We had the good fortune of connecting with Ravi Ramadeen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ravi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Answering that question isn’t easy, as there wasn’t a clear initial plan when I first started the business. My journey began with music at fourteen, and by seventeen, I had officially founded my company. It all started one night when my best friend/music partner and I were joking about starting a business. The next week, we made it a reality. As teenagers, we thought, “Why not? What do we have to lose?” That was back in 2001. Here we are in 2024, and it’s incredibly humbling to reflect on how far we’ve come. It still amazes me that I get to wake up every day and dive into something I’m genuinely passionate about and love. I am immensely grateful for this journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I must begin by saying that without the music, I wouldn’t be here today. Music saved my life, giving me a space to freely express myself without judgment. What sets me apart in my field is that I started DJ’ing at 14, teaching myself to spin vinyl and masterfully craft entire nights. Unlike many newer DJ’s who plan short sets, I learned to create 5, 6, or even 7-hour experiences without pre-planning a set. Building a night from start to finish, subtly and consistently elevating the energy to keep patrons engaged, is a skill I’ve honed. Understanding the psychological impact of music and sound on the human subconscious is invaluable to me. I applied this same concept to my productions and music when I began creating originals in my mid-twenties.

I’m proud to still be doing what I love at forty, and on a larger scale than I ever imagined. Growing my business in the competitive New York market taught me resilience. If I hadn’t fought my way to the top, I wouldn’t have the determination I have today. Few know that I’ve faced more failures than successes, but those wins have been phenomenal, making all the struggles worthwhile.

The key lesson I’ve learned is to keep moving forward. Don’t dwell on failures; instead, take pride in taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone. Many people fear failure, but I’ve embraced it, cried through it, and used it as a stepping stone to reach my goals. There’s a unique strength in facing ridicule and doubts, one that only comes from leaving the sidelines and getting into the game.

My story and brand are about inclusion, acceptance, and love. It’s about being the underdog and still finding a way to rise to the top. We’re not there yet, but history shows that if we stay the course, we’ll get there.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Answering this is a bit challenging for me since I’m such a city person, and Colorado is renowned for its fantastic outdoor activities. While I do enjoy the outdoors, my busy schedule often keeps me from exploring the sights or hitting the trails. During my downtime, I usually prefer to relax at home. However, I’ll tap into my extroverted side for this recommendation. For dinner, I highly suggest Guard & Grace—it’s one of my absolute favorites.

I might be a bit biased since my music partner and I put on shows there and consider it our home away from home… So after dinner, head over to Beacon in RiNo for a fantastic evening with great music, amazing people, and a beautiful vibe. Whether you want to dance or chill outside on the patio with friends, it’s the perfect spot. And during the day, don’t miss the breathtaking Garden of the Gods. It’s truly a stunning place to explore.

I hope these suggestions help, even though I’m not the go-to person for outdoor activities!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Several people deserve recognition for my journey and pursuit of my dream. My parents but especially my father. He was my biggest supporter. Knowing the struggle they went through as immigrant parents to give my sister and me opportunities they could have only imagined. I also need to credit my sister, Amanda, and three of my best friends who have been like my brothers for the last twenty-six years: Joe, George Mikel, and Ahsan. I would absolutely call them my “day ones.” And last but not least, is my current music and business partner, Johnnie Ireland. His passion has helped to reinvigorate mine to keep pushing forward through all the downs.

Website: https://www.myxotica.com

Instagram: @myxotic @we.r1official @myxoticaradio

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@we.r1official

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WPlA6O9wKIkwnR0f3XK2u?si=UR9VJH48SMKpgAxIhN7VIQ

Image Credits
Photographers: Jae Park, Ashley McKee

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