Meetsysteem is the pseudonym for Amsterdam based singer/songwriter Ricky Cherim. Born and raised in the Dutch capital, Ricky is a producer, performer who emerged out of nowhere on to the Dutch popscene with his lauded debut album in 2019. He has since then built a reputation as being an eclectic musical artist, that doesn’t shy away from showing his most vulnerable, raw side. As well as being hugely diverse in his musical inspirations, ranging from new wave to Dutch rap to musique concrète, the true power of his music lies in the lyrics, open to multiple interpretations: light and laden at the same time. The multi-instrumentalist has the gift of packing uncomfortable truths in a seemingly euphoric package, simultaneously evoking sadness and comfort. Meetsysteem has found success connecting nightclub culture to mainstream pop culture, allowing ravers to open up and introverts to dance and although singing mostly in Dutch, his music reaches across language barriers with its vibrant character.
On stage Meetsysteem is joined by experimental drummer Sjoerd Bartlema and postpunk-legend Fokke de Wit. Together with an ever-changing ensemble of guest musicians they create an immersive live experience laying down the more impactful essence of Cherim’s compositions, creating a more funky, loud and danceable version of Meetsysteem.
In 2020, Meetsysteem announces his follow up full length: Cr:GO. With it he delivers 13 new songs to dance and dream to. An album about the anxiety of our time, life’s contradictions and warm dreams of an alternative universe. All in his typical, gentle sway but packed with messages calling to reflect on our ways of being. Cr:GO includes a broad range of collaborators including Gotu Jim, Ray Fuego, Oceanic, Melatonin Man, on eva and Gijsje Heemskerk.
More recently he has embarked upon a collaboration with Brussels producer/wizkid Victor De Roo, creating a dark and brooding dance six-tracker called “Was het maar niet zo’n feest”. Their first collaboration together “Vraag Je Af” has been named one of the best tracks of 2020 by Resident Advisor.
Meetsysteem has garnished support from Resident Advisor, KEXP, StuBru, 3FM, Disco Naïvete, Palace Radio Paris, Glamcult, 3voor12, Subbacultcha, The Ransom Note, Les Yeux Orange, The Daily Indie, OOR, NRC and Vogue NL.
Asides from his many music collaborations, Ricky is a true multi hyphenate drifting between different disciplines with notable collaborations with local fashion designer Camiel Fortgens or set designer Maxime van Middendorp. He is currently working on an upcoming poetry book with artist Tjobo Kho – Poetry excerpts intertwined with Tjobo’s singular graphic vision. Ricky often relies on collaborating with artists of different disciplines to expand his vision and to translate his music in a multitude of ways.
On the horizon, Ricky has been working on an album with long time friend and collaborator Tammo Hesselink, expect a mix of Meetsysteem’s usual prose and melody and Hesselink’s catchier club sound.
