In this dynamic Virtual Session, Darran Bruce welcomes New York-based DJ and producer Rïa Mehta for a conversation that blends career-defining moments, creative philosophy, and personal insights. Rïa shares her transformative experience at Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), describing it as a unique space for authentic networking, community building, and meeting inspiring women in the industry.
The discussion shifts to her debut album Metamorphosis—a two-year creative journey that evolved from individual tracks into a cohesive narrative. Refusing to alter her sound to fit label demands, Rïa stayed true to her artistic vision, crafting a diverse body of work that moves through progressive house, melodic techno, indie dance, and beyond. She credits the support of female artist networks for encouraging her to honor her style and originality.
Rïa opens up about her unconventional path into music, from curating Spotify playlists to discovering production during the pandemic using GarageBand, eventually transitioning into professional work with Ableton. She reflects on the challenges of mastering, the value of consistency, and why investing in self-education has been one of her smartest career decisions.
The conversation also explores social media’s role in artist branding, the balance between performance and production, and the importance of authenticity in a rapidly changing industry. Rïa shares her passion for travel, her goals for future performances, and her mantra for navigating creative burnout—embrace the ebb and flow while staying connected to your passion.
From festival dreams to industry insights, this episode captures Rïa Mehta’s evolving artistry and her commitment to growth, community, and musical exploration.
Host: Darran Bruce Guest: Rïa Mehta Location: Virtual Studios, Seattle WA & New York, NY
Overview: Darran Bruce connects with DJ and producer Rïa Mehta to discuss her debut album Metamorphosis, her creative journey, networking at Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), and the balance between artistry and industry demands.
Topics Covered:
Amsterdam Dance Event: Insights on authentic networking, community building, and inspiration from female industry leaders.
Metamorphosis Album: Two-year creative process evolving from individual tracks into a cohesive, multi-genre narrative.
Artistic Integrity: Staying true to her sound despite label pressures to change direction.
Female Artist Networks: Support and encouragement to embrace her originality.
Journey into Music: From curating Spotify playlists to producing on GarageBand during the pandemic, then advancing to Ableton.
Production Skills: Learning mixing and mastering through self-education and consistent practice.
Social Media & Branding: Leveraging platforms for visibility while maintaining authenticity.
Balancing Roles: Managing time between performing, producing, and professional development.
Creative Burnout: Embracing natural ebbs and flows in creativity while staying connected to passion.
Travel & Inspiration: Drawing influence from cultural experiences and global perspectives.
Future Goals: Expanding festival appearances and exploring new collaborative projects.
Industry Advice: Prioritize self-investment, consistency, and building genuine connections over quick wins.
Call to Action: Follow Rïa Mehta on Instagram @riamehtamusic and stream Metamorphosis on all major platforms. Discover more exclusive interviews and live sessions at thedjsessions.com
About Rïa Mehta –
With hard work, passion, unwavering dedication to his art, and support from the industry’s most revered names, this Chicago native turned Berlin transplant aims to prove that this is only the beginning to a long and promising career.
Indian-Sri Lankan Producer & DJ living in Brooklyn, NY; bringing melodic techno / deep house sounds from around the world with appearances at venues such as the Brooklyn Mirage, Kater Blau Berlin and Culture Box Copenhagen.
A celebrated producer, her tracks have garnered support around the world by artists like @blondish , @rufusdusol @gorgon-city and @noraenpure … It’s no wonder she was marked as “One To Watch in 2023”
Promos/bookings/remix requests: riamehta@gmail.com
About The DJ Sessions –
“The DJ Sessions” is a Twitch/Mixcloud “Featured Partner” live streaming/podcast series featuring electronic music DJ’s/Producers via live mixes/interviews and streamed/distributed to a global audience. TheDJSessions.com
The series constantly places in the “Top Ten” on Twitch Music and the “Top Five” in the “Electronic Music”, “DJ”, “Dance Music” categories. TDJS is rated in the Top 0.11% of live streaming shows on Twitch out of millions of live streamers.
“The DJ Sessions” is listed in the Feedspot directory as one of the Top 60 EDM Podcasts.
It has also been recognized by Apple twice as a “New and Noteworthy” podcast and featured three times in the Apple Music Store video podcast section. UStream and Livestream have also listed the series as a “Featured” stream on their platforms since its inception.
The series is also streamed live to multiple other platforms and hosted on several podcast sites. It has a combined live streaming/podcast audience is over 125,000 viewers per week.
With over 2,600 episodes produced over the last 16 years “The DJ Sessions” has featured international artists such as:
Matt Staffanina, BT, Plastik Funk, Youngr, Dr. Fresch, Ferry Corsten, Herbert Holler, YORK, Martin Jensen, Sevenn, Amber D, Joey Riot, Drove, Martin Trevy, Siryuz & Smoky, Simon Shackleton, SurfingDJ’s, Jacob Henry, Vintage & Morrelli, Joachim Garraud, Dave Lambert, Tom Wax, Kenn Colt, Nathassia aka Goddess is a DJ, Joni Ljungqvist, mAdcAt, Wuki, DiscoKitty, Handshake in Space, Moon Beats, Barnacle Boi, IAMDRAKE, Spag Heddy, Scott Slyter, Simply City, Rob Gee, Micke, Jerry Davila, SpeakerHoney, Sickotoy, Teenage Mutants, DJ Mowgli, Wooli, Somna, Gamuel Sori, Curbi, Alex Whalen, Netsky, Rich DietZ, Stylust, Bexxie, Chuwe, Proff, Muzz, Raphaelle, Boris, MJ Cole, Flipside, Ross Harper, DJ S.K.T., Skeeter, Bissen, 2SOON, Kayzo, Sabat, Katie Chonacas, DJ Fabio, Homemade, Hollaphonic, Lady Waks, Dr. Ushuu, Arty/Alpha 9, Miri Ben-Ari, DJ Ruby, DJ Colette, Nima Gorji, Kaspar Tasane, Queen City Hooligan, Andy Caldwell, Party Shirt, Plastik Funk, ENDO, John Tejada, Hoss, Alejandro, DJ Sash U, Arkley, Bee Bee, Cozmic Cat, Superstar DJ Keoki, Crystal Waters, Swedish Egil, Martin Eyerer, Dezarate, Maddy O’Neal, Sonic Union, Lea Luna, Belle Humble, Marc Marzenit, Ricky Disco, AthenaLuv, Maximillian, Saeed Younan, Inkfish, Kidd Mike, Magitman, Michael Anthony, They Kiss, Downupright, Harry “the Bigdog” Jamison, DJ Tiger, DJ Aleksandra, 22Bullets, Carlo Astuti, Mr Jammer, Kevin Krissen, Amir Sharara, Coke Beats, Danny Darko, DJ Platurn, Tyler Stone, Chris Coco, Purple Fly, Slantooth, Dan Marciano, Johan Blende, Amber Long, Robot Koch, Robert Babicz, KHAG3, Elohim, Hausman, Jaxx & Vega, Yves V,