Rich & Mendes, the original residents to one of Portugal’s largest music festivals, recently sat down with Respect My Region. The electronic duo is getting ready for their appearance at RFM SOMNII in just another week. Sharing the stage with the likes of Afrojack, Alesso, DJ Snake, Ozuna, Don Diablo, and Tyga; the two are looking forward to the event. In our interview, Rich & Mendes go in depth to share their experience from the time the festival started several years ago to what it’s like now. The beachside event RFM SOMNII has now become a destination for music lovers all around the world! Be sure to tune in to learn more about the Portuguese music legends and for all other information surrounding Rich & Mendes catch up with them on Instagram.
Exclusive Rich & Mendes Interview
*This interview was edited for clarity*
When was the first year you guys played RFM SOMNII??
We’ve been playing at RFM SOMNII since the first edition. That’s partially because we are part of the small team that created the festival. At a certain point we were asked to do the last set of each night, a sort of calming down for the people before going home, like a closing set. But the audience started to interact with us and to see us as the last chance to party before going home. So we naturally became sort of the festival residents.
What was it like back then compared to now? What has been the biggest change that you’ve seen since you guys started?
So many things have changed since then. First the event; it started as a beach party that lasted just one day and was attended by ten thousand people. It became more popular each year and now it’s a 3 days event gathering up to 100,000 people. Second the music; it has evolved a lot. We saw the rise of EDM and some other sub genres. Comparing this year’s edition with the first one we can say that RFM SOMNII became more eclectic.
Considering the festival takes place on a beach in Portugal, how awesome of an experience is it? What sort of vibes can you typically expect?
It’s just awesome! Every DJ that we had the chance to talk with after their sets, like Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Laidback Luke or Steve Angello – just to name a few, says the same feeling. RFM SOMNII is unique. Because it’s on a beach, and people can dive and swim in the ocean without leaving the “venue”, it’s just unique. Guys in shorts and girls in bikinis dancing and screaming. It’s just crazy! It’s very hard to describe. You have to live it.
Are there any other venues or festivals that share similar features around the world that you can share for reference?
There’s Palmesus in Norway, but it’s a bit more posh.
What sort of music-related things are you working on right now or in the months to come?
We just released We Are One, together with Mastiksoul, another Portuguese DJ/producer. It’s the RFM SOMNII 2019 anthem. It’s the first time the festival has an anthem. It’s being played on the radio.
We Are One (RFM SOMNII Official Anthem) – Mastiksoul, Rich & Mendes
How did you two get your start in music?
Like most of the guys that are into djing. We started to play at friends parties and then at clubs and then the stories go on.
What has been a major highlight in your careers? Outside of playing at the RFM SOMNII festival?
We play mostly in Portugal. We’ve had the chance to play at most of the major Portuguese music festivals, like Rock in Rio Lisbon. One highlight in our career was to play at the Swedish House Mafia show in Lisbon.
What can you be found doing for fun when you aren’t making music?
That’s a hard one because most of the things that we do are related with music. We are into djing and music for fun, even if we take it seriously. Professionally speaking, we program RFM, Portugal’s number 1 radio station. It’s a nationwide radio station, something you don’t have in the US – for obvious reasons. So, when we go on stage or into a studio, it sure is to have fun!
Anything you’d like to add or tell to those in the beautiful Northwest of the USA?
Sure, visit Portugal. Your coastline is beautiful and you have very good fish and seafood. But you’d be amazed with the weather, the food and the people. And we like to party. So you’ll find lots of places to have fun!
