Boutique label RIKER RECORDS is a new kid on the UK soul block and it’s entered that sometimes bizarre and crazy world with something of a controversy. You see unlike the rest of the UK soul vinyl labels out there Riker, doesn’t release contemporary soul, nor does it seek out and reissue long lost, in-demand soul classics or never before released rarities; Riker, in fact, is in the game to release 60s flavoured soul created (at least in part) via the magic of AI!
Riker is headed up by veteran soul enthusiast, DJ, radio presenter and voice artist, COLIN DAY (below) and the label has just released two 7” singles – which Colin tells us are the first vinyl soul records to be created with the help of AI tech!
Both 45s have been out for a few weeks now and Riker tells us that they’re selling really well but it goes without saying that the releases have also sparked quite a controversy with die-hard, conservatives knocking the whole idea without even giving the music a listen. However, more broad minded soulies are backing the project! So with the debate kicking off what better time to catch up with Colin (below) to find out more about Riker and their very 21st century take on 60s soul!
Recently Colin sat down with DJ, collector, soul historian and stalwart of the Northern Soul scene, ANDY RIX, to talk all things Riker and Andy began by asking Colin how Riker started…
(NOTE; THIS AN EDIT OF INTERVIEWS THAT HAVE APPEARED ON VARIOUS SOUL SITES; IT’S REPRODUCED HER WITH FULL PERMISSION)
COIN: Well, that’s all been one sweet, crazy, happy accident! Over the years, I’ve produced—I don’t know—maybe 200 jingles. (Colin has a long radio track record) By around 2015, that business was slowing down—going out of fashion, I guess. I kept busy doing voiceovers— that’s been another passion—but I surely missed my music production. Now one day my wife kinda lays down a little challenge for me while I’m noodling away on the guitar . She says “Why don’t you write a song one day…. Bet you could write a song… Why don’t you write me a love song?” I said I’d have a crack. Two conditions— the song didn’t have to be modern, and I’d never have to play it to anyone else, just her. I eventually wrote something called “Why’d It Take So Long.” Come Christmas Eve, we sat by the tree—just my soulmate, me, and a guitar—and I did the big premiere. Corny, yeah, I know. That then became a family tradition and because soul has been my biggest passion, I was writing in that style. Anyway, fast forward a few years, and I’ve built up an album’s worth of songs. Emma (Colin; s wife) had a special birthday coming up, so I thought—why not make a private LP? I’d do the vocals and hook up with session guys I’d known for years. The plan was to press a handful of copies: one for her birthday and keep a couple for family—hope it might become a little keepsake.
ANDY: What next?
It didn’t really work out. So, I just shelved the idea. Until last year. Then, everything changed when I came across some mind-blowing AI-powered music software dropped into my lap—and BOOM! Suddenly—maybe—I had the tools to produce those songs how I’d heard them—or even better! Now, I’m thinking that private album is right back on the front burner. So, I got a bit obsessed wanted to learn it all—try and tame the beast. When I started on the songs in my locker—wow, that was a massive pinch-yourself moment. All of a sudden, I’m the pilot of a time machine and I’ve gone straight back to 1966! The sounds, the textures—just jaw-dropping. Ok, yeah, maybe lacking something here and there—just a bit of spice— so why not push it some more? Reached out to my session guys again, started playing with overdubs—guitar, percussion, saxes, keyboards. Now, I’m thinking “Yeah, this is cooking”—and bingo! Here we are.
Can you tell us more about this AI thing… you said you used some studio guys you’ve known for years. How do you decide what part of the music is created by AI, and what part is real? More specifically, how does the vocal part work? Because it’s clear you have a broad range of influences and references, and I’m curious how you mix all that in.
Well, the song has always come first—I’ve got worked that out on guitar… lyrics can take me an age. As for the prompting and programming, you’ve really got an infinity of choices. Where do you start? Production style, vocal arrangement, tempo and key, the phrasing and the changes—but it’s a dark and unpredictable art. The software is a beast, and it doesn’t always behave. Plus, it’s got no taste. It’s full of data, but it’s never been on a date—you know?
