Ricardo Portela

Sound Designer / EDM producer

Ricardo Portela on SoundBetter

I'm Ricardo Portela, I'm a professional sound designer with a master degree and a musical producer aka Rigi and Nikam. With 14 years of experience, I craft soulful house and immersive techno that captivates global audiences. I work as a Sound Designer for movies and videogames. If you want production or remixing, let's create magic together!

ABOUT ME:
I'm Ricardo Portela, a professional Sound Designer and a passionate musician (known as DJ Rigi and Nikam in the music world.) With over 14 years of experience, I'm thrilled to share my passion for house music and immersive techno with you.

MUSICAL PROJECTS:
- Rigi specializes in crafting soulful, uplifting house music, blending infectious melodies and groovy basslines to ignite dance floors.
- Nikam delves into the darker, more hypnotic side of electronic music, exploring intricate rhythms and atmospheric textures that take listeners on underground techno journeys.

SERVICES:
- Music Production
- Remix
- Sound Design
- Sound Logos
- Mixing & Mastering

WHY ME?
Experience: With over a decade in the industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project.
Versatility: Whether it's music or Sound Design. Whether is house, techno, or any electronic genre, I adapt to your creative vision and deliver exceptional results.
Passion: Music and Sound isn't just my profession—it's my passion. I pour my heart and soul into every note, every detail, ensuring authenticity and emotion in every project.
Collaboration: I believe in the power of collaboration and work closely with artists, labels, and clients to bring their musical dreams to fruition.

Let's create something extraordinary together!

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

Discogs verified credits for DJ Rigi
  • Various
  • Various
  • Various
  • Various

Languages

  • English
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish

Interview with Ricardo Portela

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: I did the sound design for a short movie for disabled people. I'm specially proud because they loved the result and I could get a great smile from them!

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: I'm finishing a Techno music.

  5. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  6. A: Not right now. I'm new here. I hope in the future.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Digital. It's cheaper and you still can get great results!

  9. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  10. A: My promise to my clients is to deliver exceptional quality, professionalism, and creativity in every aspect of our collaboration. Here are the key elements of my promise: Quality: I am committed to delivering high-quality results that exceed my clients' expectations. Whether it's crafting a compelling musical composition, designing immersive soundscapes, or providing top-notch mixing and mastering services, I strive for excellence in every project. Creativity: I bring a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and artistic vision to every project. Whether it's finding the perfect melody, crafting the right sound texture, or solving creative challenges, I approach each project with enthusiasm and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Professionalism: I conduct myself with professionalism, integrity, and respect in all interactions with my clients. I prioritize clear and transparent communication, adhere to deadlines and commitments, and always strive to meet or exceed my clients' needs and expectations. Satisfaction: Above all, my goal is to ensure my clients' satisfaction and success. I am dedicated to delivering results that not only meet but exceed my clients' expectations, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure their happiness and success with the final product. Overall, my promise to my clients is to provide them with an exceptional experience and outstanding results that they can be proud of. I am committed to being a trusted partner and collaborator in their creative journey, and I look forward to helping them bring their vision to life.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: Creative freedom! Collaboration: Working with artists, filmmakers, game developers, and other creatives is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job. Impact: Music and sound have the power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and create powerful connections with people. I find it incredibly rewarding to know that my work can have a meaningful impact on people's lives, whether it's by setting the mood for a scene, enhancing the gameplay experience in a video game, or simply bringing joy to someone's day through a catchy tune. Continuous Learning: The field of music production and sound design is constantly evolving, with new technologies, techniques, and trends emerging all the time. I love the opportunity to continue learning and growing as a professional, whether it's by mastering a new piece of software, honing my skills in a particular genre, or experimenting with new sound design concepts. Flexibility: As a freelancer, I appreciate the freedom and flexibility that comes with being able to choose my own projects, set my own schedule, and work from wherever I please. This autonomy allows me to pursue my passions on my own terms and find a healthy balance between work and life.

  13. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  14. A: Q. Can you produce music in a specific genre/style? A. Yes, I have experience producing music in a wide range of genres and styles, including [X, Y or Z]. However I do not produce [Gama, Beta, Alpha]. Q. What is your pricing? A. My pricing vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project. I offer competitive rates and can provide a detailed quote based on your specific requirements. Q. How long will it take to complete the project? A. The timeline for each project varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the music, the number of revisions required, and my current workload. I'll provide you with a realistic timeline once we discuss the details of your project. Q. Can you work with my budget? A. I understand that every project has budget constraints, and I'm committed to finding a solution that meets your needs while staying within your budget. Let's discuss your budget upfront so that I can tailor my services accordingly. Q. Do you provide revisions? A. Yes, I provide a certain number of revisions as part of my services to ensure that you're satisfied with the final product. Additional revisions may be subject to additional fees. Q. Can you provide samples of your previous work? A. Absolutely! I'm happy to provide samples of my previous work so you can get a sense of my style, quality, and versatility as a music producer and sound designer.

  15. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  16. A: One of the biggest misconceptions about what I do as a music producer and sound designer is that it's all about technical expertise and equipment. While technical skills and tools are certainly important, they are just one aspect of the creative process. The reality is that music production and sound design are deeply artistic endeavors that require a combination of technical proficiency, creativity, intuition, and emotional intelligence. It's not just about knowing how to use software or hardware—it's about harnessing those tools to bring a creative vision to life, to evoke emotions, and to tell stories through sound. And time. You have many people who think that short project takes only one day or two to be done...

