The Next Big Thing - Rio Jermaine

Rio Jermaine is a self taught musician from London, after expanding his craft musically to instruments and song writing he’s managed to produce two of his very own mixtapes including his first demo self titled ‘Rio’. I thought I’d catch up with him to see what he’s been working on, as well as how he got into music.


So Ro, Tell Us A Bit About Yourself. . .

My name is Rio Jermaine, the Neo Soul-Grime-Rapper from London. “Neon Dash ” is the sound , a hyper-active rush of Technicolor, retro R’n’B/Computer game synths, held together with Hip-Hop and Grime. Rhythmically, a dedicated drummer for over 15 years, whilst I use various instruments and sound effects paint the musical colours.

How Did You Get Into Music And Why?

I’ve always been influenced by every aspect of music and sound, including music that doesn’t even have names or a particular style / by unknown artists.

At the age of 9 I had a compulsion to play the guitar. Had a few lessons and began writing and recording poems/songs on a tape recorder influenced by the 90’s metal scene - signed and unsigned bands like KoRn, Deftones Machine Head, Kilkus, Hybrid UK, Scrap Iron Scientists, Pist.On, Coal Chamber and Snot.
I still continue to write metal songs and plan to release them in the future as part of the progression of the “Neon Dash” sound.

In my first music lesson at secondary school, aged 11, the teacher mentioned to the class about the instruments taught there… In the list she mentioned drums… Since then, I have never put the sticks down. I then joined a band aged 12 which I’m still drumming in: a live HipHop band called MORDe with Shinga Mashambadope on the microphone, Ian Richardson on guitar, Sean Giles on bass and Ofei Sakyi on Keyboards.


I played the keyboard throughout secondary school and college, at the age of 16 I began composing Pop, HipHop, Rap, RnB, New Jack Swing, Garage, Electro/Dance, World Music on computer. An eclectic mix, influenced by Aphex Twin, Wamdue Project, Timbaland, Teddy Riley, Quincy Jones, Stock Aitken & Waterman and The Neptunes. This was back in 1999 when I bought a game called ‘Music’ on the PlayStation and was infatuated.

Having made songs at school on Cubase and Notator for my GCSE qualifications, ‘Music’ was like my own little studio. Of course there were limitations and it sounded like a game but that’s why I was hooked. It allowed the user to learn a lot, the basic elements of composition. To be honest, I don’t see it as a game at all, it’s so much more. I still use it for sounds and samples.The series has since evolved and is available on different consoles.I now use Cubase to for my compositions.

At the age of 18 I started rapping/Mc’ing. Neutrino from the So Solid Crew inspired me to pick up the microphone and I’ve been vocally expressing myself through spoken word / Rap ever since. Influences: Neutrino, Jehst, Busta Rhymes & The Flipmode Squad, Joe Budden, Big Pun, Wiley, Eminem, Redman , D Double E, to name but a few..

In 2003, I put out my first demo tape “Rio” followed by my 2nd demo Cd “Engine No.#2” in 2007.
Both of which were composed on “Music”.
(“Engine No.#2” will be re-released for download in the near future).


Due To The New Culture Of Funky And Electro Music, Do You Feel That Music Has Lost It True Value, If So Why?

I’m a fan and don’t think that it has devalued anything, music evolves. Good music is good music.
Most genres have endured the same argument over the years, it’s just personal preference.

Who Would You Most Like To Work With and Why?

Capcom! This is the computer game company that make my favourite game: Street Fighter.
I would like to be on their music production team or be a voice actor for them as I‘m also a big fan of Amime movies and art.

My top SF soundtracks:

Street Fighter 2 Turbo (SNES)
Street Fighter Ex Plus Alpha (Playstaion)
Street Fighter - Pocket Fighter (Playstaion)

My Top SF games:

Street Fighter 2 Turbo (SNES)
Street Fighter Alpha 3 (Playstaion, PSP, GameBoy Advance)

Computer game music in general inspires me and “Neon Dash” is the direct result of it.
The simplicity of 8 - 32 bit music amazes me, so much expression, musicianship and creativity:

Sonic 2 (Aquatic Ruin, Chemical Plant, Casino), Mario World/s, Mario Paint, Aladdin, QuackShot (South Pole, Transylvania, Viking Ship, Mine Carts - Zipline), TMNT: Turtles in Time 4 (Neon Night Riders), Tetris, Super Metroid.
The list is endless…


What Advice Would You Give To Up And Coming Musicians?

Be open to learn.
Depending on what the artist/musician wants to do, remember that it’s not simply just about 'getting signed', it's what you sign - it's a business. Find out the how mechanics of the industry work - who does what, why and how. There isn't a specific way to get signed/onto a label as it can happen in various ways. Nowadays, people are now doing it all themselves via the internet and street teams, etc. In theory, once an artist has 'X' amount of people listening, coming to the shows and buying music and merchandise direct, the artist may find that they don't need a label at all...

Either way, just put in the hard work and develop your craft!

What Are Your Future Plans As An Artist?

Live shows! “Busta Microphone” is a monthly open mic event at Nazar Bar, Lewisham.
Organised by Triple Triangle Events UK who are Big Man D, Amanda McIntosh and myselfI.
It showcases numerous up and coming artists.

There will be more new music from me throughout 2010. A lot of material is ready, album / mixtape plans are under construction, stay tuned….

A special thanks to Rianna Raymond-Williams for the interview :-)


To get more from Rio you can contact him via:
Myspace : Myspace.com/RioJermaine
Facebook: Rio Jermaine
Webste: ReverbNation.com/RioJermaine –
Facebook: Triple Triangle Events UK