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Rae

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The singer-songwriter and DJ Rae has not only carved out her own niche in the dance music industry – she is in the process of constructing her own throne. First there was Can’t Stop, a collaboration with Kings of Tomorrow and her first signing with Defected, which was an instant hit with the house community; then came Persuasion, deep and melodic with an infectious groove. With Sandy Rivera on beats, the duo’s homemade video soon made its way to the no. 1 spot on MTV dance. Give Me Love and It’s Over, both with ATFC, sealed her reputation as one of the most exciting new artists on the scene.

And then came the addictive 2010 re-working of the seminal Kosheen track Hide U, also with Sandy Rivera. Powerful, with a soul of sweet melancholy, singer-songwriter and DJ Rae has the voice of a modern house diva. And Rivera, who she met behind the decks at Ibiza’s Bora Bora beach club, has become something of a mentor to a young woman shaking up the dance music industry.

“Working with Sandy has been about zoning in on my direction and where to go with my sound,” says the Kingston-based musician. “He’s really helped me to find focus, and dedicate myself to working on my vocal performance and my singing technique.” The result is a super-slick stage show, which sees Rae singing live, note perfect, over her own tech-fused DJ set with infectious energy and passion “The fact I do both is my USP – it’s still not a common combination. To do it right takes massive focus, persistence and dedication.”

Focus, persistence and dedication – three words which could describe Rae’s music career to date. Having been writing songs “for what feels like forever”, “when I discovered electronic music I would sing over the top of instrumental vinyl tracks in my bedroom.” Feeling “a bit lost” after finishing college (“I knew I wanted to do music, but I couldn’t see where I fit”) she travelled to Ibiza for the summer with a friend. “I came back super-focused. I knew I wanted to be part of the scene there, not just a punter rocking up at a club. I really wanted a piece of it.”

A firm believer in fate, she returned home to find that her brother had bought some decks. “That was the catalyst. The poor guy never got near them again…” fast forward to 2011and she was back on the White Isle DJing at Pacha for Defected. “It felt like such a huge achievement, to be on the other side of the decks, doing my thing and being appreciated for it. I had to take a little moment. I could have cried at the end of the night.”

If the past two years have been about honing her live performance, it’s because “I never want to have to chose between singing and DJing, and I've had to hammer it into people’s brains that I can do both.” And if she had to chose between them? “I feel blessed and thankful that I haven’t had to.” Because for Rae the two go hand-in-hand. “Singing my own songs live in every set has become my trademark. It means I really do play from the heart, and I think people see that and feel my energy.”

Describing herself as “a sucker for goods songs,” Rae’s productions come from the heart. She says her father – “a keen music lover with a massive record collection that spans decades – was a major influence on her growing up. “He’s still a sounding board and a constant inspiration. Because of him, I listened to all sorts of music from a very early age and really absorbed his passion.”

Like every true songwriter, “I write based on my emotions,” she says. “If I ever have a day when I’m not in touch with what I’m feeling, the music isn’t happening. Not that I won’t try and make it happen!” Currently working on solo singles (“I’ve been in the studio day and night, unable to pull myself out. Not that I want to. When you’re on a creative one it’s best to just go with it…”), she is also focusing on her first solo album.

“I have had the pleasure of working with some great producers on the scene, its inspiring and I enjoy collaborating, but I also have the hunger to do my own thing,” she says. “I have my own singles with my own sound, I like to be involved in the whole creative process and this is the next phase for me.” An edited history of everything she’s done so far, as well as featuring exclusive new songs which reflect the evolution of her sound, “it will join the dots of who I am as an artist.”

And then there is the unfinished album she has been working on with Rivera. “We probably have enough material for two of three albums, the amount of songs we’ve done together,” she laughs. “But what we’re putting together will be completely different to what people expect. We’ve worked with a live band, lots of it acoustic. It’s going to be really special.”

Future ambitions are for large-scale stadium gigs. “I would love to perform in a concert venue with a full live band, and crystal clear sound where you can really feel every note,” says the girl who confesses she would have loved to go to performing arts school. Ever positive, she is philosophical when she says; “that might not have happened for me, but I found my own way onto the stage.”

Now she’s found her spot in the limelight, Rae is determined to give it everything she’s got. “My mission is to make music I believe in. I want to write tracks that cross the genre boundaries and reach the masses, songs that really stand the test of time. That’s what motivates me and keeps me challenging myself and working hard.” And nothing will stand in her way. “I’ve cleared the way and chosen my path. Now it’s like, "I’m here, and I’m ready to take it all the way"

 

 

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Rae's NYE Diva Mix

ADE Action

Just back from ADE, The Defected party was off the hook! I played the last set at Air after Chocolate Puma, boy! It was a whirlwind of pure madness, great club, great crowd, I loved it!  I was straight back into the studio all inspired and full of creativity.

