Introducing #235 - Rio Rainz
Let us introduce you to Rio Rainz - the eighteen year old producer and bedroom-rap artist. Ticking boxes for fans of the likes of Berwyn and Bakar - he has just signed to Insanity.
Hailing from suburban London, Rio Rainz is an artist who embodies the ‘alternative’. His versatility, openness and experimental sound separates him from the crowd. After joining a performing arts school at the age of 6, he discovered his love for music, performance and creativity whilst being surrounded by the sounds of rap, reggae, rock and country music at home. When his parents separated at a young age, Rio was split, living between London and the countryside, fuelling the adolescent quandary of understanding his identity. A self-described ‘sometime massive introvert’ Rio uses his music as an escape and to express himself. Every inch the future star, Rio connects with Gen Z as he is inspired to create music based on personal experience and lays bare an acceptance of his flaws and vulnerabilities.
Teasing us with the latest installment from his debut EP - ‘poison!’ - he took a moment to talk to us about his music.
Hey there Rio - how are you? So your track ‘poison!’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
Ultimately the music that I create is very introspective and personal to me. But more recently I’ve been trying to create music that is more up-tempo (which is a little out my comfort zone) poison is a reflection of this juxtaposition.
Where are you from and what are your favourite things to do there?
I’ve got split-time spent with my parents, which means half my time is spent in the countryside and another half spent in East London. It’s inspiring for me to write in different places as I’m constantly feeling different things.
What are the key influences when it comes to your music?
I was brought up around music, from playing in the church as a kid to my brother playing the Sax in the house, I’m inspired by the likes of JuiceWrld, Bakar & Slowthai.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
I always find this question difficult to answer as I can never really box myself in one lane, I enjoy making all types of music and I currently have been experimenting a lot with that as you can see from my releases.
Now the track is out there - what next for you?
I’ve been sitting on a lot of great music for ages so now I just can’t wait to put it out into the world & my debut EP will be dropping late summer this year.
