Producer Sessions 013: The Bloody Beetroots release a 'Heavy' extended play of new sounds
Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo, better known as the brainchild behind The Bloody Beetroots, has released his new Heavy EP. The Italian musician teased his new extended play with two collaborations: one with G-House hero, Dr. Fresch, called “Fkn Face,” that throws down as hard as the name implies and the other with Ephwurd, “Wildchild,” featuring heavy electro bass mayhem with guitar fills.
The Heavy EP is the first project since The Bloody Beetroot’s The Great Electronic Swindle in 2017, which merged rock elements with electronic music for a more electronic take on heavy metal.
Rifo took some to answer some questions about producing the EP.
What made you take the EP in this direction?
I felt the need to steer the project into a more electronic space. I love experimenting with new genres and finding a sound that belongs to me. That really resonates.
Did you have any inspirations for the album?
Just the music. It always drives me. I really explored with the new contemporary electronic texture and mixed it with the original TBB sound. I had a lot of fun.
What made you chose your collaborators?
Innovation and originality. The guys are on the EP are great!
Do you have a typical production process? If so, what is it?
I hate being in the studio for more than two hours a day. I’m a musician first and producer second, so all my ideas come by talking to people and living a life full of passions and hobbies. I start with a story, then I randomly mess around with synths and samplers on Ableton until I get a solid draft. That’s the foundation and I move from there.
What song took you the longest to make and why?
I don’t like to overthink it. I prefer to get straight to the point and feel it. The Heavy EP was quick to do. It’s simple, effective, and I wanted something to serve and support my DJ set. My collaborations with Dr. Fresch & Ephwurd were quick as well. They’re amazing producers with a lot of empathy for real music.
What was the most difficult melody to conquer and why?
I believe I spent more time with my graphic designers choosing the right artwork instead of overthinking on the perfect melody. I don’t know how to explain that, but music is very natural for me. It’s in my blood and it comes out so easily that i can’t even find the right words to express how I feel about it. It’s me, I guess.
What was your most memorable in-studio moment while producing the EP?
Definitely in the studio with Dr. Fresch. He didn’t have a functional keyboard to play. I was so bummed out, but he managed to make it work like a pro. Immediately following, I wrote that “Fkn Face” bassline with a smile on my face. Thank you, Tony.
Do you have any unique studio habits?
I like jamming before I start anything serious, and sometimes, I forget to open a session because I get lost in the jamming.
What hobbies do you have outside of music?
I have a second job as a photographer (thecultofrifo.com)—I’m also a certified CrossFit trainer Level 1. I like riding cars and motorbikes. Sometimes, I like to go to BBQs with friends.
What was it like creating the music you make in your in the small town of Bassano del Grappa?
I moved to LA three years ago, Venice Beach precisely as it feels like a small town. Bassano Del Grappa is where I spend my free time to recover from all this crazy business. It’s sane, it’s small, it’s cozy, and I love it.
What is your next endeavor as The Bloody Beetroots?
I’m excited to see where this new electronic journey will take me.
Photo credit: Chris Stack