I've been a writing machine. Had some great sessions lately, fresh songs and ideas flowing big time. Some really exciting stuff coming up. Winter is creeping in but no blues in my house, hell no, it's all good! And for all the UK peeps Ill be playing Defected in the house at MOS in November, definitely some cheeky live exclusives coming on so dont miss this one!

Twitter Feed

The Summer So Far...

Last month Defected descended upon the beautiful people of Vegas for the first DITH event out there, ever! Myself, ATFC & Andy Daniell flew the flag with some minor jet lag hitches but all good fun! I must be the only person who didn’t gamble or go to a strip club but hey, we came and saw and I'm sure we kicked some ass-Vegas booty style!

Right now I'm finishing new songs for my album, which should beall finished a bit later this year, really excited about my own singles and I hope to be touring like crazy with the release.

On the gigs front I cant wait for my first set at Defected's Ibiza home; I'll hit Pacha on the 9th July, rocking the decks with live vocals, sure to be a crazy one! I'll also be at the brand new and exclusive Ushuaia Beach Hotel before so come and see me! Summer is callin'!!

Vegas Baby!

So this week it’s finally out…You Will Remember! The package is really nice and I’m loving singing it live. Really hope it hooks you in with a nice little simmer into summertime. I’m working on my first Rae single right now which should hit very soon and I’m really buzzing about the gigs ahead, beach parties are kicking off and of course our Ibiza season is almost here. We’ve got some heavy line ups and I’ll be out there in July and August with Bob Sinclar and Simon Dunmore. Before all that kicks off I’ve got a big one to prepare for at the end of May. DEFECTED HITS LAS VEGAS BABY!!!! I’m just a little bit excited about this!!! :) One to REMEMBER for sure and I’ll hit you back with a full report soon!

Non-Stop

Just back from a crazy week out on in Doha...Simon Dunmore and I rocked it for Defected In The House, good vibes out there! Then it was sunny old Birmingham and back to London, one bag unpacked and another at the ready, as this week is my first trip to Indonesia. I'll hit Dragonfly & Foreplay in Jakarta & Surabaya for the weekend, I've heard these clubs are amazing so I'm real excited. Few songs to tweak in the studio then I'll be ready for a few mega flights. I've got some mixes to do so Ill get my head into some beats and hope for a smooth journey, ready for some heat!

It's Not Over!

Time for an update before my gig here @ Queen here in Paris, in between doing a new mix, downloading some serious weapons for the weekend and deciding what to wear...

Wow! Ive been writing non-stop, totally fired up in the studio and full of ideas. Working with some new people and whats to come is sounding beautiful I gotta say!

'Your Words' is doing the rounds! Really enjoying it live, works perfectly in my sets. David Penn mix still on top and getting full support so thank you!

The Wally Lopez mix of 'It's Over' is out soon too, some balearic tribalness in the groove, hope you enjoy the re-visit.

Summers creeping up and Im feeling serious vibes...I have a very special project coming up...keeping it under wraps for a little longer....but soon...All will be revealed and I think youre gonna love it. 

Your Words

 

2011 started with a whirlwind tour in Japan, my first time out there, absolutely loved it. The people are amazing, so inspiring, crazy chicks everywhere! I battled the first days jetlag as we were shooting the video for Your Words, strutting the streets of Tokyo with the crew & Studio apartment! In overdrive the whole time, 3 cities and 3 rocking gigs later and it was back to London.

Hope you like the video and the song. Loads more to come this year, straight back in the studio working on new songs, and coming soon my collaboration with the Danism boys & Michael Gray "You will remember"

 

Festive Love

The Hide U mixes are creeping all over the Beatport charts and smashing it live around Europe. Crowds are loving it which is awesome! The video is working it nicely too check it out...



Really looking forward to the gigs ahead and NYE!!! Simon Dunmore and I will be in the party capital of Amsterdam with Defected In The House! And for anyone struggling with Xmas pressies, I know a perfect gift for the stocking! Defected In The House Tokyo. It's got 3 of my singles in the mix, 2 of which are not out until 2011! BARGAIN! Happy christmas!!! :)))

Hide U

The release of Hide U is finally here this week, soooo excited about this. The remix package is seriously hot - covering every base – but for me the Norman Doray mix is huge. Loving playing it, singing it, working it. Hope people feel it as much as I do!

Check it!

Spotlight on Rae

Busy Busy!

Just back from Ibiza for the closing party of Defected at Pacha. I performed a live PA with Simon Dunmore and showcased the new single 'Hide U', my third collaboration with Sandy Rivera which is getting loads of support already.

This month I am looking forward to some awesome gigs, the 30th October is Defected In The House at Ministry of Sound, and also the launch party for Defected In The House Tokyo, the new compilation I have mixed alongside Studio Apartment. The next few months are hot for releases with Hide u and 2 other singles; 'Your Words' with Studio Apartment and 'You Will Remember' with Michael Gray & Danism. Exciting times! All singing mixing and rockin....

Excitement!