  17. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  18. A: What do you hope to achieve with the final product? What is the timeline for the project? Are there any specific deadlines or milestones that need to be met? Is there flexibility in the timeline, or are there any time-sensitive factors that need to be considered? What is your budget for the project? Are there any budget constraints or considerations that need to be taken into account? Do you have any specific resources or assets available for the project (e.g., stems, reference tracks, sound libraries)? What is your preferred musical style or genre? Are there any specific artists, songs, or soundtracks that inspire you? Do you have any specific sonic preferences or aesthetic preferences for the project (e.g., mood, atmosphere, instrumentation)? What is your process for providing feedback and requesting revisions during the project? Are there any long-term goals or aspirations that you have for the project or your musical career? Do you anticipate any follow-up projects or opportunities for ongoing collaboration in the future? By asking these questions and actively listening to the client's responses, you can gain a deeper understanding of their needs and preferences, establish clear expectations, and lay the foundation for a successful and collaborative partnership.

  19. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  20. A: Define Your Vision: Encourage the customer to clearly articulate their creative vision, goals, and expectations for the project. The more specific they can be about their desired sound, mood, and aesthetic, the better equipped I would be to bring his / her vision to life. Communication is Key: Emphasize the importance of open and transparent communication throughout the collaboration process. Encourage the customer to discuss his / her ideas, provide feedback, and ask questions to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal. Discuss Budget and Timeline: Recommend that the customer discuss their budget and timeline upfront to avoid any misunderstandings or surprises later on. Be transparent about your rates, availability, and turnaround times to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial working relationship. By offering these insights and recommendations, you can help the customer make an informed decision and set the stage for a successful and rewarding collaboration.

  21. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  22. A: Well, my laptop of course, an old MacBook Pro, it should have 10 years, but it still does his job, a pair of headphones, a gigantic Power bank, so I couldn't get out of battery, my Focusrite 2i2 audio interface and my Launchkey61.

  23. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  24. A: Well, as a DJ I started early, with only 15 years old, and still playing after this 20 years. I rather prefer a DJ set than a Live Act. Yes, I'm old school! Lol As a producer since 2010, when my first music was released on Beatport, and Ididn't even dreamt about doing music as a job. As Sound Designer in University, on my bachelor, I started with the fundamentals and on my master I speciallized and aquired new techniques.

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: I like a good groove and I love a beautiful melody. So basically, I try to combine both to make it perfect!

  27. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  28. A: As a DJ Roger Sanchez, it's the best I ever saw playing. This hustling technique it's something else! As a producer Dennis Ferrer, Harry Romero, Guy Gerber or Joris Voorn. Masters of the craft! Soundtracks, I would have to say Hans Zimmer or Éric Serra, how the hell does he work that toms??

  29. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  30. A: Sure, it's not on putting everything loud. It's the essence of the elements and the balance. Even on a note, how strong is played it and the mix should be lower not higher.

  31. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  32. A: Deep House, Tech House and Melodic Techno.

  33. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  34. A: Well, this is a very difficult question. I don't know what is my strongest but I can point at least three: Creative Vision: Highlight my ability to envision and conceptualize music in innovative and compelling ways, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to every project. Technical Proficiency: Showcase my mastery of music production tools, software, and techniques, demonstrating my capacity to achieve professional-quality results with precision and efficiency. Attention to Detail: Emphasize my meticulous approach to every aspect of the music-making process, from sound design to arrangement, mixing, and mastering, ensuring that every element is polished to perfection.

  35. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  36. A: Creativity and Innovation: I bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches to music production, whether it's through crafting original melodies, experimenting with sound textures, or introducing unique sonic elements. Emotional Depth and Atmosphere: I always try to infuse songs with emotional depth and atmospheric qualities, creating a mood that resonates with listeners on a profound level. Technical Skill and Precision: In music production and sound design, I ensure that every aspect of the song, from arrangement to mixing and mastering, is executed with precision and clarity. Enhanced Aesthetic and Artistry: Through attention to detail and keen aesthetic sensibility, I try to elevate the overall quality and artistry of the song, transforming it into a polished and professional work of art. In summary, I try to achieve a unique blend of creativity, technical skill and emotional depth to every song, ensuring that it stands out and resonates with audiences in meaningful ways.

  37. Q: What's your typical work process?

  38. A: First I have to analize the project. Speak with the employer, see what are his goals. And then meditate on it. Then I will see some projects he or she likes to have an idea. And then I begin to experiment a few ideas. And basically I will work untill I feel it done unless I feel the necessity to consult my employer about the direction the project is taking. Then I will finish it. Take a day or two before the deadline for twitches and if he / she likes it perfect. Otherwise I will make necessary adjustments.

  39. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  40. A: iMac 5K, 27 inches, 2020 running macOS Big Sur. 2 Yamaha HS80M UAD-2 Satellite Focusright Scarlett 2i2 Novation Launchkey 61

  41. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  42. A: Well in terms of cinema Hans Zimmer will be my biggest inspiration. I also love Éric Serra, his work for Goldeneye was something else... In terms of House music I like Dennis Ferrer, Quentin Harris and Harry Romero a lot! And Techno I would have to say Guy Gerber, Joris Voorn and Pig&Dan to name a few...

  43. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  44. A: I've been working as a Sound Design for short advertisement movies lately. I do the foleys, edition, sound capture and mixing and mastering in the end. I also work with videogames ocasionally doing all the sound design and the soundtrack as well. And as a producer, making my own music and remixing other artists.

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I was the Sound Designer in this production

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