Read the full interview on YoungCalifornia.com!
At 23, Raiche is already living out her wildest dreams. While her journey into the music industry and signing to Atlantic Records may have come as God’s willing, she upholds her end of the bargain by putting in the time, energy, and work ethic needed to be seen and heard. In fact, her most recent stand out single “Drive” was created specifically for those to push through adversity while refusing to give up. Read more…
Born and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Riache is your girl next door. Embodying the definition of a small hometown girl, her personality is dramatic, cute, sassy and sexy — all at once. Now, she wraps up an explosive stint opening for Pink Sweat$ on the Pink Beginnings Tour, promoting her most recent project Drive.
Why should people fuck w/ you?
Because my music’s real. I put my everything into my music.
How would you describe your sound?
Right now, it’s a bit everywhere because I can do almost anything. It’s really fun. I love creating in general so when I do create, it goes everywhere. I need to make my own thing. My sound is big I’d say. I like instrumentations. If you were out there [at Pink Sweat$ show] listening, the last song “Drive” is busy. It’s horns, pianos, drums, trumpets, violins, just big. Real music.
Do you play any instruments?
I don’t, but I love it. I respect it.
Talk about being from Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Literally people call it Shitty Pitty because nobody ever gets out. I got out, I’m the one who got away.
Talk about your musical background, what was the household like growing up?
Definitely music always on Sunday mornings. My mom was a worship leader, she led music in church. I’d go in with her for Wednesday night practices and naturally pick up the mic. Music was really big in my family. My mom sings, my nana sings, my sister sings, my dad tries to sing. [laughs] I’d sing in church, that’s how it started.
How important is it to come to LA as an up and coming artist?
LA is huge. When shit starts, it starts in LA. People are just so trendy. [hair flips] They’re also hard to please at the same time. But if you can get them, then you’ve got them.
You’re still in Massachusetts?
Yes, well I’m literally everywhere. I’m rarely at my mom’s home. Indiana, New York, Mass, here (LA). This is my second time coming here. The first time, I didn’t do anything. I was literally in my hotel room the entire time because I shot a music video.
At what point did you realize this music thing was forreal?
Honestly, I always knew I was going to do music. I just didn’t know how it was going to happen. I remember my sisters would ask me “what’re you gonna do when you get older?” I’d be like “I wanna be a musician, I wanna be famous.” They’d be like “no really, what do you wanna do?” I’d say “that’s what I wanna do.” I graduated high school and moved out of my house into Boston.
How old were you?
I was 19, 4 years ago. Moved to Boston with my older sister and met a DJ. He offered me to meet his production team. I’m like “eh this sounds fake, I need to talk to my parents about it.” I ended up doing it, we had talked for a year. At first, I thought he was hitting on me. “Curve to the left, curve to the right.” But he wasn’t. He was cool and very persistent still. I felt a brotherly type of vibe at the end of it. We started working. I moved to Rhode Island where my production team’s from, it’s an hour away from Boston. Literally making music in this big yellow house sleeping on couches and futons with a mic hanging from the fan, cooking up night and day.
Some of that music got into the ears of Prince Charlez. He’s like “omg, I wanna meet her.” Prince Charlez is a big huge songwriter for Rihanna, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, etc. He has an imprint with Atlantic Records, that’s who I’m signed to. He’s like “omg, I wanna meet her.”
Did he find you?
No, he didn’t really find me. He heard my music through DJ Knockout, who he’s friends with. That’s the DJ who found me (also the DJ up there deejaying). He also deejays for Sevyn Streeter and Jeremih. He’s everywhere, he’s doing his thing. He’s a part of the team. He brought my music to Prince Charlez. He’s like “omg I love her.” He flew me to Atlanta, we got into the studio. We wrote. He’s like “I wanna sign her,” and it was done. It was very fairytale. I remember I’d be like “God if this is for me, let it be. If it’s not, it’s fine. I won’t take it, close the doors.” Then it was boom! Door door door door. [claps]
Here you are opening for Pink Sweat$, how’d that happen?
I wanna say my label, but he told me that he heard my music and asked about me. I’m like “wow, that’s crazy” I was really surprised too. I’m like “you like me? You like my music?”
He’s super humble too.
He is, and he’s cool! You could just be chill. He’s animated as fuck. Chill as a cucumber.
Have you guys locked in the studio?
No, but that’s gonna be happening soon. We chitchatted about it.
What’s it like seeing all of the fans go crazy for him?
His fans are very kind. They like good music. They’re very responsive to me, it makes my job so much easier.
How would you describe your fanbase?