In between some nice hot gigs in the sun I've been locked down in my studio, fully focused and inspired!  Loads of writing, vocals & mixing going on here!

I'm especially excited about working on a project that's going to be dropping sometome in October. Can't tell you much more than that for now, but keep your ears to the ground..it's gonna be big! ;)

I am also super excited about playing the Defected Closing Party @ Pacha Ibiza, I'll be performing the next single, 'Hide U'...Cant wait! Ibiza is calling...September is crammed with awesome gigs for me so I hope I catch you at one of them somewhere. We keep rocking :)

Old Skool Baby!

July was a tough month to top, what with the Itunes festival but hey, we gotta try...

Coming up, I got a big one in Cyprus with Sandy Rivera, we'll both be rocking the decks and Ill be singing our new collaboration too.

I'm back in Poland later this month for a beach party in Gdansk, last time I was there is was freezing and I was on the beach in thick snow, it will be crazy to see summertime there! 

And...I go to the Algarve, Brits old skool paradise, can you believe I've never been? Gonna shake it up over there baby...

My next song on Defected is making a buzz but I cant tell you the release date yet, soon though, I promise!!! Hopefully see you somewhere in the world soon...x

Live Weekend

July is a massive month, I am super excited to be part of the Itunes festival on the 23rd, the line up is mind blowing...And then the Defected party at Ministry the next night, the band, the legends, all in the house, and Ill be performing a live exclusive, Cant wait!!! So people, be there...we're gonna raise the roof!!!

It's Over!

It’s here...the next release is up, ‘It’s Over’ is my second collaboration with ATFC, loving this vibe, it goes off in my sets, the response has been off the hook! Thanks for the support.

Playing with Sandy Rivera this week for Defected In The House in Algers, and then with Mr Dunmore in Amsterdam, I’ll be doing a PA & DJ set at Panama. Love the club so can’t wait...good times, set for a big summer!

Where's That??

Kicked off April with a MAD trip with Defected in the house to Vladivistock….Yeah, I hear you, WHERE THE ****??? Felt like the ends of the earth…It sure was a mission but we made it…Rocked Davidoff club with Shovell on drums…Shook s***  up for sure!!!!

Back home, loving Heathrow and feeling spiritually stronger!!!

Big night coming up in London at Ministry on the 24th, My first DITH show in London since I became a resident, Ill be doing a live PA with Sandy Rivera and a DJ set later on. Come see me!!!

My single I Gave You Everything is out there doing its thang, thanks for the support, Keep it here, keep it playing and ill keep it coming!!!

Miami Callin'

Been writing like crazy this year! In the studio 24-7 which is great, I’m fired up & inspired, some really exciting projects coming up …you can hear my latest collaboration with Juan Kidd & Stafford Brothers ‘I Gave you Everything' in my new Miami Callin Mix right here.

Miami’s is indeed callin and I’m there baby! You can catch me at the Strictly Defected party at Cameo; I’ll be doing a live PA & DJ set, raising the roof for the late shift, come find me!!!

New Year's Mayhem

New years eve 2009 was a whirlwind of madness for me, after a real chilled Christmas I was on my mission to Bangalore (via Mumbai/Bombay) LONG JOURNEY. Had to be helped along by some random chats with the lovely Kingfisher airline chicks and regular festive drinkies. A

rrived to monsoons in India and had just enough time to get glammed up and on stage…Lashes on, heels high…Ready to rock…The place was heaving and MEGA HOT!!! I was drowned within seconds by the immense heat, quick redbull and…pulled some crazy energy outta me… people were crazy, I was crazy, played some huge tracks, a few favourites, and finished singing Give me Luv,  It went off, and then in true India stylee the police came in,  moody, so… made a sharp exit…with my champagne of course!

Happy new year and back in the air we go!

India Tour

Wow, just coming back from India...

Played Venom Calcutta Friday and Goa Sunday...

Bacardi blast event with Sister Bliss, Chicane, MOS boys and moi! We had a scream...Played before Chicane to a massive crowd, 30 degrees....Awesome! Really cranked it out, love India. Love the whole vibe and the people are amazing!

Im back out there for NYE...Taj Vivante in Bangalore, so for now, Its another Bloody Mary for me at Mumbai airport and then back to the snow!

Crazy times...

Latest from Rae

Following the success of Persuasion this year (NO 1  MTV DANCE) Rae has been busy gigging all over the world. Hitting india for the first time with a 5 city tour was one of the major highlights!

Back home Rae has been busy writing and recording with a string of releases ready to go for 2010. Rae has teamed up with Juan Kidd & The Stafford brothers for her next song "I gave you everything" a feisty big room number with loads of attitude. Keep it here for release dates.

DJ Dates

11/02/2012   Krush Club, Ostend
02/03/2012   Club Kino, Riga
09/03/2012   Gloss Bar and Club, Luxembourg
20/03/2012   Gran Oasis, Cancun
31/03/2012   Dance Couture, Hannover

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