Boston area DJ and friend of the blog Richard Fraioli has been making a name for himself for years. We were introduced to Fraioli as a professional DJ who has residencies around the New England area, but who also tours up and down the East Coast with a stop every year in Miami for gigs around Dade County and a little event called Ultra Music Festival. You might know Richard Fraioli for throwing down That Mother Fucking House Music (TMFHM), which has become a staple of his brand. Not only is Fraioli a seasoned DJ who can kill it across all formats, he’s now stepped up his production game and recently dropped his first EP on Beatport. Called the Hearts Like Diamonds EP, the three-track collection features Fraioli’s original tune “Hearts Like Diamonds” plus remixes by Daniel Illetschek and Erik Mason. What I like about “Hearts Like Diamonds” is that it stays original in a format/genre that has become watered down. The vocals of Ezra Davis have an Emo/Punk Rock edge to them, the melodies of the verses remind me of old Nintendo theme songs, especially the Tetris theme song, and the drop just screams festival main stage. The Daniel Illetschek remix goes a little harder and has a Big Room House edge to it – something Hardwell or W&W might drop in their sets. The Erik Mason remix is pretty awesome – if you like Trap this is one to add to your collections. The BPMs are increased and Ezra Davis’ vocals are pitched up so they almost sound like female vocals, but the drop is tons of fun – ladies will definitely be shaking their booties to this one.
Richard Fraioli is a good friend of mine and I’m stoked to see “Hearts Like Diamonds” has already climbed to #19 on the Beatport Electro-House chart. Let’s help him get to #1!