Ribongia takes us through his historic hometown of Florence, Italy
There are few Australian producers out there that fashion their craft with such innovation like RIBONGIA. The Australian-via-Italy producer has made a name for himself by staking his claim in the tropical electro genre that is now as popular as ever. As evidenced on his latest banger, 'Before The Winter', Ribongia has an amazing ability to cultivate his surroundings - in this case, the changing of the seasons - and refine it into an absolute onslaught of energy.
Always one to draw inspiration from indigenous cultures from around the globe, it's no surprise that Ribongia is travelled enough to understand the subtleties and history of music from around the world. However, its the time capsule of a city, Florence, that Ribongia calls his hometown and the man himself as given us an insider's guide to exactly what makes Florence so special. With an album out later this year, we thought this was the perfect time to get to know the rising producer!
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God I miss this place...As much it's an old museum more than a modern city, there isn’t a day I don’t think about this beautiful town. Standing from Piazzale Michelangelo lookout you can look over the entire city. To your left you can see Ponte Vecchio over the river that divides the city in two. This medieval bridge is one of its kind hosting jewellery shops over the water. Fun fact: before hosting the most exclusive jewellers these shops were once butchers. The idea was to have the butchers over the river so that they could dispose of the stock’s blood straight in the river.. Charming! Well it was 1300s after all.
Below the Piazzale look out, on the southeast side of town you’ll find the infamous Boboli Gardens. This garden is situated directly behind the Pitti Palace and used to be the Medici Family’s private back yard. When I was young teen me and my friends used to skip school get super blazedand wonder around this magnificent garden. It's also a really great 1st date spot ;)
Right in the centre of town you’ll find the Piazza Duomo with the famous domed Cathedral designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. While there’s quite a lot to be said about this church I want to shine the light on a record store called Move On. These guys have absolutely nailed it. Downstairs the shop has a nice bar that attracts a lot of tourists (probably generating quite a good income..). Upstairs you’ll find an exquisite record store. Manned by my good homie Michele, these store stocks so many cool records, new and re issued. It's a collectors wet dream.
Walking back to the south side of the river you’ll cross Ponte Santa Trinita. You’re not supposed to but it’s super easy to climb over the bridge railing and sit on the pillars of the bridge. Nice views and a little bit of privacy.. Can’t tell you many times me and my friends would just hang here.
After crossing the Santa Trinita Bridge you arrive in my neck of the woods, Piazza Santo Spirito! This square has been my stomping ground throughout my teen years. Florence is pretty chilled place but this square takes the crown. In summer a lot people hang out here. From buskers to drug dealers, from aristocrats to artists. This place is so loose!
The face of church of Santo Spirito was never completed so it's an odd looking church without any decorations. In summer they often do projections of local artists work on the plane facade. Goes without saying, it's my favourite place in town.
Words by JACKSON LANGFORD
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