DJ Rahaan’s outstanding skills behind the decks have catapulted him from the Chicago underground circuit onto the international playing field from Japan, Australia, Europe and across America.
With a staple set of releases and remixes on the likes of Fourplay Records, Midnight Riot, Classic, 4 To The Floor, Lumberjacks In Hell and many more, his new single with Angel-A, âTrue To Myselfâ, hails the debut release of Liverpool Disco Festivalâs new label LDF Recordings.
6AM checked in for a chat…
Hi Rahaan, itâs a pleasure to chat with you today, how is your summer going?
My summer was good thanks, meeting new friends and seeing old ones.
Who or what first turned you on to DJing and producing?
With Djing, I first got into it by going to parties, dancing and loving the music. I really loved Ron Hardy, the way he played and his edits. With producing, I really wanted to make music like the stuff I was hearing in the parties I was going to.
Who did you listen to growing up and do they influence your productions at all today?
Like I said Ron Hardy my favorite, but there were so many other DJâs in Chicago that were very good. I didnât really know at the time who the producers were, I just loved the music.
Youâve just released your new single with Angel-A, âTrue To Myselfâ on the newly launched LDF Recordings, please tell us a little about the release and how it sounds?
This release is a Detroit style house track with some amazing vocals by Angel-A. Itâs one of the first tracks that Angel and I worked on together, written by her.
How did you link up with Angel-A?
My friend Vick Lavender brought her over to lay down some vocals on one of his tracks and as she was putting down the tracks I was thinking to myself âthis young lady
can singâ.
The release also features a remix from Karizma, what did he bring to the table?
Energy!!! Karizma is that dude that knows CDJâs and drum machines like I know a good bottle of wine.
Youâve performed at the Liverpool Disco Festival, how was it for you and what makes the event so special?
Good vibes with Djâs that know what the hell they are doing⊠Not fake ass DJâs.
Please tell us a bit about your production process?
Well first the musicians come over and we or they have come up with an idea. We may start with chords, then move to bass and drums if everyone is there in the studio. Most of the
time we do all it piece by piece.
Youâve been on the scene a long time with various releases on labels such as Midnight Riot, Classic, 4 To The Floor and Lumberjacks In Hell, among others. How has the scene changed since you stared out and what needs to change for the better now?
“The Scene” is what it always was, labels being about self and their own vision and not mine. Now I’m making it better by bringing amazing musicians and vocalists from my parts of the world to the rest world with the help of James Morgan, boss of LDF Recordings and Liverpool Disco Festival organiser.
Whatâs your own personal favourite production or remix and why?
The past few years Iâve been working on some truly good music, so honestly my favorites are yet to come out.
Whatâs your studio set up like and whatâs your favourite piece of kit?
My Orion 32HD, my Integra 7, my Nord, my vocal booth, my micâs and my wires.
Youâre based in Chicago, how is the scene there right now and where can we catch you playing?
Well I donât actually play in Chicago much, but I would like to play more there, but I need more than gas money….
Whatâs been your most memorable gig so far and where would you most like to play in future?
I really donât know. It could actually be a shit hole with amazing people and sounds. I donât really get caught up in places and spaces, itâs all about the people and the setup for me.
Who are your top 5 current producers?
I sit in my four corner room and donât listen to much new stuff, but I do like Peven Everrett and stuff that comes out of that Favorite Label.
What else have you got coming up that you can tell us about?
Iâm working on some more live music with a full band!
‘True To Myselfâ is out via Liverpool Disco Recordings and available HERE
