Having released music and also guested as a vocalist on tracks for many of the world’s biggest labels, this year DJ/Producer/Singer/Songwriter DJ RAE launched her own label, RATED. 2017 also saw DJ RAE appear as a guest vocalist on the hugely successful Hacienda Classical tour. DMC took some time out of RAE’s busy schedule to chat about her year and her plans for 2018 and beyond…
Hi Rae, what have you been up to?
Some travels with gigs and in the studio mostly; getting the next label releases ready and tying up my productions for the end of the year.
You’ve just released ‘Crazy’ with Felix Baumgartner, which is a reinterpretation of GoldTrix and Andrea Brown’s classic It’s Love (Trippin). What made you decide to rework this track?
Actually, it was something (Defected’s) Simon Dunmore and I talked about some time ago and it never left me. It’s a special record. I started a few mixes and then whilst I was working on some other stuff in the studio with Felix, he loved this one so we got on it together.
You’ve got a very strong vocal and have guested on many big releases. When writing tracks, which comes to you first – the lyrics or the music?
I’m pretty organic in the way I make music. I don’t have a formula, it just depends on my mood – some days I want to sing; I might just vibe on the mic and the song just happens naturally. Other times, I’m writing my feelings down, playing them out. Some days I’m just locked into the production. I love every part of it and I love the unpredictability.
Which other vocalists, past and present, are you inspired by?
So many amazing inspirations from a child to now continue to influence me: The Supremes, Aretha Franklyn, Dusty Springfield, Smokey Robinson, Otis Redding, Jocelyn Brown, Candi Staton, Luther Vandross, Marc Evans, Soul II Soul, Chaka Khan, Loleatta Holloway, Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush, Donna Summer…
‘Crazy’ has been released on your new label, RATED. What made you decide to set up your own label?
It’s something I always wanted to do. To have that musical freedom, but also to grow new music and support new artists. Building something of your own from the roots; see the bigger picture…something you can be passionate about and proud of.
You are one of the guest vocalists on the hugely successful Hacienda Classical tour. How did it feel playing on such iconic venues as the Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage? Were you nervous at all?
I was nervous on the first show – these are the biggest audiences and stages I’ve done to date, so I felt the pressure to smash it. That anticipation before a show is always mad. Once I did the first one and felt that buzz, I was just excited for all the rest to come. It’s the best feeling – that togetherness – performing the classics that made me fall in love with house music right at the beginning, with a full orchestra and choir. That’s emotional.
Speaking of Hacienda Classical, what are your favourite acid house tracks?
How long do we have? Start with the one I covered not long ago: Take Me Away – True Faith, also Pennies from Heaven – Inner City, Someday – Ce Ce Rogers, Fired up – Funky Green Dogs, Let Me Love You For Tonight – Kariya. I could go on and on…
What has been the highlight of 2017 for you?
It’s hard to beat opening Glastonbury Pyramid Stage in the summer with The Hacienda. My first ever Glastonbury and that’s how we went in…
What are you most looking forward to in 2018?
A new year ahead gives me motivation and good clarity. I’ll be focusing more on what I love, working more with the people I’ve enjoyed working with over the years, getting to the places in the world I haven’t been to yet, do some time in America, and working on my live project which is really special to me and my pure soul food.
What can people expect from DJ Rae and RATED in 2018 and beyond?
Much more singing, shouting, playing, making music. Might go beyond expectations. I’m really proud of my work so far, but I feel like the best is yet to come.
How do you choose to unwind, when not touring or in the studio?
I like a good laugh and catching up with people I love; seeing some shows, live music, just being in London on home turf enjoying the city; girlie nights, movie nights, good food and drink; and I ove exploring – sometimes getting away from all the madness.
https://www.facebook.com/agirlcalledrae/
DJ Rae & Felix Baumgartner ‘Crazy’ is out now on RATED
Buy/Stream ‘Crazy’: http://smarturl.it/ma3pzq
