Rich Furniss is a Brooklyn-based House producer-DJ referred to as a “maestro of turntables” beginning his path to music production making boom-bap records in his mom's basement during high school. Before earning one million streams on various platforms in 2024, this multi-talented music industry powerhouse co-founded Quincy Boy Records, a (tech) house record label while appearing at renowned festivals such as Miami Music Week and SXSW.
Albeit, Furniss’ music journey in the 2000’s instilled the search in him to find an explorative space for his passion and to connect with others like him. After the pandemic, he became the President of Sound Collective, a music school in New York, mentoring the next generation of musicians to provide the empowering support he once sought.
With no intention of slowing his footsteps, Rich Furniss continues the creative momentum this year in his first release of 2025, “Big Walk” featuring Proper Villains and Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire. iHeartRaves discusses with Rich Furniss about the creative process behind the genre-bending track and the value of continuously learning in the music industry.
iHeartRaves: Congrats on your latest release, “Big Walk”! The term “big walk” connotes a meaning of traveling a long distance with a purpose. Or, walking with attitude or flair. Why was “Big Walk” a perfect title for this track?
Rich Furniss: I like the meaning of the songs to be left to the audience. But, for me, “Big Walk” is about walking confidence. In this industry, I think it’s easy to doubt yourself and you need to remind yourself of what you have done. Have a big walk every day–evolve and progress.
iHR: A hip-hop topline is combined with vocal flows of late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s in this genre-bending track. What was it like working with Proper Villains and Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire?
Rich: It was amazing to work with both of these guys. Proper Villains is such an amazing producer in every genre. We started working on music over the pandemic and he is such a wealth of information; I have always looked up to him. Exquire is an incredible rapper. We have a handful of tracks finished and I’m excited this is the first one we have coming out together.
iHR: Since the track is influenced by ‘80s and ‘90s rap, what are your favorite songs or artists from that time?
Rich: I have always been a big hip-hop fan. I started my music production career making boom-bap records in my mom's basement during high school. Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z has to be one of my favorite hip-hop records of all time.
iHR: Sound Collective provides aspiring artists the tools and resources to further their passion in music. Funding for fine arts in public schools in the United States has decreased in recent years which makes Sound Collective highly-respected.
You began working at the company as an editor during the pandemic and continue to work as the President for almost two years now. What an honor (and test of your tenacity)!
Why do you think it’s important for aspiring artists to pursue their passions, especially in a time like now?
Rich: Art is expression and music is a truly international language. It unites us, it helps us deal with events in our lives. Growing up and into my adult life, it has helped me deal with major life events. It has helped me process and reflect on the world around me. I think that outlet is crucial, whether you are a listener or the creator.
Sound Collective means so much to me because I wish I had a place like this when I was growing up: a place to explore my passion and a place to connect with people like me.
iHR: You were given the advice “Your 20’s are for exploring and your 30’s are for refining your experience” and shared this anecdote with fans in your Apple Music Mix announcement for The Estelle Show. Which is helpful advice many are probably grateful to have read.
Would you say you’re exploring or refining your experience in the music industry right now?
Rich: That is the best advice I have ever been given. I think I am refining my process now, but that does not mean you ever stop exploring and learning. In my 20’s, I was discovering who I was, what brought me joy, and the artists I wanted to be. I feel very grounded in who I am now and the message I want to project. However, I am still learning every day.
iHR: Exploring different ways of working in music seems to be natural for you. From producing to managing a record label and more, which occupation or form of working in music has impacted you the most and why?
Rich: I think teaching and working at the school has impacted me the most. I love to connect with people, learn from their stories, and help shape theirs. I think all aspects that I have experienced in music fulfill a part of me. All of these experiences have helped make me “good” at other aspects of work.
iHR: I’m asking this question for all of the cat lovers out there who love the Quincy Boy Records mascot like I do. Why did you decide to use a cat for the Quincy Boy record logo? Is this your pet cat by any chance?
Rich: Quincy is LEFTI, the founder of QBR cat. One of the sweetest gentlemen you have ever met. Myself, LEFTI & N2N are all cat dads and we could not have asked for a better mascot.
iHR: “Desire” is my favorite track from Quincy Boy Records; it reminds me of music from the ‘80s. Is there a track from the label that holds sentimental value to you and why?
Rich: My favorite track is “To The Rhythm”. LEFTI helped me take that record to the next level. I think it's a cool track that shows the direction my production is moving towards.
iHR: What is next in store for you? Are there any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited to be working on this 2025?
Rich: I think this year is a big transition year for me. I have a trip planned to Japan where I will be doing workshops across the country at colleges. I have a great lineup of tracks coming out on MINUTE TO MIDNITE, Freakin 909, Purple tea, Vivifier Records, and Future Cuts. The Quincy Boy Records crew has some awesome parties planned and I’ll be continuing my monthly residency at The Stranger in NYC.
