Get to Know the Unique Soundscapes of Ricky Bamboo

Ricky Bamboo swung by to talk about how he started producing music, his inspirations, his newest EP on Altered States, and more.

Toronto has always been a hotspot for underground electronic music that pushes boundaries. One of the latest artists to emerge from the Toronto underground is DJ and producer Ricky Bamboo. His journey began as a DJ, where jungle, drum and bass, and trip-hop shaped his early approach behind the decks. As he evolved into a producer, he started exploring other electronic subgenres and has found his place in the sonic realm of experimental, slower, deeper dub.

On Friday, June 12, Ricky Bamboo released his third EP, EXTRASENSORY, through Zeds Dead’s Altered States. The label, known for championing downtempo and experimental electronic music, provided a fitting platform for Bamboo’s latest project. Featuring tracks “Extrasensory” and “Mission Control,” the EP utilizes warped basslines, organic textures, and acoustic instrumentation to create an atmospheric soundtrack perfect for introspection and late-night listening.

We caught up with Ricky Bamboo to discuss his journey in the electronic music scene so far, where he finds inspiration for his music, his new EP, and his goals for the rest of 2025. Listen to his exclusive guest mix on SoundCloud and read on for the conversation!

Stream EDMID Guest Mix 471 || Ricky Bamboo on SoundCloud:

You’re based in Toronto, which has a strong electronic music culture and underground rave scene. How were you first introduced to that world, and in what ways did that exposure shape your journey as a DJ and producer?

The late ’90s were a foundational period for me. It was the early days of Toronto’s rave culture, and promoters like Syrous introduced me to jungle and drum and bass — a sound that connected Toronto to the UK underground. What drew me in was how jungle fused Jamaican dub, ’90s R&B, and hip-hop into something raw and communal. It felt experimental but grounded. Producers were pushing the limits of sampling and technology, yet there was still this beautiful grit to the sound that continues to influence my work today.

You were first a DJ before you became a producer. Was there a specific moment or turning point that pushed you to start making music?

I’ve been classically trained in music, so composing came naturally. But the real turning point was being part of a collective of friends early on — we DJed, experimented, and produced together. That creative exchange inspired me to pursue solo production, especially within the chilled electronic and downtempo space.

You’ve cited jungle, drum and bass, and trip-hop as early musical influences for you, although your music leans more into downtempo and dub. Do you find those early influences still appear in your music, or what other genres and sounds do you look to for creativity?

Absolutely — those roots are always present. Lately, I’ve been drawn to the psy-dub movement, but I still carry the textures of my early influences with me. I love layering classic breakbeats with obscure percussive elements, creating a balance between synthetic and organic sounds. I’m especially intrigued by traditional instruments from other cultures and how they can elevate the emotional depth of electronic music.

Outside of electronic music, where do you find your inspiration for new music?

There’s so much music to discover. I’m constantly inspired by psychedelic Afrobeat from Nigeria, deep dub from pioneers like King Tubby and Scientist, raw funk from The Budos Band, and experimental jazz legends like Don Cherry. All of it feeds my creative process.

Congrats on the release of your recent two-track EP, EXTRASENSORY, on Zeds Dead’s Altered States label. What was your vision for the EP, and what do you hope listeners experience while streaming it?

Thank you! Being embraced by the Deadbeats and Altered States community is incredibly special. My vision for EXTRASENSORY was to build a bridge toward my next project — sonically moving from the forest floor into the night sky and what lies beyond. I hope listeners find moments of introspection, curiosity, or simply a perfect soundtrack for their late-night adventures.

Can you walk us through your creative process for EXTRASENSORY, from initial ideas to final product?

This project was heavily inspired by early science documentaries — I spent time digging through archival footage, absorbing their visual style and tone. Each track started with a visual idea tied to a narrative, especially the title track. From there, it became about creating cohesion between the songs through shared drum patterns, bass textures, ethereal pads, and a mix of organic and synthetic layers.

Looking back on your journey so far, what accomplishments are you most proud of as an artist?

Being welcomed into the Deadbeats family and receiving early support from streaming has been a huge milestone for me. It feels like the momentum is building in a meaningful way. I’m grateful for the recognition and deeply motivated to keep growing this project.

For readers who may be hearing about you right now for the first time, is there anything about yourself you would like them to know that we haven’t touched on?

Not too much more, but I’d encourage everyone to check out the guest mix I put together for this feature. It’s a true reflection of where my head’s at musically right now.

Now that we’re halfway through 2025, what are you looking to accomplish through the rest of the year?

The momentum from EXTRASENSORY has sparked a new creative fire. I’m currently focused on completing my first full-length project — something that expands the sonic palette and tells a broader story. I’m excited to share more soon!

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