Rayhab - Artist Interview

How would you describe your music?

Emotive alt-pop served with a little side of sass.

Can you tell us about your new song Overkill what was the inspiration?

A short lived relationship, the kind where you're watching things unfold as if you're on the outside looking in. It was a pretty bizarre experience honestly, a feeling I could only describe as disconnected - you watch the other person go cold and question if you even want them there or to be there yourself. The song came out of imagining this long term. Yikes.

What are your musical influences?

Talking Heads, Aurora, Kate Bush. And Kylie! I grew up dancing to top 40 pop… that 4/4 time signature is great for jazz step kicks hehe.

Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Both are so different - my gut answer would be studio recording, only because that's within my comfort zone right now (it's literally my day job… I am the studio gremlin at Forbes St Studios). I've certainly held the reins pretty tight in the studio with this project, having done the majority of the work myself (writing, producing, mixing). But now I'm really looking forward to stepping into performance mode and I'm excited by the live show my band and I are putting together. It's shaping up to be quite unique.

How did the name RAYHAB come about?

I came across the story of Rahab in the Bible, a sex worker in direct lineage to Jesus. The concept was intriguing, and I felt drawn to parts of her story that I related to.

What motivates you most when writing music?

My experience of the world around me… I find that I articulate and process things best when my pen hits the paper.

Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

FKA Twigs, Yebba, Sky Ferreira, Jeff Buckley, along with a bunch of artists local to my area south of Sydney. I actually went and made a playlist of these artists from the Sutherland Shire on Spotify. It's called Local/General… in three weeks it's already had 60 saves… a lot of local talent and if you're not listening, you should be :)

What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

I can't think of an exact inspiration as such, I feel as though music has always been something I was surrounded by growing up. My brother and I grew up playing instruments and he pursued it professionally before I did… but the moment I recall making the decision to enter the industry was actually during my acting studies. I was in the middle of a monologue when my coach asked, "what makes you happy?" And the first thing that came to me was, "Singing! Music! …Ah crap, what am I doing here?" From there I picked up my instruments, started producing and haven't looked back.

If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

There are quite a few but at the top of the list FKA Twigs and Lady Gaga. I think it would be the most insane experience of my life.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in the music industry?

It's a pretty challenging industry in general… particularly when you are doing it yourself, as a woman, and without 'industry backing'. Can I say it without saying it … I received an email just today from a client, set to do a recording session with me as the engineer, asking who the producer/engineer was. "Can I please have 'his' details?" Understandably an honest mistake, but simultaneously rather telling. Wouldn't you say?

What's next, for you?  

I'm dropping a new song very soon, followed by my self-produced debut EP, with live shows on the way!