With her summer anthem 'Take Me Away' alongside DJ SKT out this week - and looking like it will be one of the biggest crossover records of the year - Defected's Ben Lovett caught up with the muti-talented Rae to discuss just what the record's imminent success means to her.
Rae is that fairly unique dance industry combination of singer-songwriter, DJ, remixer and producer – a combination serving her increasingly well as her lively audience grows and expectations ramp up accordingly. Those expectations will be smashed out of the park later this month when ‘Take Me Away’, her huge new house single alongside bass titan DJ S.K.T, is given an expanded official release by major Atlantic. The electric update to True Faith’s 1991 rave classic has already earned plaudits from Pete Tong, Annie Mac and MK following its release on Azuli in March. During recent weeks, hype has rocketed and Rae has become common clubland talking point. It’s a good job (and not unexpected) then that she has plenty more to come this summer - Rae, and her multi-faceted talent is going nowhere....
She has, of course, been around electronic music – house music – for a while now. Rae’s debut release was as lead vocalist and songwriter on Kings Of Tomorrow’s 2008 anthem ‘Can’t Stop’ She has continued to drive a quality house agenda, largely under Defected Records’ patronage, with further confident productions such as ‘Hide U’ (next to Rivera), ‘It’s Over’ (with ATFC), ‘Your Words’ (with Studio Apartment) and, in 2012, ‘Another Day’ (a soaring solo escapade).
More recently has come meaty fayre including ‘The Boom Boom Room EP 2’ with Doorly (on Toolroom, 2013) ‘Not Gonna Love You’ with Nathan Dalton (on Audio Rehab, 2014) and “Sirens” with Danism (on Food music 2014) In total, these outings have enhanced her abilities as producer, performer, author and even remixer. In turn, they’ve cemented her status as a female house artist to be reckoned with.
That’s not forgetting her prowess on stage. Based between London and Ibiza, Rae has always been well placed to entertain the world’s key dancefloors throughout winter and summer seasons. Moving easily between gigs built on emotive live performance and those smartly positioning soulful, improv vocals over A-grade tech DJing (not easily, or often done) Rae has clocked up prominent spots at festivals including iTunes, Lakedance and Sunburn, and clubs like Ministry, EGG and Pacha. She has hit high notes at ADE and WMC and, back to Ibiza, was the first DJ-singer to perform at Ushuaia for Defected during its debut summer residency in 2011.
Rae lengthens her love affair with the White Isle this summer by playing for Defected In The House at Together’s Tuesday night Amnesia residency (in August) as well as delivering monthly dates at swish club-restaurant Lio (formerly El Divino). This, whilst continuing to pen and craft a swathe of new solo and collaborative material. She’s seriously, relentlessly on the charge; and why not? Marrying powerful vocals and house beats in ever more creative ways, Rae’s is a strikingly up-to-date voice ensuring maximum standout from the packed-to-the-rafters crowd. She’s on the phone from Ibiza right now to tell us more about life in the musical fast lane....
What’s this week been like for you Rae?
It’s been mental...absolutely ridiculous. I’ve been in the studio...the ‘office’, sorting out vocals and tracks, then over to Cyprus for a family thing, and now in Ibiza to catch a little of IMS [International Music Summit] and meet some friends. I’m just here for the day because I’m playing in Zurich this [Friday] evening and then, finally, I’ll be flying back to London to collapse and die....
Tell us the story behind ‘Take Me Away’.
It happened really organically. I’d been working with S.K.T for a while on a bunch of tracks as we’re both North London based. We both share a love of that classic Nineties vibe and the track came up. Steve had these rough beats and I just recorded a vocal in one take which he loved. It simmered away from that moment and people started to jump all over it. The original Azuli release did really well in the key charts and then Atlantic came to us for the iTunes release on 31 May. This record is really exciting. Everyone’s tipping it to do well and now it’s on Radio 1’s A Playlist which feels amazing. We’re just trying to keep our feet on the ground.
Were you nervous about approaching such a classic dance anthem?
