At the end of April, singer, songwriter, DJ and all-round house music devotee Rae will be touching down in Holland for a whistle-stop tour of some of the hottest spots in the country. On 23rd April she hits the season opening of Boomerang Beach in Sceheveningen and then the following night she’ll be at Club Escape in Amsterdam. We caught up with her ahead of the double-dates to discuss the venues, what she’s been up to in the studio and bizarre DJ requests…
You’re doing two dates in Holland towards the end of April…have you played either of these venues before?
I played Boomerang beach last year and it was a really cool vibe. Beach parties rock and this year I’m doing the opening party so it should be crazy! It’s my first time at Escape but I’ve heard it’s a wicked club so can’t wait! I love Holland!
Do you tend to adapt your set depending on which country you’re playing?
Yes, a little. I’ve never strictly planned my sets; it keeps me on my toes to suss out the crowd and feel it out. When the vibe kicks in I always end up playing what I feel and singing when I feel it. For me, some of the best things happen naturally without planning.
Do you have a go-to tune that you drop pretty much every time you play?
My killer tune varies. ‘Hide U’ is definitely up there at the moment, it always works really well and I enjoy it live. It’s great to have your own songs to drop in your set when you feel them.
What are you working on in the studio at the moment?
I’ve just finished a new song which is a little different to my previous house stuff and now I’m working on my first solo Rae single which is sounding really cool.
You’re known for playing quite ‘tough’ house music…what attracts you to this style?
Yeah I guess I have a hard edge. I think it’s the energy, the drama; I like big anthemic chords, synths and drops, but there are elements from different genres in my sets. I don’t label my sound, it is what it is.
Have you ever forgotten the words to one of your own songs?
Yes, I’ve gone totally blank. In my defence, I like to think I was lost in the moment, so into it I just lost it…I’m sticking with that story anyway! Thankfully it’s not a regular thing, if it was I don’t think I would be here talking to you about my gigs.
When you’re touring, what’s the one thing you couldn’t live without?
This is an obvious answer but tunes, so I need my laptop or iPod. I get ready to tunes, sing to them, and prepare myself; I love a good tune session before a gig. I would be pretty screwed without my heels and make up too though…such a girl!
What’s the weirdest request you’ve ever received while DJing?
“Please can you sign my girlfriend’s ass?” I guess that’s not soooo weird just naughty! Did I do it....?
Anything else you’d like to tell us about…?
I’m really excited about my album coming in a few months. It will be a collection of all my records to date, from ‘Can’t Stop’ in 2008 all the way through to present and it will feature some new and exclusive singles which I’m working on as we speak.
Rae's latest mix is available to stream from her DJ page - click here to check it out