Small right now, but I think almost the same. They’re very sweet. I saw some girls who were actually out there for me. They were singing my song, I was like “omg yes, I have people here too Pink Sweat$!”
Congrats on Drive! How’s the fan reception been?
It’s been great! Growing fast. I can’t wait to put out more music. I love Drive. Drive is the motto, play is the game. [chuckles] Just kidding. Drive is musically-inclined, big, and dramatic like me.
You say you’re “good by yourself.” Are you an introvert?
Yes. I’d rather be on my own than go out. Honestly, I get extreme anxiety. I take CBD actually at my shows. I don’t smoke anything, no THC. I don’t like that part. I will freak the fuck out, it’s not good. Just CBD, it relaxes me and takes away my anxiety I’ve noticed.
Were you nervous ahead of your set? LA is big.
Not because of LA, but the stage was bigger. This is the biggest stage I’ve done before. I’ve opened up for Jacquees once, but it wasn’t fully packed like this. It was the second time he had come so it was a smaller crowd. It was as big as the venue here, but not as packed. This was my first time doing something this huge, so it was intimidating. I’m like “ I have to be bigger… bigger!” Tomorrow, I’m gonna definitely be bigger.
What do your parents think?
They live in the East Coast. They’re very supportive, so happy for me. I still have my stuff at my mom’s house, I haven’t moved out. She’s upset I’m not ever home. My dad and my mom are very, very, very supportive.
How’d you get your name?
My mother says God gave it to her when she was in labor. He said, “her name is Raiche!” It’s just different. It’s not Rachel, it’s not Rache. It’s Raiche. It was my grandmother’s maiden name, so it’s special.
Do you have siblings?
I have 5 sisters, I’m the baby. It’s hilarious too because I was the quietest thing. I was so mute when I was little. Didn’t talk, so shy. Barely had any friends, in the corner observing everything. Literally observing.
How are your people reacting to the attention?
It actually inspires them to wanna do better for themselves I’ve noticed, so that makes me very happy.
How often are you in the car driving?
Not often. [sighs] I’m in the car a lot but I’m not actually the one driving. I actually like to drive, that’s when I sing. When I zone out, think, and problem solve. Not driving is actually kind of annoying. People are like “wth? You must be young.” No, it’s like meditating.
What was your mindset creating “Money Pies”?
It’s where I came from. It was the first song I wrote, I was fresh out of that situation. It was really me working 3 jobs, trying to make some damn money. [laughs] To support my family.
Where were you working?
My mother had a day spa and a salon, it wasn’t doing the best. The salon wasn’t doing too well but the day spa was fine. Trying to keep up with that, I was the front desk manager. I was hostess at a restaurant. I hate waitressing. I can’t handle the people thing, all that. Then also worked at a food car, it was a barbecue food truck. I was a manager there too.
What is it you want fans to get from your story?
To dream, because I’m really a freaking normal average girl. I hustled my way up here. I pushed myself, and I want everybody else to do the same. Do what’s best for themselves but never be afraid to push yourself a little extra. It’s healthy for you. It doesn’t feel good, but it’s good. Keep driving!
What are some goals for yourself as an artist at this point of your career?
To keep growing, I never want to stop learning. I want Grammys. I want to perform at events like The Grammys. I want to give tributes. That’s so exciting and fun, and I get to pay respect.
How important is social media for your career?
Social media’s huge for everybody’s career. Instagram is the thing to be on and put yourself out there. I can get in touch with these people easier. I can connect with them better. They can get to really know me, not just the alien me they see on stage. They get to see who I am at day to day, that’s really special and cool.
Favorite person to follow on IG?
I’m not too into social media, I do it ‘cause I have to. I like when my sister sends me funny memes. @CrazyBitchProbs_is the funniest one.
What’s a normal day in the life? Walk us through.
Well right now, it’s flights, food, sleep, and shows. Repeat.
What kind of food do you like?
I really like Spanish food, Italian, or Cuban. I like all food.
3 things you need in the studio?
Peppermint tea, creativity, and maybe a little bit of Veuve. Champagne sometimes, when I’m feeling a little frisk.
Favorite song to perform in a set?
“Busy” is really fun. It’s just big and fun. I get to be dramatic and show my personality.
Most played artist on your phone?
I have so many random of artists, tons of playlists I listen to. Right now it’s DJ Khaled. “You Stay” is my favorite, with Meek Mill, J Balvin, Lil Baby, and Jeremih — who I might be working with soon.
Dream collab?
Pharrell and DJ Khaled, because he just makes it huge. His shit is huge, and I want that.
Anything else you wanna let us know?
Know that I love you guys and thank you for actually loving me back.
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