Dubeats
Back again, two weeks in a row with another cranking LoveBath mix, this time from Rayowa!
Seamlessly blending Disco, Funk, Soul and RNB, Rayowa aka Reece Baker is self-taught multi-instrumentalist DJ and Producer who jumps aboard The Disco Express with his beautiful new single, ‘In The Sunshine’.
Inspired by legendary acts such as Change, Rene & Angela, Chic, SOS Band, Kashif, Loose Ends, and many more, Rayowa’s music feels both classic and timeless yet modern. ‘In The Sunshine’ is the perfect soundtrack for your summer
Interview with Rayowa
Thanks for taking the time to talk Reece. Where are you this moment and how are you spending your day?
No problem at all, I’m currently in front of my computer at home today, I’ll be practising my instruments, hitting the gym, going for my daily walk that helps to clear my mind. Then I’ll spend the rest of the day working on some music.
Where are you from, where were you born?
I grew up in Basildon, Essex and was born at St John’s hospital in Chelmsford, which I don’t think actually exists anymore.
Where are you based these days?
I’m still living in Basildon, it’s pretty close to everything. I can get into London for meetings and sessions in 40 minutes, but equally, I’m surrounded by beautiful countryside and I’m 20 minutes from Southend seafront.
What do you love about where you are living?
I’m really close with my family and we all live within 5 minutes of each other which is great.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music since I was 14. It’s always been the dream for as long as I can remember. Coincidently, with the announcement of them getting back together, my eldest brother Dan and I were avid Oasis fans when we were young, and our first band was called Baker.
What was your first step into the industry ?
My brother Dan, Luke and I were in a band called Courts before Rayowa. I’d say that was the first project I was involved with that had any significant moments. We had a lot of great fun in that band; we secured our first deals in this project and it taught us a lot about the industry.
What was your first release?
As Rayowa it was a song called ‘Better Man’ which still to this day I’m super proud of. It’s just about to hit 3 million streams on Spotify, was featured On New Music Friday, and I regularly get sent videos of people shopping or out eating and its being played. It’s a great feeling to know that something you have created / written resonates with people like that. Have a listen!
Define the sound of Rayowa in a few words..
It’s a blend of Soul, Funk, Disco & RnB. I’ve always strived to write music that feels timeless.
Rayowa is also a band right?
Yeah, so I took Rayowa to the stage with my brothers and friends as a 9 piece band. Sold out the debut show at Moth Club and the subsequent shows after that which was mind-blowing. I never could have anticipated how amazing those shows were going to be and I’m really looking forward to getting Rayowa back on the stage next year!
What’s the most recent gig you’ve had?
The most recent show was on The Avant Garden stage at Secret Garden Party, it was absolutely incredible. When we first walked on stage to setup there were a few people there. But by the end it was rammed front to back and the whole place was jumping. The energy and love was unbelievable.
What do you love about playing live?
It has to be the love from fans. Hearing the songs I’ve written being sung back by the crowd definitely has choked me up a few times.
What are some of the challenges of being in an ensemble?
It’s great to be honest, the only challenge really can be logistically, organising a 9 piece can have its stresses, but generally it’s pretty plain sailing. It’s always worth it when the shows are as amazing.
Who are your influences in the music that you make?
I’m influenced by so many artists: Change, The S.O.S band, Quincy Jones, George Michael, Loose Ends, Chic. Music with soul!
What do you feel has been your most notable release, which one made the biggest impact?
‘Better Man’, which is more of a disco track influenced by the sounds of Chic. The B.B & Q Band etc. That live recording always makes the crowd hit the roof!
You’ve warmed up for Chic right?
Yeah, that was definitely a landmark moment. It was something that I’d dreamed of doing when I started this project, to tick that off the list in such a short period of time is amazing. Walking behind the stage and seeing their drum kit and Nile Rodgers amp was pretty surreal and their set was of course spectacular.
Who are the other artists that you follow right now?
Jafunk makes sick modern disco music and I’ve really been enjoying Another Taste as well, their production is beautifully authentic.
How did you connect with The Disco Express?
The label owner Tom reached out to me about releasing some music through The Disco Express. They’re smashing it all over the globe and releasing some great music. I’m really happy to have joint TDE family.
Give us a roundup of your new release In The Sunshine and tell us about your inspiration for this track?
‘In The Sunshine’ is the slowest record I’ve released, and it was inspired by the jazzier soulful RnB funk sound. A big influence of this record was Quincy Jones’ rendition of ’Summer In The City’ which I actually referenced in the lyrics on the bridge. The smoothness, the Rhodes, the soulful female vocals. I’d probably say the vocal style was influenced by Mary Davis’ of The SOS Bands delivery and soulfulness, the vocals in this record I feel are very 80’s RnB.
What are you working on next that you can share?
My next release out on The Disco Express is an upbeat soulful disco track that I’m incredibly proud of. It’s the first love song that I’ve written and was influenced by the sound of Rene & Angela, Chic & Sister Sledge. It took me a fair amount of time to finish that record, so I’m really excited for people to finally hear it.
What is one of your most memorable moments from this last year?
Seeing the love that ‘In The Sunshine’ has been receiving has been a big highlight of my year. I’d spent a huge amount of time in the studio writing it, producing it, listening to it over and over again to the point of doubt. Then to put it out and it receive the support it has been really reassuring, it means the world to me.
-Rayowa
Artist: Rayowa
Title: In The Sunshine
Label: The Disco Express
Release Date: 2024-09-06
Turn it up & enjoy!
-DuBeats