Ride Me was a cultural bridge, a celebration of spontaneity, and a moment of redemption for my collaborator Joseph Armani. Produced in 2000 during an unexpected turn of events, the track marked an unusual chapter in my career, combining Joseph’s vibrant Maltese spirit with my signature Wet & Hard sound.

The Story Behind Ride Me

The idea for Ride Me was born in Berlin, during an MFS-Night at Pfefferberg, where I met Joseph Armani for the first time. Joseph, already a prominent DJ in Malta, had found himself in Berlin under difficult circumstances. The meeting was unplanned but transformative – for both of us. Shortly after, Joseph visited me at my home studio, Narodni Podník 4, where we spent weeks crafting what would become Ride Me. His distinctive voice gave life to the track, particularly through the infectious Maltese phrase “Hu Pjacir,” a cheerful greeting meaning “It’s a pleasure!” This became the soul of the track, infusing it with a unique charm that was unmistakably Mediterranean.

From Berlin to Malta: The Heineken Music Award

Ride Me didn’t just stay within the Berlin scene – it traveled across Europe, becoming a phenomenon in Joseph’s homeland. The track went on to win the prestigious Heineken Music Award from Radio 106.6 in Malta, earning the title of the most-played song of the year.

To celebrate the award, we needed a music video. With limited resources, I took on the challenge of creating my first self-directed video: the Reichstag Edition. The video captured the playful yet hypnotic essence of the track, blending Berlin’s urban energy with Joseph’s Maltese vibrance. Ride Me also found its way to the international stage. It was featured on my Ministry Magazine Cover Month Mix-CD for the Ibiza Edition 2001, earning further recognition across Europe and beyond.

Joseph Armani: A Return Home

By the summer of 2001, Joseph returned to Malta, carrying the Heineken Music Award and the newfound success of Ride Me. The track’s popularity and the positive cultural impact it had in Malta contributed to his eventual pardon, allowing him to return home freely. This chapter in Joseph’s life – and mine – proved how music can transcend boundaries, providing not just a soundtrack but a pathway to renewal and redemption.