The live instruments—where do they come in?
Well, that’s the secret sauce, if you like. The extra bit of spice, the musicality. They beef things up and add some soul to groove. It’s the human touch. It’s usually pretty obvious what each song needs. Mixing them is a challenge, but it’s a big part of the fun too. As for the vocals, yeah, it still blows my mind that they come straight from the software. It’s amazing how lifelike and expressive they can be—spooky, really. All those subtle nuances— the mouth noises, the breaths, those little swoops up into the right note. I get tingles all the time—it’s so cool.
So, does it work like a library? I mean, can you just order in someone who sounds like David Ruffin, Levi Stubbs, Valerie Simpson, or even Bessie Smith? Or is it a bit potluck?
Well, the software will give you endless options and yeah, you can clone just about any voice, but I won’t. If something sounds close to an established artist, I move on. It’s about respect—plus, what’s the point anyway? I only want to do something original.
What made you finally decide to take the leap and release the music?
Yeah, putting it out there was a big step. The songs were personal, never meant for public ears, not meant to be commercial. But Emma was mad keen for me to share them, and I was curious what other soulies might think. So, I took a deep breath, sent out some carvers to DJs I’d admired for years. Maybe I was looking for validation, a bit of an ego rub. Just said the tracks were “previously unreleased” (which they were) and I wondered if they’d pass the sniff test… I guess they did because the reaction was instant and amazing! They all assumed the tracks came from some dusty old tape vault. But I had never said that. Sure, I could have corrected their assumptions, but I kept things close to my chest for now—had my reasons. Next thing, my phone keeps pinging, and they’re all asking who has the rights and when they can get a release? That set me thinking. In short, that’s how Riker Records all came about.
(EARLIER THIS YEAR RIKER RELEASED TWO SINGLES – COZ I’M READY’ FROM “LENNY AND THE ILLUSTRATORS” BACKED WITH ‘I’M THE MARRYIN’ KIND’ FROM “TOMMY AND THE ELTS” AND COMIN’ TO GETCHA’ FROM “BETTY J WILLIANS” BACKED WITH ‘WHY’D IT TAKE SO LONG’ FROM ”THE NEON-LITES)
What has the reaction been?
Oh, it’s been incredible – really humbling. Had so many nice comments and warm words. Yeah, there’s definitely a big band of Riker fans out there—I can’t thank them enough. Then, there’s another chunk of people typically saying, “Not sure how I feel about the AI part… but actually, this stuff is ok…” And look, I’m not naïve. I know there are some who see this as the work of the devil and will walk away. I totally get that. If it’s not for them, that’s okay. Look, I won’t use the term “soul police”—it’s insulting. If people are passionate about their music—any music—then it’s nothing but respect from me. Music is the greatest thing mankind ever did. But at the same time, it’s just music, you know?
And what about the future?
Right now we’re not that ambitious. My dream is to bring out an album later in this year, but we’re focusing on the two singles first—test the water with Betty J. Williams and Lenny and the Illustrators.
Yes, great names too … where do those band and artist names come from?
Obviously, the artists only live in my imagination. And because they don’t exist, we’ve pledged the artist share of record sale royalties to the Stax Academy in Memphis. It’s a way to show respect, honour the legacy. But the names, yeah—they all have personal meaning. Take Lenny and The Illustrators—they’re named after my father-in-law. He was a cool guy. Did fantastic illustrations, mostly book jackets—really gifted. Len was the name he worked under professionally. It was like his painting name. So, that was a little nod to him!
And the label name, Riker?
Well, it’s nicely alliterative with “Records”. It’s also the name of the wolf mascot on our logo (HMV had “Nipper” the dog—remember?).
Learn whole lot more @ https://www.rikerrecords.com/
