Artist To Watch: NIGHTRIDERS

Nightriders are the Boston dance duo; Matt Johnson and Joe Faria, where a chance meeting in 2004 at Boston’s legendary superclub, Avalon, (and many drinks later); formed a solid friendship. Little did they know that their similar tastes in music and their technical teamwork would be the essential ingredients of Nightriders in the making.

Both growing up in the early 80’s, Johnson and Faria were influenced by the sounds of Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Brothers Johnson, Marshall Jefferson and the modern styles of Daft Punk, Groove Armada, Sebastian Tellier, Jamiroquai, Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx, Air, and Royksopp.

Johnson, having a love for all things “Nerdy” such as computer hardware, music synthesis, and engineering while Faria; the laidback web wizard with a secret vocal talent and massive collection of dusty vinyl; they started honing their production skills and reviving the French Touch; producing their debut artist album, “Take My Hand”. The album showcases their vast musical influences, enabling them to zigzag fluidly across genres; from french nu-disco, to house, and back through to electronica with such ease. Introducing their sound to a new generation of clubbers, armed with keyboards and live visuals, oozing with originality, you can safely say that Nightriders are the fresh-faced next generation of artist on the music scene today.

Johnson also works under other monikers such as Heartache, Emjae and Screwface Johnson and has released a slew of tunes on his very own record label, OMG! Recordings. He has remixed for the likes of Don Diablo, Tiffany, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Bad Boy Bill, and Sander Kleinenberg, and has held DJ residencies at Boston’s infamous club Rise. But as Nightriders, his success continues to grow; Konami the videogaming giant, featured Nightrider’s track “Fevah” on the Playstation 2 video game “Dance Dance Revolution” starring alongside music talents such as Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, Goldfrapp and Ian Van Dahl.

Nightriders have hammered out hot tracks including their remix of Andy Caldwell’s “Scream” from his new artist album to be released later this year, as well as some surprise hi-profile artists. Nightriders have the continued international DJ support from the heavyweights including Kerri Chandler, Dennis Ferrer, Andy Caldwell, Dave Dresden, Mark Farina, King Britt and Martijn ten Velden.

2009 as been a truly groundbreaking year for Nightriders and they’ve only just got started, so keep an eye out for these two young talents as they bring you more infectious Nightrider classics, soon to be incorporating special live keyboard sets, DJ VJ sets, worldwide tours, and exciting new plans surrounding their debut artist album. The future looks promising for Nightriders. Brace yourself, strap in and hold on; the Nightriders are about to ride into your life!


NIGHRIDERS TOP 10 MAY 2009

1. Baxter - Placid Mind (Idiotproof Remix) [OMG! Recordings]

2. Shazam - Pool Party 2008 [Bang Gang]

3. Fabrice Lig - The Riff Poupre [Versatile Records]

4. Sandy W, DJ Flex - Love for You (Axwell Remix) [Wormland Black]

5. Kris Menace - Affinity [Compuphonic]

6. The Juan Maclean - Happy House [DFA]

7. James Pants feat. Deon Davis - KA$H (Peanut Butter Wolf Remix) [Stones Throw Records]

8. Don Diablo - Disco Disco Disco [Sellout Sessions]

9. Milton Jackson - I Want It - (Shur-I-Kan Remix) [Freerange]

10. Justin Faust - Holdin On (Nightriders 909 Remix) [Discotexas]



For more information on Nightriders please visit:
www.nightridersmusic.com / www.myspace.com/nightridersmusic