A Conversation with MuchMusic OG VJ Rick Campanelli

At Strange Grooves, we love celebrating the iconic moments and people that shaped music culture—and when we had the chance to interview Rick Campanelli, one of MuchMusic’s original VJs, we were beyond excited!

We grew up watching Rick, learning from him and finding new music and resonating with artists in ways we could have never imagined. We had the privilege of chatting with Rick about his legendary time at MuchMusic, his journey in the entertainment world, and what he's up to now. Here's a quick look back at his career and why this interview meant so much to us.

For anyone who grew up in Canada during the '90s and early 2000s, Rick Campanelli (aka "Rick the Temp") is a household name. Joining MuchMusic in the mid-'90s, Rick became an instant fan favourite. His relaxed style, quick wit, and genuine love for music made him the perfect host for the channel. Over the years, Rick became a fixture on Much on Demand, hosted live events, and interviewed some of the biggest stars in music, from rock icons to emerging pop stars.

His time at MuchMusic wasn’t just about playing music videos anc meeting incredible celebs—it was about connecting with artists and fans in a way that helped define Canadian music culture. Rick wasn’t just a host; he was a true fan of the artists he interviewed, and that authenticity made him unforgettable and still does to this day. You feel his energy on the screen, at events, and we are so stoked we got to chat with him.

This episode of Strange Grooves is brought to you by Locarius!

Planning a ticketed event? Book a demo at ⁠https://locarius.io⁠ and mention the Strange Grooves podcast for a discount!