PW: It is such a pleasure to have you as our very creative guest. Welcome! So, letʻs start off with the easy question. Where does the name Riff come from?

RIFF: When I first started taking some time out as a pup I didn't have any expectations about what it would look like for me. I played around with a couple of other names initially but none really felt authentic. Then, as time passed, it started to become apparent that music had a big role to play in the pup headspace for me so I chose the name Riff. A riff, for those who are playing at home, is a recurring or recognizable musical melody!

PW: How long have you been a pup? What got you interested pup-play?

RIFF: I started pupping in early 2022 after being introduced to it by another pup friend (Arcane) who I met at a festival. We just hung out a bit, and I liked the aesthetic, so I thought I'd explore it a little more. Next thing I know, I'm on stage DJing for thousands of people as a pup. Life is strange but wonderful like that.

PW: What first sparked your interest in music?

RIFF: I've played piano for most of my life, so I've always had that musical background. Then in my late teens, I started to get into electronic music. Then, when I turned eighteen, the fun of dancing at nightclubs became an obsession for a while, which just added to it.

PW: Who are some of your musical inspirations?

RIFF: My earliest musical inspiration is probably Above & Beyond. To this day they are still one of my favorite artists, but I love such a wide range of genres. I listen to everything from Nightwish (metal) to John Williams (orchestral), from Space 92 (techno) to Blackmill (chillstep), to The Midnight (synthwave) and Tove Lo (pop). There's so much amazing music, and so many talented artists out there!

PW: You are a performer in your pup persona. What do you do?

RIFF: I'm a DJ! Although I still have a lot to learn in that field, my ultimate goal is to work as a music producer as well. It's not easy!

PW: Tell us a little about your background. How does your past influence your art?

RIFF: I think having a background in piano and a general/professional interest in technology has really helped me pick up DJing quite quickly. When it comes to mixing music, I tend to lean towards melodic EDM and love playing around with vocals to create and re-imagine tracks in different styles.

PW: What do you love about performing?

RIFF: Being able to create fun musical journeys for people and introduce them to sounds and genres they might not have reached through the algorithms is a big goal for me. It's kind of like you don't know what you don't know, and then someone presents it to you in a way that's fun and accessible. Then you get it? It's great to be able to work with event producers to ensure that the spaces we're creating are fun and inclusive for everyone so that we can all explore and learn a bit more about ourselves and make new connections!

PW: You perform in your pup hood, correct? How does your pup headspace affect your creativity?

RIFF: I sure do! The pup headspace has been a cornerstone of the start of my DJ career. It's fair to say without it, I might have never had the inspiration to give it a crack! But when I first started pupping I just found it a great way to disconnect from the burdens of everyday life, reflect more on what I enjoy, and forget about limitations and expectations. Then eventually it just clicked, I like music, socializing, and playing around with tech, so why not give DJing a go? So I picked Riff as my name, jumped in feet first, and have never looked back.

PW: I’ve spent my life performing, directing, and producing. I am always aware of comfort. When on stage, does it get hot in your hood?

RIFF: Gosh, how do I say this without it sounding like a sponsored plug? They just make really good stuff! But the hood I usually perform in is from Army of Men. It's not fully enclosed, so it breaths well and is very convenient for DJing, because I can wear headphones and hear clearly since the ears aren't covered. I've also got a neoprene one as well though for some variety. I love that!

PW: I am very impressed by your online presence and your performance resume. How’s the spotlight? You must be getting lots of attention.

RIFF: Oh thanks! Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm in the spotlight yet. But it has been a fun journey and a great way to get in a little bit more travel than I'd otherwise be able to do!

PW: Have you ever collaborated with other performers? Any pups?

RIFF: Absolutely! I have a fellow pup DJ here in Brisbane (my home town), Pup Kaiden, who I sometimes do B2B sets with. I've also got another two friends that DJ, and together we formed a group called Mix Mammals and played at our first festival this year, the Earth Frequency Festival, which was a huge milestone for us all!

PW: Do you sing or play instruments as part of your performance?

RIFF: I actually played my first hybrid set (combining live elements and mixing) about a month ago, where I brought some live synth elements into a set I did. It was a lot more work to prep for because, in addition to building the set, I had to build a library of suitable instruments around it, practice some riffs, etc. But it was so much fun to play on the night!

PW: When did you come out? Are you out as a pup?

RIFF: My gay awakening/coming out era was probably 2001-2006. It's hard not to be out as a pup when you exist publicly. So yes, I'm definitely out there living my best proud queer pup life!

PW: So, I have to ask this. Are you single?

RIFF: I have a husband, who's also a pup. Pup Raff! We've been together for about seventeen years, and we're still having a wonderful time journeying through life together. We adopted a puppy recently, Pup Kato, who has been a lovely addition to the household.

PW: What three words would you use to describe Riff’s personality?

RIFF: Social, Passionate, Energetic.

PW: Does that personality come out in performance?

RIFF: I hope so!

PW: Would you consider using your platform to advocate for animal welfare or other causes?

RIFF: I'm not quite famous enough to have thought about that yet. But I think if we can do some good in the world, we should.

PW: What do you do for fun when not in the hood or on stage?

RIFF: Well music aside, I am pretty social, and love spending time with friends playing board games, traveling, or occasionally a bit of gardening at home to keep the rainforest in check.

PW: What kind of impact do you want to make in the pup community?

RIFF: I want to make sure that we continue to have spaces and a place in the broader community where we can live our best pup lives without fear of judgment and without others misunderstanding what it means to take time out as a pup!

PW: What does your future look like? Recording superstar?

RIFF: I would absolutely love to be producing my own music eventually!

PW: How can the world hear your music? Recordings?

RIFF: I post the occasional set on SoundCloud and YouTube, so feel free to check those out. I often throw shorts up on Instagram and TikTok as well. All the links are down below and on my website.

PW: Is there anything else you'd like to share with your fans and the Pup-World community?

RIFF: Don't let anyone tell you who you should be, or what it means to be a pup. Understand yourself. It's not an easy task. Keep your true desires and interests at the core of all you do and strive for.