Introducing: Orijinal

Whether he’s spinning at warehouse raves in London, boat parties in Ibiza, or hyping crowds with a cheeky bassline and a lot of heart, Orijinal (aka Rij) is fast becoming a name you can’t ignore. With his track ‘Big Booty’ earning spins on BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing, and the Asian Network, and a string of Ibiza dates alongside dance legends like Horse Meat Disco and Paul Woolford, the London-born tastemaker is on a rapid rise.But behind the high-octane sets and wobbly basslines lies an artist led by emotion, conn ection, and pure intention. His multi-dimensional platform Naughty Parrot isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement for music lovers who party with purpose.

We caught up with Rij ahead of a massive summer to talk sound, self-expression, and the power of building community through bass.

1. Your sound is described as bass-driven and emotionally charged—how do you strike that balance between underground energy and emotional resonance in your productions?

For me, it actually starts the moment I walk into the studio. What am I feeling? What have I been feeling in the lead-up—this week, the last two weeks? That emotional state becomes the core of what I want to express.At the same time, I’ve always got that love for a bassline—especially a wobbly one—running through me. That underground energy is just part of me. It’s the foundation. But the emotional resonance comes from real life. Joy, heaviness, laughter, healing—I use music to process and express all of it.Even the shape of a bassline becomes part of the story. I might be bouncing off the walls when something lands, or sat back, eyes closed, like “yeah, that’s it.” I remember once I picked up the studio stool and waved it over my head because I was that gassed.Those moments—when the music hits a feeling just right—they stay with people. That’s what I’m chasing.

2. You’ve played everywhere from warehouse raves in London to boat parties in Ibiza—how have these different scenes shaped your identity as both a DJ and a community builder?All my life, I’ve been about bringing people together. At 12, I was hosting a local radio Chart Show. At 16, I was running my own events business. It’s just in me.Different scenes taught me different skills. In Ibiza, the crowds are clued-up—they know what they like, especially at those daytime boat parties. That taught me how to build a groove with patience and lean into the sunshine energy.London, though? It’s reload culture, bass faces, full-send energy. You’ve got to dig deep and stay sharp with your selections. That pushed me to evolve as a selector.The common thread is connection. Whether it’s an intimate dancefloor or a big crowd, I’m always reading the room, finding those little moments—where it clicks, where it lifts, where people feel free.

3. ‘Big Booty’ has been championed by Jaguar on BBC Radio 1 and featured across BBC Introducing and Asian Network—how does it feel to see your music resonating across such a wide spectrum of platforms and audiences?It’s surreal—every single time. Each presenter brings their own energy to it. Jaguar, Jasmine Thakar, Jess Iszatt—they all saw something in that track, and I’m so grateful.I do deal with imposter syndrome, not gonna lie. But these moments? They push you through it. Having that support reminds me it’s not just noise—people are connecting with what I’m making.Creatively, ‘Big Booty’ is so me: sax lines, bold female vocals, and a naughty little bass wobble. Seeing people vibe with it is just wicked.And the love I’ve felt from friends, family, and the teams behind those radio shows—it’s been massive. I’m not someone who naturally shouts about myself, but I’m learning to soak it in. This one’s special.

4. Naughty Parrot isn’t just a label or a brand—it’s a whole movement. What inspired you to create it, and how do you see it evolving?

Naughty Parrot is everything I stand for in one platform. Music, creativity, community, expression—without compromise.It’s for people who love the rave but also value balance and well-being. Our tagline is “Be Bold. Dance Free.” It’s about being fully yourself—no masks, no front.It’s also a space for fresh talent. Not just DJs or producers, but designers, photographers, stylists—people across the creative spectrum who deserve a spotlight.Right now, it’s podcasts, events, and we’re about to drop the clothing line. Every detail—from the cut of a T-shirt to the scent of the packaging—has been crafted with care.Long-term? I’d love to turn it into a label, sign some of the authentic legends I’ve met along the way. But no rush—I’m building it with intention. Every step has to feel right.

5. With a huge Ibiza summer ahead, supporting legends like Horse Meat Disco and Paul Woolford, what’s your mindset going into these sets—and what do you want people to feel when they hear you play?

That imposter syndrome’s knocking, but so is the buzz. Seeing my name on those lineups? It’s mad. Proper grin-on-my-face moments.Of course I’m nervous—the venues are big, and the unannounced names coming through this summer are massive. But I remind myself: this isn’t luck. It’s graft. It’s love. It’s time.I’ve already started curating my sound for each set. I’m not here to blend in—I want people to feel me in the music. The energy, the joy, the intention.I live for those cheeky moments on the dancefloor—locking eyes mid-drop, a shared grin, a little bass face from the front row. That’s where the connection happens. That’s the magic.This summer feels like a level-up. And I’m ready for it. Let’s go!