I do the stuff I feel. If something feels natural then I’m good. ‘Take Me Away’ definitely felt natural. We didn’t intend to smash the track so seriously. I channelled a vibe and It was a very easy, but amazing feeling. Im so happy people are feeling it, it holds a lot of memories for so many and for others it introduces them to an amazing song at a great time in the movement of dance music.
You’re PA-ing the track for Defected at Amnesia this summer right?
Yes, SKT and I will be performing at Together on 4 August. Can’t wait. This is a massive summer for Defected. Pacha was always so good but Amnesia takes things to another level. It’s a fantastic club that’s able to pull off a festival vibe. It’s a sign of Defected’s strength in 2015 that they’re doing Together here. There will be artists from back in the day alongside the newcomers, all in this huge, fantastic space. It’s going to be electric.
And you have any other Ibiza plans?
Following on from my winter residency at Pacha I will be with Ten by nine at Lio every month and some other very special parties, details coming soon!
What kind of pre-singing rituals do you have?
I always warm-up, which is a lot of weird breathing and strange vocal noises! I try and warm-up in my hotel room before gigs but when the walls are paper thin and it’s not long before Reception is calling up to complain about the sound. I try to tell them that it’s my job but there are a lot of odd reactions!
How would you describe your singing and songwriting Rae?
It’s emotional, that’s my approach. I’m a very emotional person by nature and I have to control that in everyday life. But it is good when your feelings overwhelm you in music. It’s then about channelling those feelings. When I started out I used to power through studio days but now I understand there is a better approach to things, I know when my voice is working naturally for me, and if I'm upset or pissed off by something these are interesting things I can use in the studio, rather than hiding them away. Facing the demons might mean I write something really heartfelt or aggressive or whatever...and so the song is real.
How far do you think you’ve come since ‘Can’t Stop’?
I’ve been on a natural journey. I’ve established some nice collabs with Defected, working with a lot of producers and other people from whom I’ve learned so much. Ultimately, I think I’ve been able to develop my own productions and retain my independence with a great foundation. I’ve been able to experiment but my sound has always returned to house music...my roots. That’s become stronger in recent years. It’s where I belong.
So, no complaints this far into your career?
This industry is a rollercoaster. There are no guarantees about the journey you’re going on. Sometimes you follow the advice of others; sometimes you follow your own instinct. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don’t. Im thankful Ive been able to make this life for myself but you do need key people around you who you trust and who support you. I’ve followed my own path and that’s been an invaluable experience, Ive learnt and progressed along the way becoming a better artist and a better person. It can be frustrating and sometimes I make things really tough for myself by attempting everything...the DJing, writing, singing, producing. But there are no complaints....
Briefly, what was your route into music?
My dad was hugely influential. I got my love of harmonies with acts like The Supremes from him. I knew a lot of music inside out and pursued my interest at school and drama school. By that time my older brother was really into house and rave and I kept nicking his tapes to listen to. I was the only one of our gang listening to this stuff. Those tapes opened up an amazing world to me. Once I was going to my first clubs there was no more conversation...this was the path I was heading down. It was organic but pretty scary at the same time! I really had to find my own way.
What’s next after ‘Take Me Away’?
There’s a lot of heat around the single which Im enjoying, but I’m working really hard right now on writing and producing new material. A new one with S.K.T, and there’s a bunch of other collaborations happening, and my solo productions which Im really excited about. A lot more coming up.
Are you considering a debut album?
I have enough songs but the album is a different format altogether these days, particularly within the house scene. I’m focused on EPs and collaborations right now, that’s where audiences seem to be. I therefore need to make sure my singles really pop and capture peoples’ attention. Basically, I have a need, deep down, to progress, so I will keep working hard doing stuff for myself. I’m fighting the corner for the ‘featured artist’ in house music too. House was always about the producer more than the singer. Times are changing now but I need to keep showing people that I’m more than just a vocalist...that I can take things to the next level.
Words: Ben Lovett
DJ S.K.T feat. Rae Take Me Away is out now on Atlantic/Azuli - buy from iTunes
Rae performs a live PA of the track for Defected In The House at Amnesia 04 August - click for full line-up and tickets
