
We’ve already got things off to a great start with three sell-out shows, 2ManyDJs, Tiësto and David Guetta. Coloursfest is going into its ninth year and we’ve really taken things up a notch this year. The event has three of the world’s top 10 DJs on the bill plus some of the hottest brands around at the moment. The gig has sold out for the past six years, so we’re hoping for seven in a row this year.
The ticket price for the event this year is £2.50 cheaper than the previous three years, so we’re doing all that we can to beat the credit crunch.
We’ve also got a massive Easter weekend planned, with four gigs over the course of five days – 2ManyDJs, Steve Angello, Back To The Future and Carl Cox all in the one week! I can tell that I’ll definitely be sleeping all day on Easter Monday!
The STREETrave 21st anniversary party will be happening in October at The Arches, these parties are always a highlight of the year, so look out for a massive line up once again.
Ricky Magowan March 2010
Ricky Magowan is one of the best promoters in the industry; certainly one of the most colourful. He’s one promoter we’ve always wanted to corner so we’re delighted to catch up with Ricky ahead of STREETrave’s 21st birthday.
To see the story of STREETrave – Rember The Daze ’89-’09 CLICK HERE
Just watched the STREETrave film, which is fantastic by the way, so interesting to find out about the history of STREETrave and Colours. Twenty years certainly is a long time so you must be very proud of what you’ve achieved?
Of course I am, it’s been a long and eventful journey and I’m now one of the longest running independent promoters in the industry.
Before all the music and all the drugs there was football. I know you’re a Motherwell fan but what was your favourite clothing brand from back in the day?
Diadora Borg Elite
You’re one of the top promoters in the game but have you ever been a DJ?
Yes, on the very first gig I ever held, but I realised it was easier to make money as a promoter than a DJ.
You can’t run a successful night for twenty years and not understand business – how much do you see yourself as a businessman?
Not at all. Any businessman wouldn’t take the risks that we take
What advice would you give to any young budding promoter thinking about throwing their first party?
Don’t think that you’re gonna make a bucket load of cash in this game anymore, those days are long gone
Can you see yourself throwing STREETrave/Colours parties in 20 years?
No
You always try to keep things fresh and exciting so do you have any plans on launching a new night with a new name?
No, not at the moment
Has there been a golden period for house music over the last twenty years?
Yeah, 1989-1992
If you had to chose three records that best describe STREETrave & Colours what would they be?
‘Pump Up The Jam’ – Technotronic
‘Strings of Life’ – Rhythim is Rhythim
‘Expander’ – Sasha
If you could book any artist (alive or dead) for STREETrave & Colours who would it be?
Sasha, Digweed, Carl Cox & Danny Tenaglia
Do you have to speak slowly when you talk to agents in England/worldwide on the phone?
Every time, and they still don’t understand a word I say! It’s worse when they come to the gigs and we have a session….
You often take all your clothes off and its obviously cold in Scotland?
Those days are long gone now. That was during my party period, I’m older and wiser now – although it’s still bloody freezing in Scotland!
What does 2010 hold in store for Colours?
We’ve already got things off to a great start with three sell-out shows, 2ManyDJs, Tiësto and David Guetta. Coloursfest is going into its ninth year and we’ve really taken things up a notch this year. The event has three of the world’s top 10 DJs on the bill plus some of the hottest brands around at the moment. The gig has sold out for the past six years, so we’re hoping for seven in a row this year.
The ticket price for the event this year is £2.50 cheaper than the previous three years, so we’re doing all that we can to beat the credit crunch.
We’ve also got a massive Easter weekend planned, with four gigs over the course of five days – 2ManyDJs, Steve Angello, Back To The Future and Carl Cox all in the one week! I can tell that I’ll definitely be sleeping all day on Easter Monday!
The STREETrave 21st anniversary party will be happening in October at The Arches, these parties are always a highlight of the year, so look out for a massive line up once again.