Invite & Ritzi Lee

Tim van Paradijs
Some people are born modest. Some are born talented. Tim van Paradijs was born both. Known in the music scene as Invite, this 27-year old wizz from Utrecht is one of the most sought-after DJs in the Netherlands. His lack of pretense and love of music make him a force to be reckoned with. He is also the mastermind behind the Solid Grooves parties that have dominated the Utrecht techno scene for many years. Known for his varied choice of records and adeptness with the decks, Invite delivers the goods - whether performing at down-tempo parties or closing the night with his harder techno sets.

Yet Invite is not just a techno DJ. To stereotype him would diminish the impact he's made on the techno scene, and the respect he's earned over the years for his creativity, technical finesse and versatility in his track selection. Few DJs feel comfortable in so many areas within Techno. Invite has established a strong a reputation for pushing the boundaries both musically and geographically, having made a name for himself playing many gigs throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

Much of his appeal is due to the fact that he fits well into any part of the line-up depending on what the party needs. Down-tempo? No problem. A hard set that pounds cracks in the walls? You'd better believe it. His versatility have been proven time and again by his unforgettable performances at Solid Groove parties, where he maintains resident status, as well as at the harder Bass Traxx events, also organized by Solid Grooves.

It is this versatility combined with his technical skills that distinguish Invite from other DJs. That can be seen in his sources of inspiration: The old Detroit, UK/Birmingham, Dubtechno, Swedish and Japanese sounds played a significant role in the evolution of Invite's personal music style as well.

But his influences and interests don't end there. House, Drum 'n Bass, Hip Hop, Ambient - even 1960's classic Rock and Roll. Theatre, modern cinema, or just a simple conversation he had today. It all adds up. Talent, hard work and enthusiasm have paid off, with Invite achieving status as one of the Holland's top techno talents. And with his releases on Manual Music & Marmelade Music label, more success is sure to come.

Steve Richard Liem
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A statement...
If you try hard enough, eventually you will succeed! These hopeful words are addressed to those who give everything they have got to accomplish something they aim for. One that matches the description of the DJ whose biography you are reading. The way of the iron will.

The past...
The graduate math student at the University of Amsterdam has been around in the dancescene for at least 17 years now. When he discovered the techno, influenced by Steve Rachmad, it became clear to him that this was the kind of music he preferred. Ritzi soon found out that success would not come to him by itself. Hard labour was to be done and he sent out demos and participated successfully in DJ-contests. For instance the contest organized by former dance magazine Bassic Groove in cooperation with Update Magazine. Ritzi won a stage at the famous Dance Valley festival and a performance on the FFWD parade in Rotterdam.

The taste...
Ritzi's style of spinning and choice of records has a wide range. He likes to play funky techno but he has no problem whatsoever with putting the needle on deep, harsh and dark records. Whether he is scheduled as opener, primetime or closer of the night makes no difference either, his versatility makes him as complete as they come. Fluently mixing downtempo records or rocking the working tools that only work when handled by a DJ with turntable skills makes no difference to Ritzi, he loves it all just the same.

The birth of Underground Liberation...
Ritzi decided to take matters into his own hands by founding his own company called Underground Liberation. A reference to the underground scene he likes so much and to which he contributed by organizing his own small parties. Ritzi always wanted to make his own music so he started to produce as well. With the help of big names such as Ade Fenton, Jamie Bissmire and Ben Long he came on the right track not long after. In 2002, Ritzi released his first record, in cooperation with Silver Blade called Phat-S-Up. The record did well and was played by DJ of the likes as Orlando Voorn and Adam Beyer. This gave Ritzi the confidence to go on and the bankruptcy of Silvertraxx did not stop him.

After four years of producing the Underground Liberation label came to live with the release of the Bitter Sweet EP, worldwide distributed with help of Jamie Bissmire, who took care of some tracks himself. In the past year several tracks from Ritzi appeared on top 10 charts of artists in the likes of Dave Clarke, Ben Sims, Oscar Mulero, Luke Slater, and are played on many impressive festivals around the globe. Ritzi also remixed several tracks from legends like Orlando Voorn and Juan Atkins.

After four years Underground Liberation is still growing with already 7 releases on the catalogue. A new chapter in his musical career will be written. It is obvious, if you try hard enough, eventually you will succeed!