Meet Riccardo Malpeli | Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Riccardo Malpeli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Riccardo, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from Italy, and my background has significantly shaped who I am today. Growing up in Italy, I was immersed in a culture rich in art, music, and history, which naturally influenced my passion for creativity, particularly in music. However, I always felt a strong pull towards the modern and innovative, which led me to move to California. This shift allowed me to blend my traditional roots with a more contemporary, forward-thinking approach to my work. The contrast between the two environments has fueled my drive to constantly evolve and push boundaries in whatever I do, whether it’s music production, content creation, or other creative pursuits.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey in the music industry has also been shaped by the incredible projects I’ve been a part of, like my work with Richbreed and Buppy. With Richbreed, I’m pushing the boundaries of what music can be, blending genres and experimenting with sounds that create a fresh, innovative experience for listeners. Working with Buppy allowed me to collaborate with talented artists and explore new creative directions, which has been instrumental in refining my own artistic identity.

These experiences have taught me that collaboration is key to growth. Each project, each partnership has added a new layer to my work, allowing me to expand my vision and reach. It hasn’t always been easy—there have been challenges, from creative differences to the pressure of constantly innovating—but these experiences have only strengthened my resolve and deepened my passion for what I do.

What sets me apart is this commitment to constantly evolving, to integrating the lessons I’ve learned from each collaboration, and to finding new ways to connect with audiences. My work with Richbreed and Buppy is a testament to my belief that music is not just a product but an ever-evolving journey that should challenge both the artist and the listener.

I want the world to know that my art is about more than just sound; it’s about creating a shared experience that resonates on multiple levels. My story is one of relentless pursuit—of growth, innovation, and the belief that music, when done right, can transcend boundaries and bring people together in ways that are both profound and lasting.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Arrival & Chill

• Morning: Start with a leisurely brunch at Republique on La Brea, where we can enjoy some amazing pastries and classic French-inspired dishes.
• Afternoon: Head to Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign. It’s a great spot to soak in the LA vibe.
• Evening: Dinner at Bestia in the Arts District for some incredible Italian food, followed by drinks at The Varnish, a speakeasy-style bar downtown.

Day 2: Beach Day

• Morning: Breakfast at Great White in Venice, followed by a stroll along the Venice Canals.
• Afternoon: Spend the day at Santa Monica Beach—bike along the boardwalk or just relax by the ocean. Maybe even try out some surfing if we’re feeling adventurous.
• Evening: Dinner at The Lobster overlooking the pier, then hit up The Bungalow in Santa Monica for some laid-back drinks.

Day 3: Arts & Culture

• Morning: Start the day with a visit to The Getty Center—the architecture and art collection are incredible, and the gardens are perfect for a relaxed morning.
• Afternoon: Head to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) to check out the contemporary exhibits and the famous Urban Light installation.
• Evening: Have dinner at Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo, then explore the Arts District for some cool galleries and street art.

Day 4: Explore Hollywood & Music

• Morning: Breakfast at Joan’s on Third in West Hollywood, then walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and check out the TCL Chinese Theatre.
• Afternoon: Visit the Capitol Records Building and do a tour if possible. Since we’re both into music, this is a must-see.
• Evening: Dinner at Gjelina in Venice (reservations recommended), followed by live music at The Troubadour—a legendary venue with a rich history.

Day 5: Day Trip to Malibu

• Morning: Drive up to Malibu for breakfast at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe. The views are unbeatable.
• Afternoon: Spend some time at El Matador Beach—it’s a bit more secluded and offers breathtaking cliffs and rock formations. We could also check out Malibu Wine Safari for a unique wine-tasting experience.
• Evening: Dinner at Nobu Malibu—a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it for the food and the ocean views.

Day 6: Shopping & Nightlife

• Morning: Breakfast at Blu Jam Café on Melrose, then hit up the shops on Melrose Avenue and Rodeo Drive for some retail therapy.
• Afternoon: Visit The Broad downtown, followed by a coffee at Verve Coffee Roasters.
• Evening: Dinner at Catch LA in West Hollywood, followed by a night out at Skybar at the Mondrian for some rooftop views and cocktails.

Day 7: Chill & Departure

• Morning: Brunch at The Rose Café in Venice to start the day on a relaxed note.
• Afternoon: A final walk through Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some last-minute shopping or just soaking in the atmosphere.
• Evening: Depending on the flight time, a casual dinner at In-N-Out Burger (because it’s a must-do in LA), or if there’s more time, head to Echo Park Lake to rent a pedal boat and enjoy a peaceful evening before heading to the airport.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to several mentors who have significantly shaped my path. Robert King and Prisella Qian not only helped me develop a business mindset but also introduced me to the world of e-commerce and TikTok, opening doors to opportunities I hadn’t previously considered. Their guidance has shown me that everything can be connected to music if you approach it with the right perspective.

Paolo Schianchi was instrumental in helping me start my journey to the USA, and Anthony Wellington, a well-known bassist, provided me with bass lessons that have been foundational to my musical growth. Each of these mentors has played a vital role in my story, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support and encouragement.

Website: https://www.richbreed.com/

Instagram: ricky3.0.3

Image Credits
Andy Drachman