Described as the harbinger of a new era in Pop romanticism, RAIGN is a British-American singer-songwriter and record producer who bends boundaries to create darkly-dreamy music that’s near-sublime in its transformative power. Her songs have been featured on the award-winning soundtracks of multiple TV series, movies and trailers including The Vampire Diaries, The 100, The Shannara Chronicles, Legacies and official trailers for Younger and Snowrunner. Early in her career she co-wrote several singles for albums by Rita Ora, Jesse McCartney, Ty Dollar Sign and Tulisa, and in 2014 she was featured as a vocalist on the track Fix Me by Swanky Tunes. Released on Dim Mak Records, the song spent two months at number 1 on the Russian airplay chart.
Hello, RAIGN! We're glad to see you in our interview. How are you feeling? Do you have plans for this winter yet?
— Hi! Thank you so much for inviting me! Lately I am feeling inspired and excited for this year ahead because it is the ten year anniversary of my first single, Don’t Let Me Go and I have so much music to complete.
Our traditional question: when did you decide to become a singer and why? Did the creative side of your family have an influence on your choice?
— The crazy thing is I didn’t really realize I wanted to be an artist until my late 20s, but when I did start singing and writing songs, it was like a love affair I have never been able to break away from. I always loved singing as a young kid and would sing so loud in the car and dream up songs all the time, but I just never thought of it as a possible career choice.
Can you tell us about your artist name? When and how did you get it?
— I had been in New York and had written the demos for Empire of Our Own and then I got asked to make the song for the Vampire Diaries. The warrior themes we had been working on for Empire merged together with some romantic themes I was working on and a mix reign like a queen with rain like tears lead me to RAIGN.
Do you listen to your own music in your daily life?
— Not too much but occasionally one of my songs comes on while I am doing something mundane, something totally the opposite of being a rockstar and it’s like an out of body experience. Is that really me? I think…and it kind of inspires me to write some more songs because it reminds me that anything is possible when you follow your lofty dreams.
Besides your own songs, you have wonderful covers like «Wicked Games» and «Knockin’ On Heavens Door». Do you have any plans to record new ones?
— Yes! I have been working on my second album for over a year now. So I have a folder of demos that I am chipping away at - and that includes a couple of covers. Who knows which ones I will actually release, that usually depends on music supervisors and which ones they end up using in TV shows or movies.
Have you thought about new collaborations with different singers?
— I LOVE the idea of doing this. I am in awe of so many artists. I would love to do something with Empire of the Sun if they are still making music. I also love EDM music and am also so happy when DJs ask to work with me. There’s a few I am a big fan of that I would love to work with in the future like Kygo, I love the cosmic euphoric feel of his songs.
What genre do you refer your music to?
— Alternative, but I think we often put it under pop. It's dark but romantic, cinematic and orchestral but also electronic.
Do you have a favorite song among your own? If so, which one is it and why?
— I was going to say no, but in reality it's yes. My fav song I have written so far is Don’t Let Me Go. It is kind of like a conversation with my father who passed away when I was seven years old and it felt magical at the time. It was such a blessing to be able to share it with the world on such a large platform.
What is it like to balance work and motherhood? Have you faced some challenges or is it going smoothly?
— It is a job in itself to balance these two very different roles and energies, but it has taught me so much about myself. Motherhood has been the biggest blessing of my life - so it is a challenge that I accept gratefully.
We know that your songs were the soundtracks of a few very popular projects, such as «The Vampire Diaries», «Legacies», «The 100», «The Shannara Chronicles», etc. Have you watched any scenes in which your music was used? If so, what emotions did you feel while watching?
— YES I have watched all of them! Every single time it is a huge pinch me moment, like is this really happening. How on earth did I get from singing at the top of my lungs in my Vauxhall Corsa on the M25 to writing and singing songs on my favorite TV shows?
When will we and your fans have a chance to hear a new track or even an album?
— I just released a few songs, a Neo classical song called “Please (My God)” which was on The Morning Show on Apple TV and also a trance remix of “When it’s All Over” which was also originally released on the Vampire Diaries. And this year I will release a few more singles, eventually leading to my second studio album.
Do you have any hobbies? What do you like doing in your free time?
— I love fashion and shopping way too much. I love hanging out with friends, going to the movies etc and watching a lot of TV - I’m a but of a TV binger, but it is all good inspiration for my songs. I’m a pretty simple girl.
Favourite movie?
— Dirty Dancing.
Favorite TV series?
— Sex and the City.
Favorite book?
— The Alchemist, that book changed my life.
Your favorite quote?
— Love quoting quotes so can’t pick a fav, but I good one I found this week was by none other than Bob Dylan “If you have nothing then you have nothing to lose".
Your favorite singer/band?
— Aghhh I can’t choose.
Your favorite song?
— So many favs!
Favorite season?
— SUMMER for sure. I am a Leo!
Marvel or DC?
— MARVEL.
What's your Hogwarts House?
— GRYFFINDOR.
Do you have an idol and if you do, who is it?
— I really got so inspired by the John Lennon exhibition in Liverpool years ago. His lyrics and the way he wrote his poetry really inspired me. Bob Dylan is another idol of mine, obviously lol.
