Behind the music - Ricky Chong

Emerging from Ireland's vibrant music scene, DJ Ricky Chong has carved a distinctive niche by blending a wide spectrum of genres, effortlessly linking classic and contemporary sounds. His upcoming appearance on August 28 at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks in Dublin, features as part of the Wider Than Pictures concert series where he will be supporting a performance centered on Berlioz.

Chong's journey into music began under the influence of his father's extensive record collection, which introduced him to jazz legends such as Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington, and John Coltrane during his formative years. This early exposure laid the foundation for his broad musical palette, which extends well beyond the commonly associated disco, soul, and funk styles.

With seven years of DJing experience, Chong has developed an eclectic approach that traverses genres and decades. He draws connections between 1960s jazz, 1970s funk and soul, 1980s disco, and the evolution of house and techno music, which itself incorporates many disco elements. His sets often surprise audiences by seamlessly transitioning between diverse styles, including African jazz, Brazilian MPB, and Japanese disco, highlighting his global and temporal musical awareness.

Chong's academic background in mechanical engineering adds a unique dimension to his craft, reflecting his appreciation for technical precision and hands-on creativity. This analytical perspective complements his musical intuition, influencing how he curates his selections and constructs his performances.

The Dublin nightlife scene deeply impacted Chong during his college years, particularly through underground events that showcased deep house and 1990s house music. Collaborations and friendships with local promoters running popular club nights, such as the 'Faint' shows in Sligo, also helped shape his artistic development.

Among Chong's influences are notable DJs and producers like Danilo Plessow, Jeremy Underground, Kerri Chandler, and Red Greg. These figures have inspired not only his musical taste but also his dedication to the art of record digging, a practice Chong regards as essential to authentic DJing.

When recalling his earliest engagement with music, Chong cites a childhood memory of purchasing his first record—a copy of The Whispers’ 'And the Beat Goes On'—at a flea market near Enniskillen. Although initially unfamiliar with the track, this purchase marked the start of his lifelong passion for collecting vinyl.

Chong’s dedication to uncovering hidden gems continues to this day, with recent finds like Donald Byrd’s 'Wild Life' from the album Caricatures exemplifying his ongoing exploration of jazz-funk and soulful music. Such discoveries inform the depth and richness of his sets, which resonate with both emotional intensity and kinetic energy.

A significant live music experience for Chong was attending a Motor City Drum Ensemble gig at District 8 in Dublin around 2016 or 2017. He highlights the exceptional sound system and the collective atmosphere of the event as defining moments in his appreciation of live DJ performances.

Looking ahead, Chong remains an active presence in the Irish music scene, sharing updates and recordings through platforms like Instagram and SoundCloud. His commitment to bridging musical boundaries and eras underscores his role as a versatile and thoughtful curator of sound.

Details regarding the full scope of Chong’s upcoming involvement in the Wider Than Pictures series remain limited, but his participation signals an exciting fusion of classical and contemporary influences within Dublin’s cultural landscape.